Agricultural Trials Lead

The role

This role leads the early stage agricultural research portfolio in Kenya. The person will manage a network of research station hubs across five agroecological zones to ensure trials are scientifically rigorous and operationally efficient.

What you will do

• Execute the phase 1 Ag R&D strategy by translating R&D priorities into trials
• Balance Ag R&D portfolio across various agricultural innovations
• Provide technical leadership over trial design and execution
• Provide hands-on trial management support for field teams
• Establish minimum quality standards for trial processes
• Ensure protocols are implemented consistently across research hubs
• Strengthen data quality through field checks and audits
• Perform data analysis, interpretation of results and write technical reports
• Develop and manage annual budgets for the trials portfolio and research hubs
• Recruit, manage and develop a multidisciplinary trials team

Required qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge in fertilizer alternatives, soil health products and integrated pest management technologies
• MSc with 2-3 years experience in applied agricultural sciences
• Demonstrated experience designing and managing multi-location trials
• Ability to translate research findings into clear innovation recommendations
• High experience in managing research stations, field sites or geographically distributed research operations
• Experience managing research budgets, work plans and operational risks
• Experience working with technology companies, donors, universities, national research organizations or regulatory agencies
• Experience developing or delivering fee-for-service agricultural research
• Demonstrated experience in establishing project management frameworks, station-level KPI tracking, R&D efficiency metrics and status reporting
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing technical teams, including direct reports

Benefits

• Health insurance
• housing
• comprehensive benefits

Before you apply

• This role is only open to citizens or permanent residents of Kenya

About the company

One Acre Fund equips 5.5 million smallholder farmers to make their farms more productive. They provide high-quality farm supplies, tree seedlings, accessible credit, modern agronomic training, and other agricultural services.