1.Tea Agronomist
Vacancy Announcement – Tea Agronomist
Services Company Outgrowers Nyaruguru (North) Ltd (SCON (N)) was established to support the planting of tea on approximately 3,400 Ha of land by 6,000 smallholder farmers. This is achieved through the provision of agronomic advice, Farmer Field School training, Finance, and Production Logistics and it is anticipated that our contribution shall have a significant systemic impact on the sector by providing at least 75% of the tea supply to Unilever’s new factory.
SCON(N) is seeking to recruit a qualified, detail-oriented, dynamic and self-motivated individual to take up the role of Tea Agronomist. Reporting to the General Manager, the role shall have the following key responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and participate in farmer sensitization and awareness activities, farmer registration, and land mapping and ensure accurate information is obtained are maintained.
- Provide effective tea extension services and sustainable farmer training to the farmers including training on the plucking of quality leaves.
- Conduct field visits to ensure timely preparation of land for new planting, all planting out of seedlings is done professionally and proper aftercare maintenance is achieved.
- Participate in Mother Bush selection and preparation of tea cuttings.
- Ensure proper nursery development and management that leads to successful tea seedling propagation.
- Coordinate plucking regimes and ensure timely weighing, collection, and transportation of green leaf. This should include ensuring collection centres are adequately equipped with required electronic weighing and recording equipment.
- Participate in the timely distribution and application of farm inputs, ensuring all inputs are accounted for.
- Maintain an accurate record of farmer details and allocated inputs in assigned area of operation.
- Timely preparation and submission of required weekly and monthly reports.
- Fertilization, soil analysis, and plant needs calculations.
- Ensure proper control of pest/diseases.
- Ensure proper manual/mechanical pruning is done.
- Ensure Manual/mechanical Harvesting is done and that there is proper leaf quality grading and selection.
- Timely respond to farmer queries and complaints and escalate potential grievance issues to the General Manager.
- Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the General Manager from time to time.
Qualifications, skills, and Competencies.
- A minimum of a Diploma in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agribusiness, or other related agricultural studies.
- At least 3 years professional experience working as in field extension services to farmers in the tea industry or agricultural production unit.
- Fluency in both English and Kinyarwanda is preferred.
- Ability to work in a rural setting and under minimal supervision.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good organization skills with the ability to complete assigned tasks with set deadlines.
How to apply
Interested candidates should send their application file (CV, Academic certificate, and cover letter) via the ” Apply for this job” button not later than the 17th of September 2021.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
2.Farmer Liaison Officer
Vacancy Announcement – Farmer Liaison Officer
Services Company Outgrowers Nyaruguru (North) Ltd (SCON (N)) was established to support the planting of tea on approximately 3,400 Ha of land by 6,000 smallholder farmers. This is achieved through the provision of agronomic advice, Farmer Field School training, Finance, and Production Logistics and it is anticipated that our contribution shall have a significant systemic impact on the sector by providing at least 75% of the tea supply to Unilever’s new factory.
SCON(N) is seeking to recruit a qualified, detail-oriented, dynamic and self-motivated individual to take up the role of Farmer Liaison Officer. Reporting to the General Manager, the role shall be responsible for handling smallholder farmer queries and coordinating the Farmer Field Schools programs.
Key Responsibilities:
Liaison
- Raise awareness on SCON(N)’s mission, vision, and objectives to its Outgrowers and key partners;
- Build a good working relationship between SCON (N) and the local community and the Outgrowers;
- Receive, record, and proactively resolve farmer queries or conflicts that may arise between SCON(N) and farmers or other staff and local authorities and escalate where necessary to General Manager;
- Collect and analyze feedback from SCON(N) farmers to identify opportunities to improve the relationship between SCON and Outgrowers and to monitor how farmer livelihood is improving through working with SCON(N); and
- Maintain up-to-date Outgrowers files (Contract and other related documents).
Farmer Field School Coordination and Administration
- Monitor and evaluate the quality of the training courses and the work of the trained facilitators at all levels to ensure that the training follows the basic principles;
- Contribute to the production of training materials and ensure their timely availability to the FFS participants;
- Provide advice on post activities follow-up of graduated FFS members;
- Assess and advise on SCON(N) Outgrowers family grievances that may arise and which are related to tea planting under SCON(N) scheme;
- Monitor and report health and safety issues within SCON catchment’s activities and households of SCON(N) outgrowers;
- Coordinate social welfare activities among SCON(N) stakeholders, draft applicable welfare policies, and assess compliance against existing ones;
- Emphasize on how SCON(N) farmers and partners should comply with rainforest alliance certification requirements, and health and safety matters;
- Compile reports on particular incidents, events, meetings, or updates on important issues for the business; and
- Do any other tasks assign by the supervisor
Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies.
- Sound tea farming knowledge, ideally with a Bachelors’ degree in an agricultural-related discipline.
- Familiarity with practical tea farming and farmers Field Schools (FFSs) matters is a must.
- At least three years proven working experience in a similar role.
- Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Must have good problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
- Good organization skills with the ability to multi-task.
How to apply
Interested candidates should send their application file (CV, Academic certificate, and cover letter) via the ” Apply for this job” button not later than the 17th of September 2021.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
