Part A: Accountability Objectives

Provide leadership, planning, and implementation on: –

• Continuous Improvement (CI) of 250 Model Learning Farms through an Advanced Learning Farm Program.
• To be the agronomist for performing agronomic-related activities for the existing 250 Model learning farms, existing RISS-certified farmers, and new additional farms (EA) as requested by the management.
• Development of a road map targeted to diffuse model farm development and adoption to at least 390 RISS-certified farmers, and 250 early adopters.
• Facilitate the onboarding of new 250 early adopters quarterly through training and any supporting activities.
• Working closely with the Expansion and Certification Initiatives to ensure collective onboarding of farmers through selection criteria.
• Managing and monitoring project deliverables and milestones through periodic reporting of field, project progress and milestones.

Part B: Key Responsibility Areas

• Maintain 250 model Learning Farms (LeFa) and support Core Learning farms (Core Lefa) through CI Modules.
• Supervise and execute agronomy data collection at the Learning Farms
• Guide field execution of agronomic practices (Good Agricultural Practices) and monitor progress of implementation of said practices for the Learning Farms
• To prepare and develop background materials, manuals, papers, and bulletins, as needed.
• Execution of Field Days, workshops, online classes, GAP Quantification Audits (GQA) and other field-related activities.
• Plan and manage resources which include manpower, facilities, and company assets.
• Plan and develop staff competencies to ensure career development and meet the company’s objectives.
• Identify requirements and budget for the development and operation of all fields and initiative-related activities.

Part C: Job Requirements

1. Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of agronomy experience in a similar industry.
• Fluent in Bahasa Malaysia (both writing and speaking) and able to converse in English.
• Strong Agronomy knowledge.
• Strong understanding and adaptability towards local customs and culture.
• Able to engage the community and blend into local fabrics.
• Experience in field activities related to oil palm & dealing with the rural community (experience with other crops is an advantage).

2. Education:

• Tertiary qualifications in Agriculture Science/Horticulture/Agronomy or a related discipline are preferred.

3. Skills and knowledge:

• Plant growth measurements
• Collection of oil palm tissue and soil samples
• GAP audits, and other field data collection and analysis – for example, disease or pest-related data.
• Strong interpersonal relationship skills, communication and listening skills.
• Strong presentation skills and ability to handle individual and large-scale training.
• Competent in PowerPoint & Excel
• Dynamic & flexible
• Has a sociable nature, tactful & able to interact with & desire to help farmers.
• Desire/willingness/openness to learn from all sources (including uneducated farmers)
• Logical reasoning & ability to analyze situations & adapt.
• Able to work under pressure.

4. Other(s):

•  To be based in Johor and able to relocate close to sites/fields.
• Willingness to travel and work long hours.
• One year contract with possible extension.

Part D: Competencies

The Agronomist must have very strong skills and knowledge in: –

• field execution of Agronomic practices through Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Best Management Practices (BMP)
• monitoring and guiding project progress toward quarterly milestones
• qualitative & quantitative research and surveys
• optimizing resources – Jr. Agronomist & Field Assistants
• initiative stewardship towards leading and developing resources.