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 7,000 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 Lipton Teas and Infusions’ new factory (Formerly Ekaterra and Unilever).

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.

Job Application procedure

All interested and qualified candidates are invited to send their applications with a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, copies of their academic and professional certificates no later than 10^th June 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.