Tomato Breeding Expert at Emmix Global Limited

Job Description

• We are inviting qualified Tomato Breeding Experts with extensive experience in varietal development, agronomic training, and field supervision to express interest in a short-term consulting role under a transformative national tomato productivity initiative.

About the Project

• This initiative aims to boost tomato productivity in Nigeria by improving access to improved varieties, training rural farmers, and supporting the full tomato value chain—from seed to market.
• The expert will work alongside agronomists, farmer clusters, and value chain partners to ensure knowledge transfer and improved on-farm results.

Scope of Work
The Tomato Breeding Expert will be responsible for, among others:

• Conducting a comprehensive audit of tomato varieties currently under cultivation in Nigeria.
• Designing and implementing participatory varietal trials to evaluate performance under various agro-ecological conditions.
• Training rural tomato farmers on best practices and modern techniques for improving yields, including soil fertility management, disease control, pruning, spacing, irrigation, and pest prevention.
• Guiding farmers through a step-by-step process of tomato cultivation, from land preparation to harvest, using a weekly field schedule.
• Creating short video tutorials and discussion-based training content explaining procedures, techniques, and critical practices in tomato farming.
• Leading a team of field agronomists and farm extension experts, supervising and supporting their activities to ensure alignment with project goals and field execution timelines.
• Supporting seed selection, breeder seed stabilization, and multiplication plans with local seed partners.
• Documenting and reporting progress, including regular technical reports and a comprehensive final report.
• Undertaking any other related duties assigned by the project lead to enhance the effectiveness of the tomato program.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:

• Hold a postgraduate Degree (MSc or PhD) in Plant Breeding, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Have a minimum of 5 years of experience in tomato breeding and agronomic training.
• Demonstrate a strong track record in varietal trials, farmer training, and video-based extension.
• Be familiar with Nigerian agricultural systems, rural farming communities, and local tomato production challenges.
• Possess excellent communication, leadership, and documentation skills.
• Experience working with smallholder farmers or on donor-funded agricultural projects will be an added advantage.

Remuneration
Competitive, based on experience and qualifications.