Consultant Agronomy Technician

International Potato Center - CGIAR

Job Location:

Mchinji - Malawi

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 5 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

The International Potato Center (CIP) is implementing a project with funding from TRADE programme under the ministry of Local Government. TRADE programme is financed by IFAD OPEC Fund for International Development and the Malawi Government. The goal is to increase potato production and productivity and improve market access of smallholder farmers in target districts. The project started on 1^st September 2025 and planned to achieve this through the following objectives: (i) Develop a more effective and sustainable potato seed supply system as a key link in the value chain; (ii) Guarantee adequate availability of clean potato seed of the improved potato varieties demanded by different market segments; (iii) Strengthening production skills of smallholder potato farmers engaged in commercial agriculture; and (iv) Package and disseminate research findings to smallholder farmers through enhanced linkages among farmers extension and research.

To accomplish its deliverables CIP seeks to engage the services of an experienced Agronomy Technician Consultant with proven expertise in field agronomy specifically in seed and table potato production postharvest handling of seed and table potatoes and in working directly with farmers on market and business development.

I. Objective

To support the development of a more effective and sustainable potato seed supply system as a key link in the potato value chain

To guarantee adequate availability of clean potato seed for most improved potato varieties demanded by different market segments

Strengthening production skills of smallholder potato producers engaged in commercial agriculture

To package and disseminate research findings to smallholder farmers through linkages research agricultural extension and farmers

To ensure strengthened communication monitoring evaluation learning and adaptation

II. Deliverables

Prepare a Database of farmers and farmer groups identified mobilized and engaged in potato seed multiplication in Mchinji.

Draft training module demonstration protocol and technical content submitted

Report on demonstration plots of seed varieties established

Training report on private and public extension agents on potato seed production

Technical report on monitoring seed multiplication sites/field and table production of potato

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Agricultural related field.
Experience in Potato seed and table production quality control pest and disease management potato post-harvest handling analytical and communication skills.
5 years experience in crop development working with the farming community.
Skills in potato seed production agronomy and post-harvest technologies.
Fluency in speaking and understanding English and the local language spoken.