About TAHA:

TAHA is an apex private sector member-based organization mandated to develop and promote horticulture (flowers, fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and horticultural seeds) in Tanzania. TAHA’s goal is to improve the growth and competitiveness of the horticultural industry in the country for social and economic gains. TAHA serves as a unified voicing platform for Tanzania horticulture, representing farmers at all levels, including processors, exporters, and service providers in the horticultural industry.

Position Overview:

We are looking for motivated and experienced Tanzanians to fill the position of Regional Agronomists. The Regional Agronomist is responsible for working with farmers to determine the best methods to improve extension and production techniques for better crop yields, and addressing crop challenges. The role also involves conducting research and promoting agricultural strategies to counter the effects of climate change and related impacts on soil and pest and disease behavior, while participating in product marketing.

Positions Available: 4

Duty Stations: Mbeya (1), Morogoro (1), Njombe (1), Tanga (1), Tanzania

Reporting To: Production Lead

Position Summary:

The Regional Agronomist will:

Mobilize farmers into formal groups/associations and register them with TAHA.
Establish crop clusters for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training, agro dealers, and market linkages.
Set up demonstrations on farming practices, improved production technologies, harvesting, and post-harvest techniques.
Establish and manage farmers’ collection and distribution centers to ensure they operate commercially and sustainably.
Introduce innovative horticultural practices that empower farmers with technical skills and capabilities through business-oriented extension services.
Prepare and coordinate technical training programs, farmer field days, workshops, exchange visits, and other farmer networking events.
Identify relevant new methods, develop training materials, and technologies for irrigation, harvesting, processing, storage, cooling, and transporting horticulture products to the market.
Conduct periodic surveys to identify production, harvesting, and transportation constraints and develop mechanisms to address them.
Organize Farmer Field Days where farmers can share production practices and experiences.
Coordinate potential value chains within the region.

Marketing Responsibilities:

Identify market opportunities at local, regional, and international levels and develop strategies for sustainable market linkages.
Create market opportunities and provide marketing options for small-scale producers.
Conduct assessments of farmers and SMEs to identify business capacity gaps and propose sustainable methods to address them.
Coordinate market/business interactive sessions between farmers, traders, and other relevant actors.
Work with other TAHA departments to identify marketing challenges and opportunities and advise on solutions.
Facilitate collection center business model development and implementation in collaboration with stakeholders and other TAHA departments.

Partnerships:

Maintain solid relations between TAHA and Local Government Authorities (LGAs) and other partners in the respective areas.
Identify and coordinate ground partners to align resources for tangible results and impact.
Engage relevant horticultural actors/partners and advise on potential partnerships.

Reporting:

Ensure quality and timely reports are produced and shared with relevant parties in collaboration with the Programs and M&E Departments.

Representation:

Represent TAHA and the industry in events related to production, technology, and innovation.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Agriculture, Applied Agricultural Extension, or Crop Production and Management.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural development, focusing on horticulture and crop production.
Proficiency in modern agricultural techniques, including GAP, irrigation, harvesting, and post-harvest management.
Strong understanding of horticultural practices and sustainable methods.
Experience in establishing and managing farmers’ groups, collection, and distribution centers.
Familiarity with market analysis, linkages, and marketing strategies for agricultural products.

Application Procedure:

Interested and qualified individuals should send their applications, including:

Application letter.
Curriculum vitae (not exceeding 4 pages).
Copies of qualification certificates.

Address:

Human Resources and Administration Manager,
TAHA,
P.O. Box 16520,
ARUSHA.

Submission: All applications must be submitted via email to recruitment@taha.or.tz with the subject line "APPLICATION FOR REGIONAL AGRONOMIST POSITION."

Deadline: The deadline for submitting your application is Sunday, 09th June, 2024. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Remuneration: The successful candidate will be remunerated according to the TAHA salary scale, in alignment with qualifications and professional experience. Other employment benefits will be as per the organization’s policy.

Equal Opportunity: TAHA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply. TAHA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.