Land O'Lakes Venture37 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to helping communities around the world build economies by strengthening local agriculture, helping agribusinesses create jobs and linking farmers to markets. Since 1981, it has implemented over 315 integrated dairy, livestock and crops development programs in nearly 80 countries — creating lasting impact by linking farmers, businesses, and the public and private sector in local and global contexts.

Land O’Lakes Venture37 is the lead project implementer for the Nourishing Prosperity Alliance (NPA) project, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The purpose of the NPA project is to establish commercially viable and sustainable forage markets that equitably strengthen the regional competitiveness of the dairy industries in Kenya and Ethiopia. The NPA project in Ethiopia will be implemented across three large, geographically diverse areas, in 30 woredas across the three regions: Oromia, Amhara and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ (SNNP) regions.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Forage Agronomy Specialist will provide forage agronomy recommendations for establishment, management, harvesting and conservation of a diversity of forage types by small-scale dairy producers and early-stage commercial forage producers in different agro-ecologies and production systems.

• Prepare training materials, organize and lead farmer field days, and contribute content to digital training on key topics for climate-smart forage establishment, management, harvest and conservation.

• Support the establishment of demonstration sites on farms across the target regions, working with farmers to implement agronomic recommendations for effective forage crop management.

• Manage adaptive research sites that establish a variety of nutrient-dense forage varieties, in collaboration with universities and research institutes, by collecting and analyzing data on crop performance and forage quality.

• Using a trainer-of-trainers model, train extension service providers and agribusinesses across the forage value chain on forage agronomy topics.

• Collaborate closely with NPA’s Gender, Youth and Social Inclusion Specialist to integrate strategies that increase ability and agency of women and youth in forage production.

In addition, the Forage Agronomy Specialist will contribute to positive working relationships with different stakeholders, including farmer organizations, women’s groups, cooperatives, government bodies, and other development projects in the livestock sector so that it strengthens the enabling environment for forage market development.

Job Requirements

Required skills and qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, crop production, agricultural extension, animal sciences, or other relevant field.

• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in the sector, with private sector experience preferred.

• Demonstrated technical knowledge and practical experience in forage crop production, including knowledge of best forage agronomic practices for establishment, management, harvesting and conservation of the major forage crops suitable for crop-livestock mixed production systems in the different agro-ecologies

• Experience in leading training events and developing technical training guides

• Experience in working with different partners and farmers, demonstrating effective communication and professionalism with people of different backgrounds and viewpoints. 

• Good verbal and written communication skills in English. 

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel. 

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in agronomy, animal production, feeds and nutrition, crop prodution, agricultural extension or another related field.

This position is open to Ethiopian nationals only and is compensated according to Venture37’s local compensation plan in Ethiopia.

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls will be accepted.

Land O’Lakes Venture37 never requests money or payment from candidates for any position type. Please report any such requests to Land O’Lakes Venture37.

Land O’Lakes Venture37 is an equal opportunity employer and an organization striving to help global communities thrive through agriculture. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, among other factors. Our culture values a diversity of voices. So, bring us your unique experiences, your workstyle, and your dreams — they’ll only make us stronger.

Forage Agronomy Specialist (NPA, Ethiopia) - Careers (avature.net)