The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to improve food security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for better and more sustainable use of livestock. ILRI is a CGIAR research centre - part of a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

Key Responsibilities

Crop & Fodder Production Management:

• Develop crop (Napier, Rhodes, sorghum, maize silage, etc.) management strategies, schedules, budgets, and timelines aligned with feed demand.
• Develop improved crop production methods and techniques during planting, cultivation, and harvesting with the aim of improving crop yield and solving problems.
• Optimise yield per acre and forage quality through data-driven practices.
• Supervise field labour and maintain field input/output records.

Research & Soil Management:

• Research and promote agricultural strategies to counter the effects of changes in soil, climate, weather, and damage from pests.
• Visit farms to collect seed, plant, and soil samples for examination and research.
• Test samples for nutritional deficiencies, diseases, or other changes due to adopted farm practices.
• Source, select, and test seeds and seedlings.
• Develop new varieties of crops and hybrids that are more resistant to disease and pests.

Record Keeping & Reporting:

• Keep detailed records regarding farms, crops, and samples.
• Generate reports and present findings to management, clients, or other interested parties.

Training & Extension Support:

• Advise farmers on the most effective and economical ways to maximize crop yields.
• Develop educational materials and training programmes on crop management.
• Conduct training on products and techniques through educational presentations and practical demonstrations.

Collaboration & Integration:

• Liaise with the livestock team to ensure feed availability matches herd needs.
• Support research teams in implementing trials involving fodder and crop systems.

Administrative Duties:

• Carry out other duties as may be assigned by the Senior Manager/Head — Kapiti.

Requirements

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Soil Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience in fodder crop management.
• Experience with silage, hay, and irrigated forage systems.
• Familiarity with integrated livestock-plant systems.
• Knowledge of agricultural production methods and soil science.

Technical Competencies

• Ability to analyse data and provide sound advice.
• Proficiency with computers, especially MS Office and diagnostic scientific software.
• Strong research, decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Awareness of industry trends, technology, and developments.

Leadership & Management Competencies

• Ability to supervise field labour and coordinate field activities.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise, and schedule work.
• Effective collaboration skills for working with livestock teams, researchers, and management.

Key Attributes

• Exceptional active listening and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work on farms while standing, walking, kneeling, and stooping for extended periods.
• Results-oriented and committed to sustainable land management and continuous improvement.

• Develop crop (Napier, Rhodes, sorghum, maize silage, etc.) management strategies, schedules, budgets, and timelines aligned with feed demand.
• Develop improved crop production methods and techniques during planting, cultivation, and harvesting with the aim of improving crop yield and solving problems.
• Optimise yield per acre and forage quality through data-driven practices.
• Supervise field labour and maintain field input/output records.
• Research and promote agricultural strategies to counter the effects of changes in soil, climate, weather, and damage from pests.
• Visit farms to collect seed, plant, and soil samples for examination and research.
• Test samples for nutritional deficiencies, diseases, or other changes due to adopted farm practices.
• Source, select, and test seeds and seedlings.
• Develop new varieties of crops and hybrids that are more resistant to disease and pests.
• Keep detailed records regarding farms, crops, and samples.
• Generate reports and present findings to management, clients, or other interested parties.
• Advise farmers on the most effective and economical ways to maximize crop yields.
• Develop educational materials and training programmes on crop management.
• Conduct training on products and techniques through educational presentations and practical demonstrations.
• Liaise with the livestock team to ensure feed availability matches herd needs.
• Support research teams in implementing trials involving fodder and crop systems.
• Carry out other duties as may be assigned by the Senior Manager/Head — Kapiti.

• Ability to analyse data and provide sound advice.
• Proficiency with computers, especially MS Office and diagnostic scientific software.
• Strong research, decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Awareness of industry trends, technology, and developments.
• Ability to supervise field labour and coordinate field activities.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise, and schedule work.
• Effective collaboration skills for working with livestock teams, researchers, and management.
• Exceptional active listening and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work on farms while standing, walking, kneeling, and stooping for extended periods.
• Results-oriented and committed to sustainable land management and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Soil Science, or a related field.
• Experience with silage, hay, and irrigated forage systems.
• Familiarity with integrated livestock-plant systems.
• Knowledge of agricultural production methods and soil science.