Senior Agronomist (Head of Programs)

Job Title: Senior Agronomist (Head of Programs)

Location: Lagos (on-site)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Company Description

Zowasel is an agricultural technology company focused on improving farmers' productivity, sustainability, and profitability across value chains. Operating in Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania, Zowasel leverages nature-based solutions, data science, and technology to drive advancements in the agricultural sector.

Job Summary:

The Senior Agronomist is responsible for leading agronomic research and development, providing expert advice on crop management, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices. This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance crop production efficiency, improve soil health, and integrate advanced agricultural technologies.

This is a full-time on-site role for a Senior Agronomist (Head of Programs) in Lagos, Nigeria. The Senior Agronomist will be responsible for tasks such as soil science analysis, agriculture program development, irrigation management, research on plant nutrition, and overall program implementation and management.

Education Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, or a related field. PhD preferred.
• Experience:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Proficiency in using agricultural software and precision agriculture tools.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Certifications:
• Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) or similar certification is an advantage.

• Expertise Qualifications
• 'Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in senior agronomy role, crop management, and agricultural research.
• Proven track record of leading agronomic projects and delivering impactful results.
• Soil Science and Agriculture Expertise
• Skills in Irrigation management
• Experience in Research related to agriculture
• Knowledge of Plant Nutrition
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Master's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, or related field

A Senior Agronomist plays a crucial role in the agricultural sector by leveraging advanced crop science knowledge and soil management to optimize agricultural practices. Below is a typical job description for a Senior Agronomist:

Key Responsibilities:

Research and Development:

• Conduct and oversee field trials and research projects to develop innovative crop management techniques.
• Analyze data from experiments and trials to provide insights and recommendations for improving crop yields and quality.

Crop Management:

• Develop and implement crop management plans tailored to specific crop types, soil conditions, and climate factors.
• Guide pest and disease management, irrigation practices, and nutrient management.

Soil Health and Management:

• Conduct soil testing and analysis to assess soil health and fertility.
• Recommend soil improvement practices, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and organic amendments.

Sustainable Agriculture:

• Promote and implement sustainable farming practices to enhance environmental stewardship and resource conservation.
• Advise on using precision agriculture technologies to optimize input usage and reduce environmental impact.

Program Planning and Development:

• Design, develop, and implement programs that strongly focus on agronomy and support the organization’s mission and objectives.
• Collaborate with other teams, researchers, and other stakeholders to identify program needs, opportunities, and resources.
• Develop detailed agronomy-related program plans, including timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.

Agronomy Expertise:

• Provide agronomic expertise in the planning and executing of programs, ensuring that they are scientifically sound and relevant to current agricultural practices.
• Stay informed on the latest agronomic research, trends, and best practices, and integrate this knowledge into program design and implementation.
• Work closely with farmers and agronomists to tailor programs to local conditions, crop requirements, and sustainability goals.

Program Management:

• Lead the execution of agronomy-focused programs from inception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time within scope and budget.
• Monitor and track the performance of agronomy programs, using appropriate tools and techniques to measure progress and impact.
• Identify and mitigate risks to ensure successful agronomic outcomes.

• Adjust program plans as necessary to meet changing agronomic needs and priorities.

Training and Support:

• Provide training and technical support to agronomy teams, farmers, and other stakeholders.
• Develop educational materials and conduct workshops to disseminate best practices in crop management.

Collaboration and Networking:

• Collaborate with research institutions, industry partners, and government agencies on agronomic projects and initiatives.
• Participate in industry conferences, seminars, and workshops to stay updated on the latest developments in agronomy.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare detailed reports on research findings, crop performance, and agronomic recommendations.
• Maintain accurate records of field trials, soil tests, and crop management activities.