Rwanda Agroforestry Cropping Systems Research Agronomist Senior Associate (Renewable) at One Acre Fund. Adegree in Agronomy, Agroforestry, Soil Science, Agroecology, Plant Physiology, or a related agricultural field.

Rwanda Agroforestry Cropping Systems Research Agronomist Senior Associate (Renewable) at One Acre Fund

Organization: One Acre Fund

Position: Rwanda Agroforestry Cropping Systems Research Agronomist Senior Associate (Renewable)

Number of Positions: 1

Location: Rubengera, Rwanda

Contract Duration: 2 Years (Renewable)

Application Deadline: 13 August 2026

Employment Type: Full-time

About One Acre Fund

Founded in 2006, One Acre Fund empowers over 5.5 million smallholder farmers across nine African countries by providing high-quality farm inputs, accessible credit, tree seedlings, agricultural training, and other services that improve productivity and livelihoods.

In Rwanda, where the organization operates under the Tubura brand, One Acre Fund has been serving farmers since 2007. With more than 3,000 staff across the country, the organization supports over 2.8 million farmers while working closely with the Government of Rwanda to improve food security and strengthen agricultural value chains.

About the Role

One Acre Fund is seeking an experienced Rwanda Agroforestry Cropping Systems Research Agronomist Senior Associate to lead applied research on integrated annual and perennial cropping systems.

The successful candidate will oversee multidisciplinary research, supervise technical specialists, manage the Soil and Plant Laboratory, and develop innovative, science-based agricultural solutions that improve farmer productivity, soil health, and sustainability.

This position reports to the relevant research leadership team and is based in Rubengera, Rwanda.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead Applied Agricultural Research

- Design and lead multidisciplinary research on cropping and farming systems.

- Develop innovative and scalable farming practices that improve productivity and sustainability.

- Supervise research on plant nutrient management, integrated pest management, and livestock integration.

- Assess the feasibility, adoption potential, risks, and impact of new agricultural technologies and practices.

- Develop robust research methodologies, experimental designs, and impact assessment models.

2. Research Trials & Data Analysis

- Oversee field and station research trials while ensuring high-quality data collection.

- Analyze complex research data and translate findings into practical recommendations.

- Develop decision-support tools and evidence-based extension materials for farmers.

- Produce technical reports and recommendations to support program implementation.

3. Soil & Plant Laboratory Leadership

- Provide strategic leadership for the Soil and Plant Laboratory.

- Ensure laboratory quality standards and operational excellence.

- Introduce new analytical techniques and testing capabilities aligned with research priorities.

- Improve laboratory systems, efficiency, and continuous quality improvement.

4. Partnerships & Technical Leadership

- Build partnerships with research institutions, universities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.

- Represent One Acre Fund in technical meetings, workshops, and research forums.

- Lead staff training, technical workshops, and cross-functional collaboration.

- Drive innovation and strengthen the organization's research capacity.

Career Growth & Development

One Acre Fund offers an outstanding learning environment with:

- Continuous professional development

- Weekly coaching and mentorship

- Regular performance feedback

- Career reviews every six months

- Leadership development opportunities

- Long-term career growth within a mission-driven organization

Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

- A degree in Agronomy, Agroforestry, Soil Science, Agroecology, Plant Physiology, or a related agricultural field.

- Strong technical expertise in designing profitable and sustainable mixed cropping systems.

- Knowledge of agroforestry practices, including syntropic agroforestry principles (an advantage).

- Strong understanding of soil health, nutrient cycling, plant nutrition, and soil fertility management.

- Experience supervising soil laboratory operations and soil analysis techniques.

- Proven experience in agricultural research, soil health, cropping systems, or related technical fields.

- Experience managing multidisciplinary research teams and technical projects.

- Experience collaborating with research institutions and government partners.

- Excellent analytical, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

- Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Employment Details

- Preferred Start Date: As soon as possible

- Job Location: Rubengera, Rwanda

- Contract Duration: 2 Years (Renewable)

- Benefits: Health insurance, housing allowance, and comprehensive employee benefits.

- Work Permit: One Acre Fund can support a work permit for qualified international candidates, although applicants from countries where One Acre Fund operates are preferred.

How to Apply

Submit your application here https://oneacrefund.org/vacancies/rwanda-agroforestry-cropping-systems-research-agronomist-senior-associate-renewable?gh_jid=7929273&gh_src=a8eded6y1us.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before 13 August 2026.

Please note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged as recruitment may close once a suitable candidate is identified.

Important Notice

One Acre Fund does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Official recruitment communication is only sent from email addresses ending with @oneacrefund.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer

One Acre Fund is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The organization welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, marital status, nationality, or other protected characteristics.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.