Smallholder Agricultural Research Specialist (Fixed-Term)

The Smallholder Agricultural Research Specialist is responsible for the operational implementation and rigorous monitoring of agronomic trials within our smallholder farmer network. The role covers the identification and prioritisation of high-impact products, logistics management of trials, the design of scientifically valid field protocols, and the assurance of data integrity through regular field validations. As the quality guarantor of trials, the specialist resolves practical field challenges and collaborates with departments such as Field Operations and MEL. The role also provides context-adapted technical support to field staff and farmers, translating research findings into clear, practical, and farmer-centred guidance.

Responsibilities

Research and Trials (75%)

• Research: Use a variety of documentary research techniques (e.g. literature reviews, market analyses, client surveys, in-depth interviews/focus group discussions) to identify potential areas of impact through new products, practices and services, with the support of the Impact Lead. Select viable products for trials using a systematic approach. Anticipate risks, complexities, opportunities and potential adoption rates in order to effectively prioritise projects and align them with departmental objectives.

• Operational Trial Management: Design, with the support of the Impact Lead, scientifically rigorous methods and measurement protocols for trials, as well as statistically valid experimental designs (including sample size), while ensuring their operational feasibility.

• Logistics and Timelines: Lead logistical coordination (and leverage parallel procurement systems where available) to ensure the timely delivery of trial inputs. Proactively manage schedules to avoid delays that could compromise the trial season.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work with various departments (Field Operations, Logistics, MEL) to ensure buy-in and the seamless integration of trial activities into core field operations. During the off-season, advise on the development of farmer training materials.

• Field Execution and Problem-Solving: Ensure quality trial implementation and the production of useful data by providing trial teams with clear and timely information and instructions, as well as regular data quality control. Act as the primary problem-solver for field challenges, quickly adapting plans to resolve issues without compromising data integrity.

Field Agronomy and Technical Support (25%)

• Contextual Problem-Solving: Provide practical and troubleshooting support to field staff and farmers, grounded in solid evidence but going beyond textbook theory. Assess real field conditions and farmer realities to develop context-specific recommendations.

• Bridge Between Research and Practice: Translate internal research findings and agronomic protocols into clear, actionable guidance for field agents, extension workers and farmers, with the support of the Impact Lead. Ensure that advice is operationally achievable and adapted to the local context.

• Capacity Building: Lead training initiatives focused on skills application rather than theory. Enable field staff to solve problems autonomously in the field and provide farmers with solutions to address the challenges they face.

• Quality Assurance: Oversee field implementation to ensure compliance with agronomic protocols, with particular emphasis on understanding why deviations occur and adjusting protocols to be more farmer-centred.

Cross-Cutting Responsibilities

In addition to the two main areas of responsibility above, the following activities are integrated into all aspects of the role:

Project Management and Operational Coordination

• Collaborate with the Impact Lead and other OAF country programmes to co-design trial protocols, ensuring they are operationally feasible given field operations constraints and farmer contexts.

• Take charge of end-to-end logistical planning for trials.

• Develop and maintain detailed critical-path project schedules. Proactively track progress and resolve bottlenecks to ensure trial supervisors and field teams meet all deadlines.

Survey Design and Implementation

• Lead the design of agronomic surveys with the support of the Impact Lead, ensuring that appropriate data types and methodologies are used.

• Train field staff on survey implementation and data collection best practices.

• Conduct field validations to ensure survey quality and accuracy.

Data Analysis and Recommendations

• Conduct simple analyses of trial agronomic results with the support of the Impact Lead.

• With the support of the Impact Lead, formulate clear, practical, smallholder-focused action steps and recommendations. Ensure that findings are translated into specific programme strategies rather than purely theoretical reports.

• Present findings to relevant stakeholders and support evidence-based decision-making.

• Document lessons learned and contribute to the organisation's knowledge management.

Career Growth and Development

One Acre Fund invests in the development of management and leadership skills. Your manager and a global support team will dedicate significant time to your professional development. We provide ongoing concrete feedback through mentorship and regular career reviews in the form of management guidance. We also hold regular one-on-one meetings, during which we listen and discuss career goals, and work collaboratively to create genuinely exciting roles. Due to our rapid growth, we constantly have new senior roles opening up and many opportunities across different functions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, agriculture or a related field required.

• More than 3 years of experience in agricultural project management, with a proven track record in managing field trials, coordinating logistics and delivering results on time and within budget.

• More than 2 years of experience in agricultural research and field implementation, with a demonstrated ability to balance research rigour with practical and operationally achievable applications.

• Communication and stakeholder coordination skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally with multiple teams (procurement, operations, field staff, MEL) to execute complex activities.

• Strong communication and training skills, with the ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, practical guidance for field staff and farmers.

• Autonomy, strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail; ability to effectively manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.

• Experience in the smallholder farming context will be highly valued.

• Proven experience in the design and implementation of agricultural trials. Data analysis skills (proficiency in R, Stata or similar statistical software preferred) will be considered an advantage.

• Experience in survey design and implementation methodology will be considered an advantage.