We are seeking a dynamic Regional Agronomy Director to lead our client's agronomy strategy across Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia. This role will oversee the implementation of best-in-class agronomic practices, ensuring alignment with our sustainability and growth objectives. The ideal candidate will bring innovation and forward-thinking solutions to tackle the unique challenges in each country while promoting environmental and human-oriented sustainable farming practices.Responsibilities:Develop and implement agronomy strategies tailored to the agricultural landscapes of each country, in collaboration with regional teams.Ensure alignment with overall organizational goals, focusing on production volume targets, yield improvement, quality indices, cost, and sustainability initiatives.Drive innovation in agronomic systems, utilizing research & development (R&D) and technology to enhance business intelligence, data analysis, and forecasting.Oversee, continuously update, and improve our client's programs.Optimize the cost of regional inputs purchases.Foster partnerships with external stakeholders including industry bodies, farmers, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance our client's programs across the region.Lead and mentor regional agronomy teams, ensuring they are trained in the latest agronomic techniques and sustainability, equipped to address local challenges in collaboration with the relevant global functions.Manage budgets, resource allocation, and logistics related to agronomy and production operations across the three countries.Establish and monitor KPIs, conduct regular performance reviews, and provide feedback to management to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.Ensure effective farmer and community members training in line with the corporate programs and goals.Ensure all agronomic activities comply with environmental and human rights regulations and corporate policies to reach compliance and support the improvement of sustainable agricultural practices.Promote sustainable environmental practices such as reduced chemical usage, collection and disposal of empty chemical containers, efficient curing fuel, and reforestation initiatives.Promote sustainable farmers and workers-oriented initiatives such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for chemicals spraying and Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS), enhancement of livelihoods, complementary crops, and fair labor practices.Lead efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change, soil erosion, water scarcity, and human rights violations, promoting resilience in farming systems across the region.Ensure effective farm data collection and monitoring system to support the development of the corporate risk management system and reporting, in line with the due diligence cycle.Ensure implementation of Community Support Programs, in line with the findings from the data collection and monitoring systems in the field operations.Support the implementation of sustainability studies, assessments, and innovative initiatives in field operations.Stay informed of global and regional agricultural trends to keep the organization ahead of market, environmental, and human rights shifts.Skills:Proven ability to lead large, diverse teams and manage cross-border projects.Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.Strong computer literacy skills.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, commerce, or related field.8+ years of experience in agronomy, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role.Experience working in African agricultural contexts and a strong understanding of regional agronomic landscapes.In-depth knowledge of agronomic practices, sustainable agriculture, and tobacco production.Proficiency in data-driven agricultural systems and technologies is a plus.Proficiency in languages spoken across the region.
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