Agronomist

Job Description

Terms of Reference for Agronomist Position

Position: Agronomist

Location: Chirundu, Zambia

Employer: Conservation Lower Zambezi

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 staY 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 eYectively 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.Employment resources

Duration: three-month probation period applies.

The contract is for two years, which can be mutually extended by both parties.

Method of Application

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 and Ines Possemeyer, Project Director