Nuru International Alternative Crop Specialist Agriculture Program Job in Isebania, Kuria West, Kenya

Employer: Nuru International Kenya

Job Title: Agriculture Program – Alternative Crop Specialist

Category: Full time, contract

Location: Isebania, Kuria West, Kenya

Overview:

Nuru International Kenya is a reputable organization with a mission of ending extreme poverty inrural communities of Kenya. 

With programs in health, education and microfinance, Nuru’s Agriculture Program aims to increase crop yields in a sustainable and scalable way.  

We provide training, agriculture input loans, and extension to thousands of farmers in Kuria.

Currently we are looking to fill a new role of Alternative Crop Specialist who will help us build operations for non-maize food crops and will report to the Agriculture Program Manager.

Specific Responsibilities include:

• Help the Agriculture District & Program Manager accomplish the goals of Nuru Kenya and the agriculture program in a sustainable and scalable way.
• Conduct research on non-maize crops to help Nuru Kenya determine viable options for new alternative crop programs.
• Assist in creating new loan packages for Nuru farmers for the 2014 loan rains season.
• Determine best growing practices for each alternative crop and develop training series for teaching best practices to Nuru farmers.
• Design and carry out crop trials in the 2013 short rains if deemed necessary.
• Work with the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute and other partners to stay up to date on new agronomic practices and research.
• Work with the Social Enterprises department to source high-quality inputs (fertilizer, seed, vines etc) in a cost-effective manner.
• Help develop efficient distribution mechanisms and schedules for agricultural inputs.
• Assist in marketing new crops and educating farmers about their uses.
• Educate agriculture field officers & field managers on diseases, pests and other challenges for alternative crops.
• Provide field support and expertise during the 2014 long rains growing season.
• Liaise with the Social Enterprises department to help develop buying or market linkage strategies.

Qualifications:

• Kenyan citizen or the ability to work in Kenya
• Prefer university degree in agriculture, project management, or related area
• Knowledge of agronomic best practices for food crops such as millet, sweet potatoes, etc
• 1-2 years of project management experience
• Speak fluent English (mandatory) and Kiswahili (mandatory)
• Experience conducting both web and field based research
• Possess intermediate computer skills (Word, Excel, internet, email).
• Skilled in budgeting and planning on tight deadlines
• Ability to make data driven decisions
• Commitment to ending extreme poverty in rural areas of Kuria, Kenya

Compensation: Negotiable depending on experience

Applicants must currently live in Kuria West District, or be willing to relocate for this position. 

Do not expect any of the following: relocation pay, monetary support for family relocation, housing or housing allowance, food allowance.

Application Process:

Interested applicants should submit a CV and a cover letter explaining their qualifications, experience and motivations (in English) to cropspecialist@nuru.co.ke by May 17.

About Nuru Kenya

Nuru Kenya is different from most other NGOs. Our organization has a holistic approach whereby all our programs work together for a common goal of ending extreme poverty in our community in a sustainable and scalable way.

Read more at: www.nuruinternational.org