Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Lead Hydrangea Enterprises Limited

Hydrangea Enterprises Limited (HYEL) is a private limited company whose business ventures include the provision of bespoke technical and advisory services to development organisations as well as public and private sector entities. HYEL is in the process of recruiting a Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Lead for its Zambia office who, among others, will be required to lead on the tasks below.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Lead will lead efforts in developing and implementing innovative and sustainable agricultural practices as well as technologies. The successful candidate will work closely with local communities, research institutions, and project teams to design, implement, and scale climate smart agriculture interventions that contribute to resilient, equitable food systems and nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

LOCATION

Lusaka with frequent travel to project sites across Zambia and other countries

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the planning, design, and implementation of sustainable agriculture projects and activities;
• Develop and promote innovative agricultural practices and technologies that enhance productivity, climate resilience, sustainability, and improved nutritional outcomes in HYEL operational areas;
• Provide technical support and training to smallholder farmers, extension workers, and project staff on sustainable agricultural practices, including climate-smart agriculture, agroecology, and soil health management;
• Promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture by integrating diversified, nutrient-rich crops, sustainable food production methods, and local food systems into farming practices to improve household food and nutrition security;
• Lead in the development of food systems pathways that are applicable to the Zambian environment;
• Collaborate with stakeholders to design and implement strategies that strengthen local and regional food systems, promote sustainable value chains and reduce post-harvest losses;
• Ensure that sustainable agriculture interventions are aligned with Zambia’s Comprehensive Agricultural Transformation Support Programme (CATSP) and agricultural goals to improve food security, economic development, and environmental conservation while addressing malnutrition;
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector, to promote the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and nutrition-sensitive approaches;
• Conduct research, trials, and demonstrations of new agricultural techniques and inputs, including crop management, pest and disease control, and irrigation systems;
• Monitor and evaluate project progress, and prepare technical reports, case studies, and learning materials;
• Develop proposals for new projects and contribute to resource mobilisation efforts; and,
• Keep abreast of new developments, research, and trends in sustainable agriculture, agronomy, food systems, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

Minimum Qualifications, Experience, and Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, or a related field. A Master’s degree will be an added advantage;
• At least 8 years of experience working in climate smart/ conservation agriculture, agronomy, food systems, or a related field, with a focus on innovation, technology adoption, policy integration, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture;
• Must be registered with the Agricultural Institute of Zambia;
• Strong understanding of sustainable agriculture practices, climate-smart agriculture, agroecology, food systems, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture approaches;
• Experience in working on projects aligned with national agricultural programmes, preferably the Comprehensive Agricultural Transformation Support Programme (CATSP), National Agriculture Investment Plans (NAIPs) or similar frameworks;
• Experience in designing and implementing agricultural projects, including on-farm research, extension, and farmer training programmes;
• Demonstrated experience in conducting field trials, data collection, and analysis;
• Proven ability to engage effectively with smallholder farmers, clusters (producer groups, cooperatives, etc.), communities, and stakeholders;
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and report-writing skills;
• Proficiency in using agricultural software, data management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite; and,
• Willingness to travel to project sites and work in rural settings.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in proposal writing and resource mobilisation;
• Knowledge of project management and monitoring and evaluation frameworks;
• Familiarity with gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches in agriculture and food systems;
• Well-developed and effective organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task and work in a high-pressure environment;
• Previous direct supervisory experience of professional and/or support staff;
• Able to articulate, professionally and communicate in a clear, positive manner;
• Preference will be given to a candidate who has experience working in multicultural and multinational research and project teams;
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills in English; and,
• Fluency in French and other local languages in Zambia will be an added advantage.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

We invite all interested candidates to submit the following documents:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), and a Letter of Motivation outlining how your experience, competencies, professional networks meet the requirements for the role;
• Clearly state your expected remuneration, and advise the notice period that you would need to give your current employers; and,
• The CV, letter of motivation, education qualifications and other documents should be combined into one (1) document when sending.