Lead Agronomist

Position Summary:

Oath Africa is searching for an accomplished agronomist with a passion for sustainable agriculture and a deep understanding of African cultivation practices. Do you aspire to leverage natural, cutting-edge, climate-smart technologies to revolutionize food security and combat climate change in a meaningful way? If so, we invite you to consider a pivotal role within our innovative team.

We are at the forefront of agricultural innovation, integrating a proprietary consortium of beneficial bacteria into soil ecosystems. This groundbreaking bio-stimulant dramatically enhances soil water-holding capacity, optimizes nutrient cycling, and naturally boosts crop yields, all while significantly contributing to carbon sequestration. This is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to utilize our current results in Rwanda and drive profound impact, elevating nutrient density in crops and bolstering food security across the region.

Responsibilities:

As a Lead Agronomist, you will be instrumental in the successful implementation and optimization of our bio-stimulant technology within Rwandan agricultural systems. Your expertise will guide farmers toward unprecedented levels of productivity and sustainability. Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Integration & Optimization: Lead the integration of our beneficial bacterial consortium into diverse Rwandan agricultural settings, developing tailored protocols that maximize the efficacy of our bio-stimulant.
• Cultural & Methodological Stewardship: Apply profound knowledge of traditional Rwandan cultivation methodologies and cultural practices to ensure seamless adoption and sustainable success of new technologies.
• Organic Farming Expertise: Provide expert guidance on advanced organic farming methodologies, including the following:
  • Composting: Develop and implement sophisticated composting strategies and the optimal utilization of humic substances to enrich soil structure and microbial activity.
  • Green manure: Identify locally available leguminous, grass, and clover plants that can be grown on site and incorporated into the soil to support our microbial product
  • Organic Soil Amendments: Identify, evaluate, and recommend locally sourced organic soil amendments, and bio-stimulants, that synergize with our bacterial consortium.
• Biological Products Integration: Advise on the strategic incorporation of various biological products to further enhance soil health and plant vigor.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Leadership: Design and implement robust, ecologically sound IPM strategies that prioritize natural solutions, including the following:
  • Companion Planting: Utilize sophisticated knowledge of plant synergisms to foster natural disease suppression and pest deterrence.
  • Biocontrol Agents: Introduce and optimize the application of natural fungicides and insecticides, minimizing reliance on synthetic alternatives.
• Sustainable Nutrient Management: Develop and champion organic fertilization strategies, identifying and leveraging indigenous Rwandan resources to provide essential plant nutrients, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, in a sustainable manner.
• Research & Development: Contribute to ongoing research initiatives, analyzing field data, identifying areas for improvement, and innovating new applications for our technology.
• Knowledge Transfer & Capacity Building: Educate and empower local agricultural communities and stakeholders on advanced agronomic practices, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable cultivation and the benefits of our technology.

Qualifications: 

• Master's degree in Agronomy or a closely related field from a globally recognized institution, with a solid understanding of core agronomic principles.
• Proven expertise in Rwandan agricultural systems, including deep familiarity with local crops, climate, soil types, and traditional farming methodologies.
• Experience in regenerative agriculture, compost management, soil analysis interpretation, and climate change impacts is valued, but not required.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of translating scientific insights into practical agricultural solutions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, from scientific collaborators to local farming communities.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Kinyarwanda or French is a strong advantage.
• We prioritize candidates with demonstrated success in commercial or private sector agriculture. While academic credentials are valued, we are especially interested in individuals who have translated agronomic knowledge into practical, field-based outcomes at scale.