Agronomist Consultant at Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme Ltd/Gte (ECEWS)

About the Program

ECEWS aims to contribute to food security among smallholder farming communities by piloting its program in Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom State by:

• Enhancing efficiency and quality in the food value chain through an integrated agriculture aggregation center system.
• Building farmer capacity through education, training, and certification that will equip farmers with the standards and tools to produce high-quality food crops that command high prices, leading to increased earnings; and
• Creating an inclusive agricultural system that effectively and sustainably engages and generates economic and employment opportunities for women and youth across the state.

Location 

Abak, Akwa Ibom State

Job Description

• Provide project development and strategic support in a variety of areas with high potential to mitigate food insecurity experienced by Nigerian smallholder farmers.
• Provide technical expertise relating to training to address challenges facing farmers, improvements to agricultural practices to lead to increased productivity and entrepreneurship opportunities for women and youth.
• Coordinate with farmers’ associations, private service providers, research institutions, and government agencies as required.
• Develop and implement best agronomic practices for both early generation seed (EGS) and certified seed production that include improved tillage, rotation, irrigation, fertilization, control of weeds, pests, and diseases, harvesting, cleaning, conditioning, seed treatment, and storage.
• Manage and oversee all aspects of greenhouse operations, including crop production, pest control, and environmental conditions.
• Implement and develop cultivation plans to optimize plant growth, yield, and quality.
• Monitor and maintain greenhouse climate control systems, irrigation, and nutrient delivery systems.
• Conduct regular plant health assessments, identifying and addressing issues such as diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to implement new technologies and techniques for improved crop performance.
• Provide guidance on crop selection, planting schedules, and crop rotation strategies.
• Develop and manage integrated pest management (IPM) programs to minimize chemical inputs and ensure sustainable practices.
• Train and supervise greenhouse staff in cultivation techniques, safety protocols, and operational procedures.
• Analyze data and trends to optimize resource utilization and enhance overall greenhouse efficiency.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in greenhouse management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Recruitment Standard

• B.Sc. qualification in Agronomy, Agricultural Science, Crop Science, or any other directly related field with 8 years working experience as a Field Agronomist.
• M.sc qualification in Agronomy, Agricultural Science, Crop Science, or any other directly related field with 5years working experience as a Field Agronomist.
• Experience and Ability to train persons on greenhouse farming.
• Exceptional active listening and verbal and written communication skills
• Strong research, decision making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Awareness of industry trends, technology, and developments.
• Sound interpersonal communication, persuasive communication, and presentation skills.
• Creativity, innovation, resourcefulness, flexibility, and openness to change.