Agronomist
About AORW-U
The Association of Refugee Women in Uganda is a refugee-led women's rights organization committed to improving livelihoods and food security for refugee and host communities in Nakivale Refugee Settlement. We implement innovative climate-smart agricultural initiatives that promote resilience, sustainability, and inclusive economic opportunities. Our holistic approach combines technical expertise with community empowerment to create lasting change in agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.
Role Purpose
The Agronomist will serve as the technical lead for agricultural interventions aimed at enhancing crop and pasture productivity, supporting goat rearing initiatives, and promoting climate-smart practices among refugee and host households. This role involves providing hands-on technical training, mentorship, and comprehensive monitoring of agricultural activities to ensure sustainable impact and community resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of soil quality, crop conditions, and pasture systems in Nakivale Refugee Settlement to inform program design and interventions
- Provide expert technical guidance on crop production techniques, pasture improvement strategies, and forage species management for optimal livestock nutrition
- Support the establishment and sustainable management of seed banks for pasture grasses, legumes, and vegetable production, ensuring seed quality and availability
- Design and deliver training programs for refugee and host community farmers on climate-smart agriculture, water conservation, irrigation techniques, and post-harvest handling
- Develop and disseminate practical training materials, farmer guides, and extension services tailored to local contexts and literacy levels
- Monitor and evaluate agricultural activities through field visits, farmer surveys, and data collection, documenting progress, challenges, and lessons learned
- Provide technical backstopping for goat production systems, including feed formulation, pasture integration, and animal nutrition management
- Collaborate with community leaders, local government agricultural officers, NGO partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen agricultural extension systems
- Promote climate-resilient practices including agroforestry, soil conservation, water harvesting, and drought-resistant crop varieties
- Support farmer groups and cooperatives in adopting best agricultural practices and accessing markets
- Contribute to proposal development and donor reporting related to agricultural programming
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Crop Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Extension, or related field (Master's degree is an added advantage)
- Minimum of 3 years' hands-on experience in agricultural extension, pasture management, or climate-smart agriculture implementation
- Demonstrated experience working with refugee populations, vulnerable communities, or in humanitarian/development contexts is highly desirable
- Strong knowledge of forage species suitable for East African climates, goat production systems, and seed conservation techniques
- Proven track record in farmer training, facilitation, and community engagement with demonstrated impact
- Experience with participatory approaches, farmer field schools, or demonstration plot methodologies
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in multicultural, diverse team settings
- Experience in M&E of agricultural projects and data-driven decision making
- Willingness to work in rural, remote field locations with basic infrastructure
Required Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to adapt solutions to local contexts
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities in English
- Outstanding training and facilitation skills with experience working with adult learners
- Proficiency in report writing and documentation of agricultural activities and outcomes
- Commitment to gender equity, inclusion, and empowering women farmers
- Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse communities
- Fluency in English (required); knowledge of Runyankole, Kinyarwanda, Swahili, or other local languages is a significant asset
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with farming communities
- Passion for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation
- Results-oriented mindset with attention to detail
What We Offer
- Opportunity to lead meaningful agricultural transformation in refugee communities
- Professional development in climate-smart agriculture and humanitarian programming
- Collaborative work environment with dedicated, mission-driven team
- Field-based role with direct community impact
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
- Opportunity to contribute to research and learning in refugee agricultural systems
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents in a single PDF file:
- • Detailed cover letter explaining your experience in agricultural extension and suitability for this role
- • Current CV/Resume highlighting relevant agricultural experience (maximum 4 pages)
- • Copies of relevant academic certificates and professional certifications
- • Contact information for three professional references, including at least one from agricultural extension work
Send your complete application to:
aorwuganda@gmail.comSubject Line: Application – Agronomist, Nakivale Refugee Settlement
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. AORW-U is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, gender equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from women, refugees, and persons with disabilities.