Mumias Sugar Company (MSC) is the leading sugar manufacturer in Kenya with a market share of about 60%. In its leadership role, MSC has diversified into power production and currently produces 38MW of electricity of which 26MW is exported to the national grid.
To ensure that we remain competitive and sustainable in future, we are in the process of implementing our strategic plans including establishing an ethanol distillery plant that will produce 22 million litres of ethanol per annum and building a water bottling plant with a capacity of 20 million litres per annum. These projects are targeted for completion by the end of the year 2011.
To support our strategies, we are working towards improving sugarcane yields through a comprehensive cane development programme and modern cane husbandry practices while increasing quality and quantity of sugarcane production.
In line with our objectives, we are seeking highly motivated, resourceful and talented individuals to fill the Head of Agriculture position within the Agriculture Department:
Department: Agriculture
Section: General Administration
Reports To: Head of Agriculture
Job Title: Deputy Head of Agriculture
Job Summary
Oversee the sustainable production of high quality sugar cane on the Nucleus Estates and Out-Grower Farms, and to ensure that harvested cane is delivered to the factory in the desired quantities and quality.
As overall subject matter expert, in sugar cane farming – yields, extension services, soil conservation, farm management and other related operations, this role advises on research and development in relation to increased production, higher yields and environmental and biodiversity management.
Key Responsibilities
Production Planning
- Advise on the formulation and implementation of Strategic and Operational Plans for Cane Production in line with MSC business goals
- Develop end to end transactional production plans for out growers and nucleus estates so as to meet all growth and harvesting plans.
- Coordinate activities not limited to planting, irrigation, chemical application, harvesting, grading, supervision, reporting and recordkeeping.
- Advice in the sourcing of farm inputs & materials (seed cane, fertilizers, chemicals and machinery) while ensuring timely availability
- Plan and maintain nursery systems for seed cane from selected high yield crops for distribution to out growers and expansion of the nucleus estates.
- Provide technical support to logistics teams & coordinate agricultural sustainability initiatives.
- Monitor and advise on overall operational efficiency in agricultural functions
Research and Innovation
- Partner with technical experts in various fields to develop new/ improved varieties of seed cane, focusing on characteristics such as high yield, quality, disease/insect resistance, or adaptation to specific soils or climates
- Undertake agricultural research on seed cane, fertilizer and soil
- Analyze research results and apply findings to cane production efforts to ensure improvements
- Develop methods of conserving and managing soil that can be applied by farmers being mindful of best in class sustainable environmental management.
Farm Oversight, Training & Extension
- Provide superior customer service to farmers, ensuring payments and correct recoveries based on farm inputs
- Coordinate, supervise and evaluate the inspection, regulation and quality control standards of operations
- Maintain and monitor the quality of yields for and make recommendations for improvemen
- Advise on effective extension services aimed at improving overall farm performance, including training and meetings
- Input into farmer program policies, training and extension
People Management
- In liaison with HR, manage assigned staff to ensure high productivity, including coordinating people management routines such as performance and talent management, employee development, resourcing and handling employee relations.
- Ensure Health and Safety regulations are applied at work
Budget management
- Oversee budget planning and monitoring to ensure appropriate utilization
- Disseminate routine reports
Key Outcomes/ Results
- On-going sustainable availability of high quality and quantity of cane for current and future company needs
- Deliver the right cane quality to the factory in terms of Pol, and other key metrics
- Sustainable farming methods
- Improved production (yield per unit).
Education & Experience
- Bsc Degree in Agriculture, Crop Production, Agronomy or related field.
- At least 5 years experience with best-in-class Agricultural crop production systems with proven results
- Experience in a large estate at senior management level, with people management responsibilities
We invite potential candidates to email their applications to jobs@mumias-sugar.com, not later than 22nd September 2010.
Mumias Sugar Company Limited encourages teamwork and positive contribution from its employees and is an equal opportunity employer, guided by local laws and International Labour Organization conventionsYou can also visit www.kenyanvacancies.com for more jobs
