Horticulture Specialist -Nakuru

Role Overview

The Horticulture Specialist provides technical leadership for fruit, vegetable and other high-value crop activities within the AGRIPACT project. You will help smallholder farmers and producer groups adopt productive, climate-smart practices, while strengthening food safety and post-harvest handling so their produce can meet market requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and put into practice crop-production guidance covering Good Agricultural Practices, soil fertility, climate adaptation and efficient use of resources.
• Create Integrated Pest Management approaches and train farmers in food safety, responsible pesticide use and relevant certification requirements.
• Set up demonstration plots and Farmer Field Schools; prepare practical extension materials and build the horticultural skills of field officers and community advisors.
• Coordinate AGRIPACT horticulture activities, track delivery against work plans and budgets, and maintain agreed standards of implementation.
• Supervise field officers, provide technical coaching and support their professional development.
• Collect and report project data through the established monitoring and evaluation system; document progress, effective practices and results in collaboration with the MEAL team.
• Build working relationships with project partners, county authorities, relevant ministries, private-sector actors and producer associations; represent AVSI and AGRIPACT at project-related meetings.
• Organise farmer participation and practical logistics for trainings, field visits, trials and learning tours, and develop at least three project success stories based on evidence from the field.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Science or a closely related discipline; a master’s degree is an advantage.
• At least three years of hands-on experience in commercial horticultural production, greenhouse management or agricultural extension.
• Practical familiarity with GlobalGAP, food safety requirements and quality standards for export markets.
• Ability to provide field-based technical guidance, train farmer groups and support agricultural extension teams.
• Capacity to plan activities, manage project data and prepare clear work plans, budgets and performance reports.
• Strong coordination and communication skills for working with farmers, colleagues, public institutions and private-sector partners.

What We Offer / Why Join

This role offers the opportunity to apply horticultural expertise directly in farmer training, market-focused production and climate-smart agriculture through the AGRIPACT project.