Field Agronomist

Job description

POSITION: FIELD AGRONOMIST 

INTRODUCTION TO THE NOCAD MONZE OFFICE:

Founded in 1998, NOCAD is a local non-profit development and humanitarian NGO that has managed and implemented projects across Monze, Pemba Namwala, and Gwembe in Zambia’s Southern province. With broad multisectoral expertise, we have delivered projects aligned with our four strategic areas: Agriculture and Climate, Health & WASH, Education and Empowerment, and Emergency Preparedness Response. NOCAD remains dedicated to supporting rural, low-income communities throughout Zambia, striving to make a meaningful impact.

In addition to our development initiatives, we are expanding our work to include humanitarian efforts, focusing on Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR).

INFORMATION ABOUT THE POSITION:

Job Purpose

The Agronomist is responsible for providing technical support in sustainable agriculture, climate-smart farming, food security, and livelihoods programming. The position focuses on improving agricultural productivity, resilience, and community capacity through research, extension services, farmer training, data collection and project implementation.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. Technical Agricultural Support

·      Provide agronomic guidance to farmers and community groups.

·      Promote climate-smart and sustainable agricultural practices.

·      Conduct soil, crop, and farming system assessments.

·      Advise on crop selection, pest management, irrigation, and soil fertility.

·      Support establishment of demonstration plots and farmer field schools.

2. Project Planning and Implementation

·      Participate in project design, implementation, and monitoring.

·      Develop seasonal farming plans and production calendars.

·      Ensure agricultural activities align with donor requirements and project objectives.

·      Coordinate distribution of farming inputs, seedlings and agricultural equipment.

·      Support implementation of irrigation and water management initiatives.

3. Capacity Building and Community Engagement

·      Train farmers, cooperatives, and community structures on improved farming practices.

·      Conduct sensitization meetings on conservation agriculture and resilience.

·      Mentor lead farmers and community facilitators.

·      Strengthen farmer groups and agricultural value chains.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

·      Collect agricultural production and field performance data.

·      Prepare field reports, progress updates, and technical reports.

·      Monitor crop performance and environmental impacts.

·      Document success stories, lessons learned, and best practices.

5. Stakeholder Coordination

·      Work closely with government departments, NGOs, traditional leaders, and development partners.

·      Represent the organization in agriculture-related meetings and technical forums.

·      Collaborate with research institutions and extension officers.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

·      Number of farmers trained.

·      Increased crop productivity among target communities.

·      Adoption rate of climate-smart agricultural practices.

·      Timely implementation of agricultural activities.

·      Quality and timeliness of technical reports.

·      Improved food security and livelihoods outcomes.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

·      Improved food security and livelihoods outcomes.

·      Required Qualifications

·      Certificate or Diploma in Agronomy, Agriculture, Crop Science, or related field.

·      Membership with relevant professional bodies is an added advantage.

·      Valid driver’s license is an added advantage.

Required Experience

Minimum 3 years’ experience in agricultural programming or extension services.

Experience working with rural and vulnerable communities.

Experience in donor-funded projects and reporting.

Knowledge of climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.

Required Skills and Competencies

Strong technical knowledge in crop production and agronomy.

Good training and facilitation skills.

Data collection and report writing skills.

Community mobilization and engagement skills.

Ability to work in remote and challenging environments.

Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Computer literacy in Microsoft Office and data tools.

Personal Qualities:

Proficient computing skills

Highly resourceful

Highly adaptable

Able to endure

Working Conditions

Frequent travel to rural and remote communities.

Exposure to field and outdoor working conditions.

Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

WE CAN OFFER 

Great Work environment and good compensation package

We encourage residents of Monze and nearby towns who meet the qualifications to apply. We offer equal opportunities regardless of gender, age, disability, or cultural background.

How to apply

Kindly send your expected renumeration package (benefits included), curriculum vitae and cover letter explaining why you are interested in this job, and why we should interview you for this role. Send your application to the nocad.monze1988@gmail.com

Application Deadline: 28th May 2026