Various Positions

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Agricane Malawi Ltd invites applications from suitably qualified and motivated individuals for an Agricultural Research and Innovation Hub in Chikwawa. The Research hub aims to support commercial and smallholder farmers across the Lower Shire Basin through applied low altitude crop research, agronomy, irrigation and extension services. We are seeking suitably qualified candidates for the following positions:-

1. Research Manager

Agricane Malawi Ltd seeks a highly capable Research Manager to lead all research operations at the Innovation Hub.

Key Responsibilities include:-

• Overall management of the research station, including field and administrative personnel
• Develop and manage the annual research plan and budget.
• Oversee all on-station and off-station trials, including community and partner-based research.
• Manage planting, crop husbandry including irrigation, harvesting, data collection, and statistical analysis for all trials.
• Produce professional Summer and Winter Seasonal Research Reports.
• Maintain strong relationships with Government bodies, CGIARs, and private sector partners.
• Host field days, demonstrations, and farmer learning sessions.
• Collaborate with the Training Centre to build broader capacity.
• Manage vehicles, machinery, tools, and irrigation infrastructure safely and professionally.

Key Qualifications:

• Minimum BSc in Agriculture.
• At least 5 years’ experience in commercial agriculture and/or agricultural research.
• Demonstrate any experience in formal release of new crop varieties.
• Strong competence in statistical analysis of randomized trials and ability to train others.
• Practical knowledge of furrow, drip, and pivot irrigation systems.
• Experience with diverse crops in semi-arid African environments.
• Comfortable working in rural settings and engaging with smallholder farmers.
• Clean driver’s license and medically fit.
• Proficiency in local vernacular and familiarity with southern Malawi’s agriculture.

2. Agronomy Supervisor

The Agronomy Supervisor will support the Research Manager by overseeing day-to-day field operations across irrigated and rain-fed research blocks. This role requires a high degree of emphasis on agronomic implementation of trials and demonstration plots.

Key responsibilities include:-

• Implement trial protocols accurately, ensuring plot integrity and data quality.
• Supervise and manage field staff in land preparation, planting, irrigation scheduling, fertilizer application, crop protection, and harvesting.
• Monitor crop performance and report pest, disease, and irrigation issues promptly.
• Maintain irrigation systems in collaboration with technical staff.
• Ensure safe and efficient use of machinery, tools, and field equipment.
• Support field days, demonstrations, and farmer training events.
• Assist with data collection, sample handling, and record keeping.

Key Qualifications:

• Diploma or BSc in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in commercial crop production or research station operations.
• Strong practical knowledge of irrigation systems and crop husbandry.
• Proven experience in managing field teams.
• Ability to follow technical protocols with precision.

3. Extension Coordinator

The Extension Coordinator will lead farmer engagement, training, and knowledge transfer activities for the Innovation Hub. This role bridges research outputs with community adoption and partner programs.

Key responsibilities include:-

• Design and deliver farmer training sessions, field days, and demonstrations.
• Develop extension materials (leaflets, guides, posters, radio scripts).
• Collect field feedback to inform research priorities and adaptive management.
• Maintain strong relationships with local leaders, cooperatives, and stakeholders.

Key qualifications and skills:

• Diploma or BSc in Agriculture, Extension, Rural Development, or related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in agricultural extension or community-based programs.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, especially with smallholder farmers.
• Ability to translate technical information into practical, low-literacy formats.

Interested Candidates should send their applications before April 7^th, 2026 in writing together with a CV and 3 references to:-

Administration Manager

Agricane Malawi Ltd

P.O. Box 86

Nchalo

Email: kaombeadmin@agricane.com