Field Agronomist - Fresh Produce Sourcing

About the role

A full-time Field Agronomist is needed in Nairobi to source and supply fresh fruits and vegetables. The role combines farm scouting and vendor acquisition with agronomic support, quality checks and compliance monitoring.

Key responsibilities

• Visit farms and agricultural regions regularly to identify, evaluate and onboard reputable farmers and commercial growers of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Negotiate farm-gate pricing, supply volumes and harvest schedules to meet market demand while keeping costs efficient.
• Build seasonal supply projections for key produce lines and set up out-grower networks for consistent, year-round inventory.
• Conduct pre-harvest inspections so farm practices follow Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), minimum residue limits (MRLs) and client quality standards.
• Advise partner farmers on soil nutrition, pest and disease management, irrigation schedules and optimal harvesting windows.
• Train farmers and field harvesters on harvesting techniques, handling, sorting and field-level cooling and packaging to reduce post-harvest losses.
• Inspect harvested produce before dispatch for weight, colour, size and defects, and implement traceability to link produce to its farm and harvest batch.
• Monitor pest and chemical residue risks so all produce meets regulatory and food safety requirements.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Agronomy, Horticulture, Agricultural Economics, Agriculture or a closely related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of practical experience in field agronomy, fresh produce sourcing or commercial horticulture management.
• Valid driving/riding licence and willingness to travel extensively to rural farms, agricultural zones and packhouses.

Required skills

• Track record of farm-level procurement, negotiating with farmers and out-growers, and managing supply chains for perishable produce.
• Strong knowledge of fruit and vegetable pest and disease profiles, harvest maturity indices, soil chemistry and post-harvest handling.