Chief Agronomist - Fruits & Fresh Vegetables

About the role

Vert Limited, a Kenyan agribusiness focused on fruit processing and fresh produce export, is looking for a Chief Agronomist to lead field production, agronomy and certification programmes for mango, pineapple and fresh vegetables. The role combines technical agronomy leadership with compliance oversight across company farms and outgrower schemes.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute agronomy strategy for priority crops, meeting yield, quality and sustainability targets.
• Develop and manage programmes to achieve and maintain GlobalG.A.P, Organic and GRASP compliance.
• Coordinate social and ethical compliance (SMETA, Fairtrade) including assessments, corrective actions and farmer training.
• Oversee farmer recruitment, training and technical support on GAP, IPM/ICM, soil health, nutrition, irrigation and responsible pesticide use.
• Collaborate with Technical/Quality and Commercial teams to align field production with factory and market requirements.
• Monitor EU and other export‑market regulations on pesticides, residues, sustainability and social compliance, translating them into practical guidelines.
• Lead and mentor the agronomy team, setting KPIs and development plans.
• Provide regular performance reports, risk analysis and improvement recommendations to management.
• Communicate regulatory and programme changes to farmer groups and internal stakeholders.

Required profile

• Diploma in Agronomy, Horticulture, Crop Science or related field.
• Minimum 15 years of horticultural production experience (fruits and/or vegetables).
• At least 7 years in a senior agronomy or outgrower management role.
• Proven hands‑on experience with GlobalG.A.P, Organic, GRASP and social compliance schemes.

Required skills

• GlobalG.A.P certification implementation
• Organic certification standards
• GRASP compliance management
• SMETA and Fairtrade social compliance
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM/ICM)
• Soil health and nutrition management
• Irrigation system planning and management
• Responsible pesticide use and residue monitoring