Agronomist (Research) at Kilombero Sugar Company Limited

Provide direction and technical guidance on crop varieties, crop nutrition, crop protection (weed control and Pest + Disease control) and irrigation to ensure long-term optimization of yield and cost of production, drive implementation of the “Illovo Way in sugar cane production” to ensure Illovo is the best-in-class sugar producer in the Country. Ensures compliance to relevant Illovo Ways and agronomic standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement sustainable agronomic practices with the objective of closing the gap between the actual and the attainable yield potentials for each field on each estate
• Support adoption and embedding of agreed best practices, frameworks, minimum standards and processes for agronomy
• Implement and manage sugar cane agronomic trials (fertilizers and crop protection) required by the head of agricultural optimisation as part of a continuous productivity initiative
• Formulate, communicate and monitor fertilizer, weed control and ripener programmes (including 3rd party contractor management)
• Manage Estate nursery fields, monitor seed quality, and ensure regular disease inspections are carried out
• Ensure all commercial and nursery fields are timeously surveyed for pests and diseases, and that their infestation levels and recommendations are communicated to the relevant parties
• Ensure all agronomic data is captured for trend analysis, reporting and decision making
• Support agronomic optimisation by adopting new technologies and methods and ensure continuous improvement by implementing best practices and conducting regular system checks
• Develop new SOPs per requirements and assure performance against agronomy-related SOPs
• Monitor trends to understand impact of adopted practices, and refine practices accordingly
• Provides agronomic advice to Growers
• Promote and adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies and guidelines, including, without limitation, those relating to SHERQ, Competition Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC)

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture / Diploma in Agriculture
• 5 years’ experience in sugar cane agriculture
• Research orientated with experience in agronomic experiments, trial work and evaluation
• Good business acumen and agricultural expertise, with ability to anticipate, interpret and respond to changes impacting on functional area
• A formal business/commercial qualification would be an advantage
• Strong agriculture data analysis skills

Terms of Service: The successful candidates will be engaged on a permanent contract.

All interested candidates, who meet the above requirements, please click here to apply for the position before 31st October 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Kilombero Sugar Company Limited is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.