Agronomist

Job description

Objectives:

The Agronomist will play a crucial role in the successful development and execution of all agronomic activities of a new five-year-project implemented by Conservation Lower Zambezi: the „Climate Village Lab“(CVL).

The CVL supports three villages to enhance livelihoods, mitigate Human-Wildlife-Conflict and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are mainly caused by charcoal production. Its main activities compromise:

Improving existing communal agricultural areas through wildlife fencing, drip irrigation and conservation farming practices
Establishment of fenced and irrigated agroforestry plots for cash crops (fruit trees)
Introducing assisted natural regeneration (ANR) areas, protected against wildlife damage
Introducing forest conservation measures
Electrifying households

A key goal is to increase the productivity of existing agricultural areas by more than 50% and to provide additional income through cash crops to provide an alternative source of income to charcoal production. Costs and benefits will be closely monitored. This non-profit project aims to serve as a model for future replication. The CVL also presents an opportunity to develop and pilot a biodiversity crediting mechanism.

Key Responsibilities:

Planning and Implementation:

– Develop detailed action plans for the improvement of existing agricultural land and the establishment of agroforestry.
– Outline the timeline of key activities.
– Oversee the implementation of fencing, irrigation and agroforestry in collaboration with the local farmers.

Community Engagement:
– Help CLZ‘s project manager to identify and hire a „Local Resource Person“ (extension worker) in each village to assist in communication, implementation and monitoring.
– Hold sensitization meetings with the main local stakeholders to collaboratively discuss and plan activities.

Agroforestry Development:
– Guide the establishment and management of agroforestry areas with fruit trees and cash crops
– Collaborate with local farmers to select appropriate tree species and cultivation methods
– Introduce farmers to basic techniques of intercropping and pruning

Monitoring and Evaluation:
– Conduct regular monitoring of agricultural areas and agroforestry sites to assess growth and productivity.
– Track yield development and provide feedback for continuous improvement.

Team Leadership:
– Train and supervise a local staff member („Local Resource Person“) in each village to assist with project implementation and community engagement.
– Foster a collaborative and inclusive working environment.

Required Qualifications and Skills:
– Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
– A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in agriculture and working with smallholders, preferably under climatic conditions similar to those in Chiawa.

– Experience in management of small irrigation schemes

– Experience in working in areas with human-wildlife conflicts

– Experience in collaborating with stakeholders such as Community Resources Board, Department of  National Parks and Wildlife and Ministry of Agriculture

– Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for land assessment and planning

– Strong knowledge of agroforestry practices

– Keen interest in sustainability, water management and conservation farming

– Practical knowlodge of methods for producing organic fertilizer

– Familiarity with Climate Smart Agriculture and Conservation Farming techniques

– Valid driver’s license

– Budgeting of activities and record keeping

– Knowledge of local language (Goba) is of advantage

– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with local communities

– Equal treatment of women and socially disadvantaged families is a matter of course

– Far above-average commitment and ability to work independently, flexibility and creativity

– Sensitive and knowageable to human rights

Reporting: The Agronomist will report to the Project Manager and will work closely with other project team members and stakeholders. He will document the progress of implementation with photos and video clips.

Work Environment: The Agronomist will be based in Chirundu, sharing an office with other staff from CLZ. It is expected that he/she spends most days in the field. A car will be provided for work related duties.

Duration: The contract is for two years, which can be mutually extended by both parties. A three-month probation period applies.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and motivation for applying to Besa Kaoma, Project Manager (besa@conservationlowerzambezi.org) and Ines Possemeyer, Project Director (ines.possemeyer@geo.de)

Deadline: Monday, July 14, 2025