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One Acre FundAgricultural Trials Lead (Fixed-Term)
One Acre Fund is seeking an Agricultural Trials Lead for a three-year fixed-term contract based in Nairobi, Kenya. This role is exclusively open to citizens or…
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About This Role
One Acre Fund is seeking an Agricultural Trials Lead for a three-year fixed-term contract based in Nairobi, Kenya. This role is exclusively open to citizens or permanent residents of Kenya. The organization supports millions of smallholder farmers across Africa by supplying farm inputs, credit, agronomic training, and agricultural services to increase their income, assets, and resilience. The Agricultural Trials Lead will head the early-stage agricultural research portfolio in Kenya, directing…
Job Description
One Acre Fund is seeking an Agricultural Trials Lead for a three-year fixed-term contract based in Nairobi, Kenya. This role is exclusively open to citizens or permanent residents of Kenya. The organization supports millions of smallholder farmers across Africa by supplying farm inputs, credit, agronomic training, and agricultural services to increase their income, assets, and resilience.
The Agricultural Trials Lead will head the early-stage agricultural research portfolio in Kenya, directing a network of research station hubs spread across five agroecological zones. Responsibilities involve designing and managing scientifically sound field trials, overseeing data collection and analysis, balancing the research portfolio across innovations like soil health products and fertilizer alternatives, managing operational and financial budgets, and leading a multidisciplinary team.
Ideal candidates will bring expertise in applied agricultural sciences, station management experience, and a strong background in executing multi-location research trials.
Responsibilities
- Execute the phase 1 agricultural research and development strategy through planned trials across diverse agroecological zones
- Design trials, set quality standards, and provide hands-on field management support
- Monitor data quality via field checks, audits, and protocol-compliance assessments
- Perform data analysis, write technical reports, and participate in stage-gate processes
- Manage annual budgets, optimize resource use, and oversee procurement for the trials portfolio and five research hubs
- Recruit, mentor, and direct a multidisciplinary team operating across multiple research stations
Requirements
- Master of Science degree in applied agricultural sciences
- Two to three years of experience in applied agricultural sciences
- Proven background in designing and executing multi-location trials
- Experience managing research stations, field sites, or geographically distributed research operations
- Experience overseeing research budgets, operational risks, and work plans
- Direct experience managing and developing technical teams and direct reports
- Citizenship or permanent residency in Kenya
Qualifications
- Technical knowledge regarding fertilizer alternatives, soil health products, and integrated pest management
- Experience translating research findings into commercialization or scaling recommendations
- Collaboration history with technology companies, donors, universities, national research organizations, or regulatory agencies
- Background in creating or delivering fee-for-service agricultural research
- Experience establishing project management frameworks, station-level KPI tracking, and research efficiency metrics
Core Skills
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Housing
- Comprehensive benefits
- Weekly check-ins, mentorship, and training programs
- Biannual career reviews and goal-setting discussions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
Where is this job located?
This role is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and involves managing research station hubs across five agroecological zones in the country.
What is the employment type and duration?
This is a fixed-term contract position with a duration of three years.
Who is eligible to apply for this position?
This role is open exclusively to citizens or permanent residents of Kenya.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is January 8, 2026, though applications are reviewed and processed on a rolling basis until a hire is made.
What salary is offered for this role?
The posting does not specify the salary for this position.
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