Make a significant impact on farm productivity and improve livelihoods of smallholder farmers around Africa with One Acre Fund.
Overview
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Rubengera, Rwanda
Expires at anytime
One Acre Fund, established since 2006, has a mission to empower 5.5 million smallholder farmers across nine African countries by providing resources, training, and services that radically enhance farm productivity. The Rwanda program, locally known as Tubura, is our largest and serves approximately 2.8 million farmers.
Role Summary
- Lead the Applied Research & Innovation team to design and deliver research across various agronomy fields.
- Plan and conduct feasible, risk-assessed trials and assess the impact using modeling and comparative analysis.
- Translate research into practical solutions for farmers.
- Provide leadership for the lab and research teams, driving strategy, partnerships, and organizational impact.
Role Requirements
- Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.
- Have experience in nutrient management and cycling, soil health assessment, and familiarity with soil and plant laboratory methods.
- Possess strong communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Application Process Details
- The role includes health insurance, housing, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- The contract period is two years, renewable.
- One Acre Fund can provide work permit support, with a preference for local nationals or professionals with an extensive background in our countries of operation.
One Acre Fund, founded in 2006, equips 5.5 million smallholder farmers to enhance farm productivity across nine countries, home to two-thirds of Africa's farmers. We provide high-quality farm supplies, tree seedlings, accessible credit, modern agronomic training, and a range of other agricultural services. Our Rwanda program, established in 2007, is our largest and operates under the local brand Tubura. We have over 3,000 staff across all four provinces of Rwanda and in Kigali, serving more than 2.8 million farmers in 2024. We collaborate closely with the government to bolster national food security efforts and support agri-SMEs by providing a market for high-impact crops like coffee, avocado, and chili.
The role involves leading Applied Research & Innovation to design and deliver multidisciplinary research across cropping systems, soil health, and plant nutrient management. The successful candidates will assess feasibility, risk, and impact through trials, modeling, and comparative analysis. Responsibilities include delivering rigorous trials and actionable insights, designing scientifically robust trials and experimental methodologies, ensuring data quality, statistical validity, and clear reporting. Additionally, the role requires translating research into scalable farmer solutions, providing technical and people leadership for lab and research teams, and driving strategy, partnerships, and organizational impact.
Job requirements include a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or a related field. Experience in nutrient management and cycling, soil health/fertility assessment, and familiarity with soil and plant laboratory methods are essential. Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively are also required.
Benefits include health insurance, housing, and comprehensive benefits. The contract duration is 2 years, renewable. One Acre Fund can support a work permit for this role, with a preference for nationals of or those with an extensive professional background in our countries of operation.