WE ARE HIRING: AGRONOMIST

Industry: Agriculture | Fresh Produce | International Export Trade

Job Title: Agronomist

Location: Uganda

About the Role

We are seeking a knowledgeable, proactive and field-oriented Agronomist to support the sourcing, production, quality assurance and export readiness of fresh fruits, vegetables and other agricultural produce destined for international markets.

The successful candidate will work closely with farmers, suppliers and internal operations teams to ensure consistent supply, sustainable farming practices and compliance with agricultural quality and export standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Crop Production & Farmer Support

• Provide technical guidance to farmers and suppliers on crop production, planting, irrigation, soil management and harvesting.
• Conduct regular farm visits to monitor crop development, identify production challenges and recommend practical solutions.
• Promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to improve productivity, quality and consistency.
• Support farmers in managing pests, diseases and crop nutrition.

2. Export Quality & Compliance

• Ensure agricultural produce meets required quality, safety and export market specifications.
• Support compliance with applicable phytosanitary requirements, pesticide residue limits and food safety standards.
• Guide farmers on responsible pesticide application, pre-harvest intervals and recordkeeping.
• Coordinate with relevant authorities and quality assurance teams on export inspections and certification requirements.

3. Produce Sourcing & Supply Chain Coordination

* Identify, assess and engage reliable farmers and agricultural suppliers.
* Monitor crop availability, production cycles and seasonal supply patterns.
* Support procurement teams in sourcing produce that meets customer specifications.
* Coordinate with farmers, collection centres and logistics teams to minimise post-harvest losses.

4. Quality Control & Post-Harvest Management

• Conduct field-level quality assessments before harvesting and collection.
• Advise on appropriate harvesting, handling, sorting, grading, packaging and storage practices.
• Monitor produce quality and identify corrective actions where standards are not met.
• Support traceability systems to track produce from farms through the export supply chain.

5. Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate records of farm visits, crop performance, farmer assessments and quality inspections.
• Prepare regular reports on crop availability, production forecasts and sourcing challenges.
• Identify opportunities to improve yields, reduce losses and strengthen farmer relationships.
• Support training programmes and continuous improvement initiatives for contracted farmers.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Agronomy, Agriculture, Crop Science, Horticulture or a related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in crop production, horticulture, agricultural extension or fresh produce supply chains.
• Practical knowledge of fruit and vegetable production, pest management and post-harvest handling.
• Understanding of Good Agricultural Practices and agricultural quality assurance.
• Familiarity with export quality requirements, phytosanitary procedures and food safety standards.
• Strong communication, problem-solving and farmer engagement skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to farms and produce sourcing locations.
• Ability to prepare field reports and maintain accurate agricultural records.

Added Advantage

• Previous experience with fresh produce exporters or commercial horticulture operations.
• Knowledge of GLOBALG.A.P., produce traceability and UK/EU market requirements.
• Experience working with smallholder farmers and agricultural cooperatives.
• Valid motorcycle or driving permit.

Key Performance Expectations

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to:

• Consistent sourcing of export-quality fruits and vegetables.
• Reduced crop rejection rates and post-harvest losses.
• Improved farmer compliance with quality and food safety requirements.
• Accurate production forecasts and reliable supply planning.
• Stronger farmer and supplier relationships.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit:

1. An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
2. An application letter highlighting relevant agricultural experience.
3. Expected monthly net salary (take-home pay) in UGX.

Send applications to: desmondagriltd@gmail.com

Email Subject: Application for Agronomist – [Full Name]

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.