Sorghum Agronomist

SNV is a not-for-profit international development organisation that applies practical know-how to make a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty. We use our extensive and long-term in-country presence to apply and adapt our top-notch expertise in agriculture, energy and WASH to local contexts. SNV has an annual turnover of €130 million, over 1,250 staff in more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are proud to be a not-for-profit organisation that uses project financing to implement our mission. This requires us to work efficiently and to invest in operational excellence.

SNV currently aims more explicitly for systems change during project preparation and implementation - by strengthening institutions and kick-starting markets that help many more to escape poverty beyond our projects. We continue to position ourselves as a premium organisation, with decentralised management. Our Global Support Unit (70 staff) backstops our teams around the world.

For more information on SNV, visit our website: www.snv.org

SNV has been present in Ghana since 1992 and is currently seeking applicants for a full-time position of Agriculture Advisor for Sorghum, on one of its Agricultural Projects.

The position is based in Upper East region, Bolga, with responsibility over North East region as well.

Under the overall guidance of the Project Manager, the Sorghum Agronomist, will be responsible on the project providing technical insights and advisory services on products and interventions to Aggregation Businesses (ABs) and Commercial Farmers (CFs) on the project. The Advisor will give input to the Project Manager and project partners to achieve the agreed objectives and realise successful interventions. The Advisor identifies opportunities and areas for improvement, to ensure quality delivery.

Duties & Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the Agronomy Advisor will include the following:

• Oversee the effective implementation of the project plan to increase sorghum production among smallholders and commercial farmers across the project districts in the Upper East and North East regions. This includes but not limited to the following:
• Pre-planting: Oversee farmer group formation, farmer access to credit, access to input suppliers, farm management services etc.
• Land Preparation and planting: support farmers in production planning around cropping cycle including identifying problems and setting priorities, access to quality seed and other inputs, land preparation, spacing.
• Growing and: educate farmers on soil fertility and moisture management, pests and weeds control methods in regenerative agricultural practices,
• Harvesting; support facilitation of preharvest meetings, farmer sensitisation on pricing agreements, grain quality standards and postharvest lost prevention measures.
• Strengthen farmer loyalty towards GGBL sorghum grain sourcing.

Key Activities:

Advisory Services

Acts as technical expert for the Project Manager and aims to create an enabling environment (by sharing knowledge, understanding stakeholders and environment) for the implementation of the project, to meet its objectives. Ensures, monitors progress and review quality of own expertise and ensures client support and satisfaction during project implementation.

Knowledge Development

Contributes to internal and external knowledge development,

ensures lessons learned are shared and applied in daily practice and may be appointed as (national) focal point of an expertise network. Initiates/coordinates the review process and evaluation of advisory services in order to collect lessons learned, proposes corrective measures and ensures identification of follow up assignments. Participates in knowledge development/expertise groups and in internal and external networks.

Project and Process Development

Identifies and proposes technical process improvements to the project team. Acts on improvement areas within the local internal organisation and processes and gives feedback. Ensures lessons learned are applied in daily practice.

People Management

Steers (functionally) colleagues and coaches associated partners/external stakeholders on quality within the context of assignments. Acts as a technical expert in the content area, applies process improvements in projects and coaches colleagues and associated partners both professionally and operationally on quality context within projects.

Education and Experience

• Applicant must have relevant knowledge in Private Sector; good understanding and work experience in value chain development and agribusiness operations. She/he must have strong knowledge and experience in the sorghum sector in Ghana.
• Master’s degree plus a minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in relevant disciplines, such as: Agribusiness, Agricultural Economy or Business Administration and /or related field;
• At least five (5) years of experience in developing and implementing project as an Agronomist in sorghum; experience in larger and complex/multi-sectoral projects/programmes desired.
• Proven experience in project implementation having relevant understanding of value chain development and other events for value chain stakeholders in the sorghum.
• Result-orientation and ability to take initiatives under minimal supervision, and to reach targets.
• Strong agribusiness relationship management experience and focus, with ability to stimulate trust and confidence with clients and investors including managing various stakeholders;
• Good project management skills; ability to contribute to the project’s overall M&E system will be a plus;
• Excellent organising, negotiation, influencing and advisory/coaching and networking skills;
• Flexible to take on additional responsibilities as assigned/delegated;
• Willingness to travel to all project locations and stay in project site for longer durations;
• Excellent communication (written and oral), reporting and presentation skills.

Key competencies

• Entrepreneurial, result-oriented and driver for change.
• Ability to effectively communicate with farmers and entrepreneurs along the agricultural value chain.
• Strong interpersonal skills with excellent social and networking skills, ability to engage with governments and the private sector including influencing skills and experience of working effectively in a matrix organisation.
• Able to support and energise multi-partner project teams.
• Experience in knowledge management and documentation.
• Team player and confident to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural setting.

Application and Selection Process

Application Guidelines: Please read these carefully. Failure to comply will adversely affect your application.

• This is a national employment.
• Initial contract will be for two years and it is renewable. Salary is competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a competitive secondary benefit package.
• SNV offers a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from, and contribute to, an internal and global network of experts. 

If you believe that your credentials meet the above profile, we invite you to apply by submitting through upload applications in English in the form of a one-page letter and current CV outlining experience, qualifications and three reference contacts, not later than 5:00pm, June 13th, 2025.

• Expected Start Date: July 15th, 2025.
• This position is open to internal and external applicants.
• Only those applicants whose work experience and education meet the mandatory requisites above, would be considered for the position.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.