Horticulture Specialist -Kilifi

Role Overview

The Horticulture Specialist guides smallholder farmers and producer groups in improving the quality, productivity and resilience of fruit, vegetable and other horticultural crops. The role combines hands-on agronomy, farmer training and field-team supervision with project coordination, helping producers adopt climate-smart practices, limit post-harvest losses and meet food safety and market requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and put into practice crop-production guidance covering climate-smart methods, Good Agricultural Practices and soil fertility management.
• Set up Integrated Pest Management approaches and train farmers in food safety, responsible pesticide use and relevant certification requirements.
• Establish demonstration plots and Farmer Field Schools; prepare practical extension materials and build the horticultural skills of field officers and community advisors.
• Coordinate AGRIPACT field activities, monitor delivery quality and provide technical supervision and coaching to field officers.
• Prepare work plans, budgets and monthly progress reports, and use the project’s monitoring and evaluation systems to track results and record effective practices.
• Work with project colleagues, partner organisations, county governments, government ministries, private-sector actors and industry associations; represent AVSI and AGRIPACT at relevant meetings.
• Organise farmer participation and logistical arrangements for training, field trials, visits and learning events.
• Lead field data collection with the monitoring and evaluation team, document practical lessons and impact, and develop at least three project success stories.
• Participate in bi-weekly MEAL discussions and quarterly Project Management Committee meetings, and uphold AVSI’s principles and procedures.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Science or a closely related discipline.
• At least three years of practical technical experience in commercial horticulture, greenhouse production or agricultural extension.
• Working knowledge of GlobalGAP, food safety regulations and quality requirements for export markets.
• A master’s degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.
• Ability to train farmers and field teams, coordinate field activities, collect and report project data, and work effectively with public- and private-sector partners.