Role Overview
The Project Lead (Agronomist) will provide technical leadership and oversee the delivery of climate-smart agriculture interventions across schools and communities. The role ensures high-quality implementation, adherence to agronomic standards, and effective resource utilization. Based in Kajiado County, the incumbent will coordinate field activities, supervise Project Assistants, and support the establishment of sustainable school and community gardens. Additionally, the role involves capacity building for teachers, students, and community groups, specifically focusing on women and vulnerable populations.
Key Responsibilities
Project Implementation
- Lead the planning, scheduling, and coordination of all project activities across implementation sites.
- Supervise and provide daily guidance to Project Assistants to ensure field quality.
- Oversee the establishment and maintenance of kitchen gardens, vertical gardens, deep tillage, and crop production systems.
- Ensure compliance with technical standards for soil preparation, planting, pest management, and irrigation.
- Coordinate the allocation and utilization of tools, inputs, seedlings, and other resources.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the program and stakeholders like school leadership, 4K Club patrons, and local authorities.
- Resolve technical implementation challenges escalated from the field.
Supervision and Capacity Building
- Mentor and build the capacity of Project Assistants.
- Design and coordinate training programs for stakeholders on climate-smart agriculture and sustainable management.
- Promote knowledge transfer and household-level adoption of best practices.
- Facilitate linkages with agricultural extension officers and technical experts.
Community Engagement
- Lead community mobilization with a focus on inclusive participation for women and vulnerable groups.
- Build strategic relationships with community leaders and local institutions.
- Oversee community trainings on agribusiness and sustainable farming.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Quality Assurance
- Monitor adherence to implementation plans and water conservation practices.
- Oversee data collection processes using digital tools for accuracy and timeliness.
- Validate field data regarding poultry production, gardening, and household adoption.
- Consolidate field inputs into high-quality quarterly and ad hoc reports.
- Identify best practices and innovations to inform program scale-up.
Accountability and Code of Conduct
- Adhere to and promote the organization’s code of conduct.
- Foster meaningful community engagement and ensure child safeguarding principles are met at all times.
Requirements
- Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Community Development, Environmental Studies, Gender Studies, or a related field.
- Minimum of three years of experience in a related field with progressively responsible roles.
- Experience working with rural communities, especially women and youth.
- Knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices (kitchen gardening, deep tillage, agroforestry).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Proficiency in digital data collection tools (Kobo, ODK, Google Forms, Excel).
- Ability to ride a motorcycle with a valid license is an added advantage.
- Willingness to travel frequently between schools and project sites.
