Agriculture Specialist

Program Description

TechnoServe aims to collaborate with CIMMYT on the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) activity to enhance the seed systems and market demand for finger millet, cowpeas, and pigeon peas in Malawi and Zambia. This initiative aligns with TechnoServe’s mission to support agricultural development and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The objectives of the program are to 1) enhance value addition by supporting private sector value addition processes to increase the profitability and marketability of the crop; and 2) strengthen market linkages by developing and strengthening linkages between farmers, processors, and markets to ensure a steady demand for these crops.

Job Summary:

The Agronomist will take part in overall design and conceptualization as well as implementation of agriculture activities and will provide technical support to achieve expected results. S/he will provide program implementation direction in Operational areas on program activities within agriculture space. S/he will establish and maintain close and effective liaison with relevant government officials, partners, and other stakeholders to facilitate effective program implementation and achievement of results.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership, oversight, and capacity development for

nutrition-focused agricultural production components of the project, ensuring linkages with other

project components.

• Guide the effective activity implementation and achievement of agricultural

production and market systems objectives including working with private sector in relevant

agricultural value chains using a market systems approach.

• Provide Technical Assistance to support work plan implementation on smallholder farms, including, storage, processing, marketing, and transport.
• Attend partner coordination meetings as appropriate. Ensure that activities are coordinated with relevant stakeholders, including communities.
• Identify areas for additional TA or other support from consortium partners.
• Work closely with field officers in the assigned EPAs to ensure farmers are applying recommended improvements, and implementing strategies to enhance crop yields and overall farm productivity.
• Integrate gender-sensitive approaches into the agricultural practices that include addressing gender disparities, empowering women and marginalized groups, and ensuring equitable access to agricultural resources and opportunities.
• Collaborate with research institutions and agricultural organizations to stay updated on the latest agronomic research and innovations.
• Other tasks as may be assigned for successful achievement of agriculture and livelihoods objectives.
• Develop an annual workplan and strategy to deliver outputs and objectives against agreed targets
• Ensure strict compliance with TNS’s objectives, strategies, policies and procedures.
• Take part in reporting including M&E to meet project and TNS requirements
• Active participation on regional team meetings and program reviews, sharing learnings, challenges faced and solutions identified.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years’ experience or master’s degree with 3 years’ experience in Agriculture or related field
• Experience working with farmers in the field, providing technical assistance and training
• Experience working in remote areas and with different stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

• Familiarity with sustainability and organic farming practices.
• Strong data collection and reporting capabilities.
• Experience with cereal crops like millet and legumes cowpea and pigeon pea

Travel:

• 30% travel

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to production management.