Consultant – Agronomy Technician

Job Description

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, post‑harvest handling of seed and table potatoes, and in working directly with farmers on market and business development.

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

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

• Bachelor’s 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.

Benefits

• The consultancy contract will cover a period of 100 days.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.

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