Latest Job Adverts
AGRICULTURE RESEARCH ASSOCIATE |
One Acre Fund Farmers First |
Advert
Posted 2018-12-10 02:23:47
The Agricultural Research
Associate will focus on agriculture research from Desk Research to participatory
farmer field trials. This position will involve trial prioritization and
design, trial management, analysis and interpretation of results, and
recommendations for core program change and improvement. The Agricultural
Research Associate will be on the Zambia Innovation Team.
The Innovation Team is the
driving force behind improving One Acre Fund’s programs, products, and services
to farmers. The position will be based in Kabwe, Central Province Zambia.
Responsibilities:
§
Desk research: Conduct outsight
research and liaise with other agriculture institutions in Zambia and elsewhere
to inform trial questions. Many questions need more in depth research to
improve trial planning and success. Some example topics include:
§
Reducing the cost of growing maize
for OAFZ farmer
§
Moving forward with trials and
scale up of reduction of weeds pressure
§
Developing a strategy to build
soil fertility and structure for OAFZ farmers
§
Best practices for designing crop
storage trials
Lead farmers’ preference tests
for maize and other crops
§
Develop surveys, focus groups,
semi-structured interview protocols and other farmer engagement strategies, and
analyse data to discover and evaluate new trial ideas for improving impact
along our 3 major impact categories: Farmer profit, Healthy soil, and Healthy
families.
§
Designing and supporting
execution of Research station trials
§
Play a leading role in trial
prioritization and design for all phase 1 trials.
§
Prioritize trials effectively
based on research and station results
§
Create impact models for each
product or idea to be tested throughout trials
§
Create crop management protocols
and calendars for trials
§
Support the research station team
in executing trials and solving problems
Gather feedback from research
station teams to inform further trial ideas
§
Develop and deliver trainings to
research station teams
§
Designing and supporting
execution of participatory farmer field trials Prioritize trials effectively,
particularly through use of desk research and research station trials results
§
Create planting protocols and
calendars for trials
§
Support the Impact field team in
executing trials and solving problems
§
Develop and deliver trainings to
Impact field team
Data audit and analysis
§
Analysis and reporting Following
completion of trials, the Agriculture Research Manager will:
§
Carry out statistical analyses
and interpret results
Draft trial reports
§
Make recommendations for next
steps e.g. repeat trial, add treatments, scaling-up.
CAREER GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
We have a strong culture of
constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You’ll have weekly
check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and
regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months,
and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You’ll have
the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term
career.
QUALIFICATIONS
We are seeking an exceptional
professional with 2-5+ years of experience and a demonstrated passion for and
knowledge of agricultural sciences and development. Candidates who fit the
following criteria are strongly encouraged to apply:
§
Experience with agricultural
research and application of findings, especially in smallholder tropical
agriculture.
§
Experience with trial management
(research station and / or participatory farmer field trials) required
§
A formal educational background
in the agricultural sciences or soil science. . An MSc is required, PhD
welcome.
§
Strong work experiences, which
may include a demanding professional work experience, successful
entrepreneurial experience, leading a conference, starting a business, etc.
§
Strong project management,
communication, and leadership experience.
§
Strong data management and analysis
skills. Experience with Excel required; experience with R or Stata strongly
preferred.
§
Humility. We are looking for
passionate professionals who combine strong leadership skills with good humor,
patience, and a humble approach to service to join our growing family of
leaders.
§
A willingness to commit to living
in East Africa for at least two years – this is a long-term, career-track role.
The ideal candidate will have at least one year demonstrated experience working
in the developing world, although this is not a strict requirement.
§
Language: English required.
PREFERRED START DATE
As soon as possible.
COMPENSATION
Commensurate with experience.
BENEFITS
Health insurance, housing, annual
flights and other quality of life benefits.