About the Role

Lead integrated research on mixed annual-perennial cropping systems and farming systems while supervising a team of specialists researching plant nutrient management, integrated pest management and livestock integration in order to drive measurable farmer impact. You will manage a diverse team of specialists and oversee the expansion of our Soil and Plant Lab, ensuring high-confidence data supports the journey from initial testing to large-scale implementation.

Responsibilities

Lead Applied Research in Cropping and Farming Systems;

• Supervise related research portfolios Design and lead multidisciplinary research, trials, and modelling to identify high-impact, scalable cropping systems and farming systems
• Co-develop strategies and supervise specialists researching integrated pest management, plant nutrient management and livestock integration.
• Assess feasibility, risks, adoption potential, and impact of new products and practices through rigorous research and analysis.
• Develop scientifically robust methodologies, experimental designs, and impact models to inform strategic decision-making.

Drive High-Quality Trials, Data Insights & Scalable Recommendations

• Oversee trial implementation and data quality across field and station research activities.
• Analyze and synthesis complex datasets into actionable insights, reports, and decision-support tools (DSS) for farmers and operational teams.
• Translate research findings into scalable recommendations, products, and operational interventions.
• Develop extension material based on well-evidenced products, practices and services.

Provide Strategic Leadership for Soil & Plant Laboratory Operations

• Oversee quality, capability, and strategic direction of soil and plant laboratory operations.
• Guide laboratory resourcing, analytical methods, and introduction of new testing capabilities aligned with departmental priorities.
• Ensure strong execution standards, process efficiency, and continuous improvement across lab operations.

Build Strategic Partnerships & Influence Sector Innovation

• Develop and manage collaborations with research institutions, government agencies, and industry partners to strengthen technical capacity and accelerate impact.
• Represent the department in external engagements and contribute to broader sector innovation and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Lead trainings, workshops, and cross-functional collaboration to strengthen organizational capability.
• Drive process improvements, operational planning, and departmental effectiveness.

Career Growth and Development

We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You’ll have weekly check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months, and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You’ll have the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term career.

Qualifications

Across all roles, these are the general qualifications we look for. For this role specifically, you will have:

• Relevant academic background in Agronomy, Agroforestry, Soil Science, Agroecology, Plant Physiology, or a related field.
• Deep technical expertise in design of soil-improving, profitable mixed cropping systems; familiarity with syntropic agroforestry principles considered an advantage.
• Knowledge of nutrient cycling, soil health assessment (biological, chemical, physical) and modern plant nutrient management options.
• Familiarity with and ability to oversee technical direction and quality of soil laboratory operations (e.g. soil analysis techniques, and microbial assays).
• Demonstrated experience in agricultural research, soil health, cropping systems, or related technical areas.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary projects, managing technical teams in complex operational environments and managing collaborations with research institutes is strongly preferred.
• Fluency in English required.

Preferred Start Date

As soon as possible

Job Location

Rubengera, Rwanda

Benefits

Health insurance, housing, and comprehensive benefits

Contract Duration

2 Years (Renewable)

Eligibility

One Acre Fund can support a work permit for this role. However, nationals of (or those with an extensive professional background and work history in) our countries of operation are preferred.

• Supervise related research portfolios Design and lead multidisciplinary research, trials, and modelling to identify high-impact, scalable cropping systems and farming systems
• Co-develop strategies and supervise specialists researching integrated pest management, plant nutrient management and livestock integration.
• Assess feasibility, risks, adoption potential, and impact of new products and practices through rigorous research and analysis.
• Develop scientifically robust methodologies, experimental designs, and impact models to inform strategic decision-making.
• Oversee trial implementation and data quality across field and station research activities.
• Analyze and synthesis complex datasets into actionable insights, reports, and decision-support tools (DSS) for farmers and operational teams.
• Translate research findings into scalable recommendations, products, and operational interventions.
• Develop extension material based on well-evidenced products, practices and services.
• Oversee quality, capability, and strategic direction of soil and plant laboratory operations.
• Guide laboratory resourcing, analytical methods, and introduction of new testing capabilities aligned with departmental priorities.
• Ensure strong execution standards, process efficiency, and continuous improvement across lab operations.
• Develop and manage collaborations with research institutions, government agencies, and industry partners to strengthen technical capacity and accelerate impact.
• Represent the department in external engagements and contribute to broader sector innovation and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Lead trainings, workshops, and cross-functional collaboration to strengthen organizational capability.
• Drive process improvements, operational planning, and departmental effectiveness.

• Agronomy
• Agroforestry
• Soil Science
• Agroecology
• Plant Physiology
• Integrated pest management
• Plant nutrient management
• Livestock integration
• Soil health assessment
• Soil laboratory operations
• Data analysis
• Project management
• Team management
• Collaboration
• Communication
• English fluency

• Relevant academic background in Agronomy, Agroforestry, Soil Science, Agroecology, Plant Physiology, or a related field.
• Deep technical expertise in design of soil-improving, profitable mixed cropping systems; familiarity with syntropic agroforestry principles considered an advantage.
• Knowledge of nutrient cycling, soil health assessment (biological, chemical, physical) and modern plant nutrient management options.
• Familiarity with and ability to oversee technical direction and quality of soil laboratory operations (e.g. soil analysis techniques, and microbial assays).
• Demonstrated experience in agricultural research, soil health, cropping systems, or related technical areas.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary projects, managing technical teams in complex operational environments and managing collaborations with research institutes is strongly preferred.
• Fluency in English required.