Background

Volunteers for Sustainable Development in Africa (VOSIEDA), founded in 2001, is a non-profit organization based in Liberia. It operates in Liberia and neighboring countries of the Mano River Union Basin, including Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone. VOSIEDA’s mission is to promote regional prosperity, reduce extreme poverty, and enhance peace and stability in West Africa. The organization envisions communities prioritizing environmental stewardship and upholding justice and human dignity. VOSIEDA focuses on six program areas: smart agriculture for food security, ecosystem conservation, gender equality and women’s empowerment, business development, democratic governance, capacity building for civil society, and partnerships with the private sector for sustainable development.

VOSIEDA seeks a self-motivated agronomist to advance its mission. The role requires expertise in crop care and research to enhance growth, improve production quality, and optimize disease management. The agronomist will liaise between farmers, Ministry of Agriculture agronomists, and the VOSIEDA team, with a focus on crop management and soil and water conservation. Responsibilities include conducting experiments, training field extensionists and farmers, and managing field projects. The successful candidate will focus on technical support, capacity building, and policy advisory services to enhance climate resilience, ensure food security, and promote sustainable development.

Core Responsibilities

1. Provide technical advice and leadership on climate-smart crop production, crop protection, and improved agronomic practices, including small-scale irrigation and high-value crop promotion.
2. Design, implement, and monitor sustainable agricultural interventions that enhance productivity while conserving natural resources and biodiversity in VOSIEDA interventions.
3. Develop and deliver training programs and materials for farmers, extension workers, and local government staff on improved agronomic techniques and climate adaptation strategies.
4. Support the establishment and management of demonstration plots and farmer field schools to showcase best practices and new technologies.
5. Conduct value chain analysis and contribute to strategy development for inclusive and sustainable agricultural systems.
6. Facilitate partnerships and collaborations with research organizations, government agencies, and other NGOs to scale up successful interventions and leverage resources.
7. Participate in project planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation, including data collection, analysis, and reporting on project outcomes and lessons learned.
8. Promote integrated approaches to pest and disease management, soil fertility improvement, and sustainable land management.
9. Document and disseminate best practices, innovations, and success stories to inform policy and practice.
10. Support the development of business cases for sustainable agriculture, including market access and access to finance for smallholder farmers.
11. Others: Perform other functions as may be required from time to time.

Qualifications & Skills

Candidates are required to possess a bachelor’s degree in agronomy, agroforestry, agriculture, or a related discipline from an accredited institution, along with a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible work experience. A master’s degree in fields such as plant genetics, biochemistry, or soil science is considered advantageous. Agronomists must demonstrate physical capability to travel to and assess farms in diverse rural environments in Liberia, which includes the ability to bend, kneel, and carry light loads. Additionally, strong communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills are essential for this role.

Reporting and Relationships

The Agronomist directly reports to the Resident Program Director, with copies to the Finance Manager and the Team Leader.

Other Competencies

The Agronomist must demonstrate outstanding written and verbal communication skills, coupled with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and a variety of IT platforms. A keen attention to detail is essential, as is the ability to thrive both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Key personal attributes include unwavering integrity, a genuine passion for the assignments, and a steadfast commitment to teamwork.

How To Apply

Candidates must submit a motivation letter, updated CV, academic credentials, and three reference letters via email to info@vosieda.org by June 19, 2025. Include the position and your name in the email subject line. False information will result in disqualification, and incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.