Crop Production Manager Job Vacancy in Voi, Kenya – Agriculture

Job Description

Position: Crop Production Manager

Company: Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)

Location: Voi, Kenya

Experience: 5+ years in crop production management

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or related field

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Agriculture

Department: Agricultural Operations

Salary: SSP 150,000 – 250,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

KALRO is Kenya’s premier research institution dedicated to advancing agricultural productivity, sustainability, and livestock development across the nation. With a network of research stations, laboratories, and extension services, KALRO collaborates with farmers, private sector partners, and international agencies to deliver innovative solutions that boost food security and rural livelihoods. Operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, KALRO’s impact spans from smallholder farms in the highlands to large commercial enterprises in arid regions like Taita‑Taveta, where Voi serves as a strategic hub for agricultural research and development. The organization’s commitment to excellence, scientific rigor, and community empowerment makes it a leading employer for professionals seeking meaningful careers in Kenya Jobs and the broader East African agricultural sector.

Job Overview

The Crop Production Manager will lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of crop production programs at KALRO’s Voi research station. This role involves coordinating field trials, optimizing agronomic practices, and ensuring that research outputs translate into practical, high‑yield solutions for farmers. The manager will work closely with scientists, agronomists, and extension officers to drive innovation in crop management, pest control, and climate‑smart agriculture. For more information about KALRO’s mission and ongoing projects, visit the official website at Kenya Job Search. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence national agricultural policy, contribute to cutting‑edge research, and support sustainable development goals in Kenya.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and oversee field experiments for major staple crops, ensuring adherence to scientific protocols and safety standards.
• Analyze agronomic data, generate reports, and provide actionable recommendations to improve crop yields and resource efficiency.
• Collaborate with research scientists to integrate new varieties, biotechnology, and precision farming tools into production systems.
• Manage a multidisciplinary team of agronomists, technicians, and field staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and performance excellence.
• Coordinate with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners to align research objectives with national agricultural priorities.
• Develop and maintain budgets, procurement plans, and resource allocation schedules for all crop production activities.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, biosecurity measures, and KALRO’s internal quality standards.
• Lead capacity‑building workshops and field days for local farmers, extension officers, and stakeholders.

Required Skills

• Strong expertise in agronomy, crop physiology, and integrated pest management.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as R, Python, or SAS, and experience with GIS mapping.
• Excellent project management and budgeting abilities.
• Effective communication skills for presenting complex scientific information to diverse audiences.
• Leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams in a research or commercial setting.
• Ability to adapt to challenging field conditions and work collaboratively across cultural contexts.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Science, or a closely related discipline is required. A Master’s degree or PhD is highly desirable and will be considered an asset for candidates seeking advanced research leadership roles.

Experience

Minimum of five years of hands‑on experience in crop production management, preferably within research institutions, large‑scale farms, or agribusiness enterprises. Demonstrated success in leading field trials, publishing research findings, and translating science into practical farmer solutions is essential.

Salary

The position offers a competitive salary range of SSP 150,000 to SSP 250,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Additional performance‑based incentives may be provided.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering employee and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Annual leave, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave in line with Kenyan labor law.
• Professional development allowance for conferences, certifications, and training.
• Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Voi.

Training

• On‑boarding program covering KALRO’s research methodologies, safety protocols, and IT systems.
• Continuous learning opportunities through partnerships with international agricultural research centers.
• Leadership and management workshops to enhance supervisory skills.

Working Environment

The role is based at KALRO’s Voi research station, a modern facility equipped with state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, greenhouse complexes, and extensive field plots. Employees enjoy a collaborative atmosphere that blends scientific rigor with practical fieldwork, set against the scenic backdrop of the Taita Hills. The position may require occasional travel to other KALRO stations and stakeholder sites across Kenya.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an online application through the KALRO careers portal, attaching a detailed CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

KALRO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or background. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination.