VACANCY No. 1
AGRONOMIST
Position Title: Agronomist
Reports to: Operations Manager
Location: Meru Coffee Millers Cooperative Union, Kenya
Job Type: Full-time
Purpose:
- The Agronomist will play a critical role in optimizing coffee production by ensuring the health and productivity of crops through best agronomic practices. The role also entails educating coffee farmers on sustainable farming techniques, developing innovative crop management strategies, and fostering environmental stewardship. The agronomist will supervise extension officers and collaborate with various stakeholders to improve crop yields, soil health, and overall sustainability.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Crop Management
• Ensure optimal crop growth and development through effective seed variety selection, irrigation, fertilization, and pest and disease control.
• Oversee the management of coffee nurseries and raise quality seedlings for distribution to farmers.
- Soil Health & Fertility Management
• Conduct soil analyses to develop and implement soil health management plans.
• Promote sustainable practices such as crop rotations, cover cropping, and conservation tillage to improve soil fertility.
- . Research & Innovation
• Regularly conduct research to develop new farming techniques and technologies aimed at improving crop yields and sustainability.
• Focus on studying plant genetics, developing new crop varieties, and adopting innovative agronomic practices.
- Environmental Stewardship
• Promote sustainable farming by reducing soil erosion, conserving water resources, and minimizing the use of chemical inputs.
• Ensure that all farming practices are environmentally sustainable.
- Farmer Education & Outreach
• Conduct regular training and outreach programs for coffee farmers on sustainable agricultural practices.
• Work closely with community organizations and stakeholders to promote environmentally responsible and economically viable farming methods.
- Data Analysis & Strategy Development
• Analyze data related to crop yields, soil health, and environmental impact using software tools and statistical methods.
• Identify trends and develop strategies to enhance crop productivity and sustainability.
- Training Needs Assessment & Content Development
• Identify training needs for farmers and affiliate cooperatives, developing and implementing relevant training materials.
• Conduct trainings on coffee husbandry, financial management, and gender mainstreaming (youth and women).
- Budget Management
• Participate in budget formulation for the department and ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Monitor and track the department’s budget to ensure proper utilization and accountability.
- Reporting & Documentation
• Produce weekly reports on extension services, seasonal activities, and future projections.
• Analyze nursery and farm sales and stock data, providing weekly updates.
- Supervision & Team Management
• Supervise extension officers, approve weekly programs, and inspect job cards to address any arising issues.
• Conduct performance reviews for extension staff and provide guidance for improvements.
- Stakeholder Engagement
• Collaborate with cooperatives, extension officers, and other stakeholders to support coffee farmers.
• Update the Union website with relevant agricultural information, ensuring accurate and timely communication.
- Miscellaneous
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor as necessary to ensure the effective running of the department.
Qualifications & Experience
The candidate will be required to have the following skills, attributes and competencies;
- Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
- At least 3-5 years of experience in agronomy, preferably within the coffee sector.
- Strong understanding of crop management, soil health, and sustainable agricultural practices.
- Proficiency in data analysis and the use of agricultural software tools.
- Experience in managing teams and supervising field officers.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent communication and training skills, with the ability to engage farmers and stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Knowledge of environmental stewardship and sustainable farming practices.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with minimal supervision.
TO APPLY
Please send your detailed CV and a cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. not later than 15th November 2024. Include the job title in the email subject. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
VACANCY No. 2
NURSERY ATTENDANT
Position Title: Nursery Attendant
Reports to: Agronomist
Location: Meru Coffee Millers Cooperative Union
Job Type: Full-time
Purpose:
- The Nursery Attendant will be responsible for the proper care and management of coffee seedlings, ensuring their healthy growth and development from propagation to sale. This role also involves guiding farmers on best practices, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring nursery operations are efficient, organized, and environmentally friendly
Key Responsibilities
- Coffee Seedling Management
• Grow, weed, water, and care for coffee seedlings, applying recommended nursery management practices to ensure healthy growth.
• Ensure seedlings receive proper nutrition and treatment through regular spraying and soil management.
- Nursery Bed Preparation
• Prepare seedling beds to create optimal ecological conditions for seedling growth, including soil preparation and proper spacing.
- Seedling Transfer
• Transfer seedlings from the propagator to potting bags, ensuring they are ready for sale and transplantation by farmers.
- Grafting
• Graft coffee varieties to develop resilient and high-quality coffee plants. This includes selecting strong rootstock and scion varieties to improve coffee yield and resistance.
- Farmer Advisory & Support
• Provide guidance to farmers on the best planting techniques and care practices for new coffee seedlings to promote healthy crop development.
• Engage with farmers during sales to ensure they understand proper seedling management.
- Record Keeping
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date nursery records, including seedling counts, sales records, and all nursery activities.
- Sales & Reconciliation
• Handle the sale of coffee seedlings, ensuring all transactions are recorded and all sales are banked promptly and accurately
• Perform proper financial reconciliation for all sales activities to ensure accountability
- Custodian of Nursery Assets
• Safeguard all assets under your care, including tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Ensure cost-effective production by minimizing wastage and managing resources efficiently.
- Reporting
• Prepare and submit weekly reports on nursery sales, spraying schedules, seedling health, and attendance.
• Provide detailed updates on stock levels, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
- Nursery Cleanliness & Maintenance
• Maintain a clean and organized nursery environment by scheduling regular cleaning and ensuring proper disposal of waste.
Qualifications & Experience
The candidate will be required to have the following skills, attributes and competencies;
- Certificate/Diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture, or a related field.
- At least 1-2 years of experience working in a nursery, preferably in coffee or horticulture.
- Basic understanding of nursery management practices, including seedling care, watering, and pest control.
- Knowledge of grafting techniques is an added advantage.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong attention to detail and ability to monitor plant health.
- Good communication skills, especially in engaging with farmers.
- Basic record-keeping and financial reconciliation skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
- Knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices is a plus.
TO APPLY
Please send your detailed CV and a cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. not later than 15th November 2024. Include the job title in the email subject. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
VACANCY No. 3
COFFEE CUPPER/PROJECT MANANGER
Position Title: Coffee Cupper / Project Manager
Reports to: CEO
Location: Meru Coffee Millers Cooperative Union
Job Type: Full-time
Purpose:
- The Coffee Cupper/Manager is responsible for evaluating and maintaining the quality of coffee produced by Meru Coffee. The role involves overseeing the cupping process, analyzing coffee samples, providing feedback to farmers, and ensuring high-quality standards from bean selection through roasting and packaging. This role also involves educating farmers and the cooperative team on coffee quality improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- . Coffee Evaluation & Quality Control
• Perform sensory analysis (cupping) of coffee samples to evaluate quality and detect flavor, aroma, acidity, body, and defects.
• Provide clear feedback on coffee quality to farmers and cooperatives, suggesting improvements in cultivation, harvesting, and processing to enhance quality.
• Maintain detailed records of cupping results and communicate regularly with internal teams to ensure high standards are upheld.
- .Coffee Sourcing & Grading
• Work with farmers to source the best coffee beans based on quality, consistency, and market demands.
• Grade coffee beans according to established standards, ensuring alignment with both local and international quality benchmarks.
- .Quality Improvement & Farmer Training
• Train farmers and cooperative members on best practices for coffee cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest processing to improve bean quality.
• Educate the team on cupping protocols and the importance of quality control in every stage of production.
• Conduct quality improvement workshops and collaborate with agronomists to address quality issues from farm to cup.
- .Process Optimization
• Collaborate with production and roasting teams to optimize processes that impact flavor and quality, from drying and milling to roasting.
• Implement systems to track and monitor the quality of beans through various stages of production.
- .Reporting & Documentation
• Keep detailed records of cupping sessions, quality reports, and coffee profiles.
• Prepare and present reports on coffee quality trends, production challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
• Maintain quality-related data for certifications and audits as required.
- . Market Research & Trend Analysis.
• Stay up to date on global coffee market trends and consumer preferences, ensuring that Meru Coffee remains competitive in quality.
• Suggest new coffee varieties or processing methods that align with market trends and customer preferences.
- . Stakeholder Collaboration.
• Work closely with marketing and sales teams to ensure product quality matches consumer expectations.
• Represent Meru Coffee in meetings with buyers, customers, and industry stakeholders to promote the brand’s commitment to quality.
- .Inventory & Stock Control.
• Monitor coffee stock levels and manage inventory to ensure that high-quality coffee is consistently available for sale and distribution.
• Work with supply chain and finance teams to manage costs related to coffee sourcing and grading.
- . Sustainability Practices.
• Promote sustainable coffee farming practices that align with the Union's environmental goals .
• Work with farmers on eco-friendly methods for growing, processing, and packaging coffee to enhance product value.
- . Additional Responsibilities.
• Carry out any other duties as assigned by the Head of Quality Control or General Manager to support the overall growth and success of Meru Coffee.
Qualifications & Experience
The candidate will be required to have the following skills, attributes and competencies;
- Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Food Science, or related field. Certification in Coffee Quality Grading from Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA) or a Q Grader certification is a must.
- Strong knowledge of coffee grading, processing, and production techniques.
- Familiarity with coffee market trends and consumer preferences.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent sensory skills and ability to detect coffee flavors, aromas, and defects.
- Strong attention to detail and record-keeping skills.
- Good communication skills to convey feedback to farmers and stakeholders.
- Ability to train and motivate farmers to implement quality-focused practices.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills to improve production processes.
TO APPLY
Please send your detailed CV and a cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. not later than 15th November 2024. Include the job title in the email subject. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
• Ensure optimal crop growth and development through effective seed variety selection, irrigation, fertilization, and pest and disease control.
• Oversee the management of coffee nurseries and raise quality seedlings for distribution to farmers.
• Conduct soil analyses to develop and implement soil health management plans.
• Promote sustainable practices such as crop rotations, cover cropping, and conservation tillage to improve soil fertility.
• Regularly conduct research to develop new farming techniques and technologies aimed at improving crop yields and sustainability.
• Focus on studying plant genetics, developing new crop varieties, and adopting innovative agronomic practices.
• Promote sustainable farming by reducing soil erosion, conserving water resources, and minimizing the use of chemical inputs.
• Ensure that all farming practices are environmentally sustainable.
• Conduct regular training and outreach programs for coffee farmers on sustainable agricultural practices.
• Work closely with community organizations and stakeholders to promote environmentally responsible and economically viable farming methods.
• Analyze data related to crop yields, soil health, and environmental impact using software tools and statistical methods.
• Identify trends and develop strategies to enhance crop productivity and sustainability.
• Identify training needs for farmers and affiliate cooperatives, developing and implementing relevant training materials.
• Conduct trainings on coffee husbandry, financial management, and gender mainstreaming (youth and women).
• Participate in budget formulation for the department and ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Monitor and track the department’s budget to ensure proper utilization and accountability.
• Produce weekly reports on extension services, seasonal activities, and future projections.
• Analyze nursery and farm sales and stock data, providing weekly updates.
• Supervise extension officers, approve weekly programs, and inspect job cards to address any arising issues.
• Conduct performance reviews for extension staff and provide guidance for improvements.
• Collaborate with cooperatives, extension officers, and other stakeholders to support coffee farmers.
• Update the Union website with relevant agricultural information, ensuring accurate and timely communication.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor as necessary to ensure the effective running of the department.
NURSERY ATTENDANT
Position Title: Nursery AttendantReports to: Agronomist
Location: Meru Coffee Millers Cooperative Union
Job Type: Full-time
Purpose:
- The Nursery Attendant will be responsible for the proper care and management of coffee seedlings, ensuring their healthy growth and development from propagation to sale. This role also involves guiding farmers on best practices, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring nursery operations are efficient, organized, and environmentally friendly
- Coffee Seedling Management
• Grow, weed, water, and care for coffee seedlings, applying recommended nursery management practices to ensure healthy growth.
• Ensure seedlings receive proper nutrition and treatment through regular spraying and soil management.
- Nursery Bed Preparation
• Prepare seedling beds to create optimal ecological conditions for seedling growth, including soil preparation and proper spacing.
- Seedling Transfer
• Transfer seedlings from the propagator to potting bags, ensuring they are ready for sale and transplantation by farmers. - Grafting
• Graft coffee varieties to develop resilient and high-quality coffee plants. This includes selecting strong rootstock and scion varieties to improve coffee yield and resistance.
- Farmer Advisory & Support
• Provide guidance to farmers on the best planting techniques and care practices for new coffee seedlings to promote healthy crop development. • Engage with farmers during sales to ensure they understand proper seedling management.
- Record Keeping
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date nursery records, including seedling counts, sales records, and all nursery activities.
- Sales & Reconciliation
• Handle the sale of coffee seedlings, ensuring all transactions are recorded and all sales are banked promptly and accurately
• Perform proper financial reconciliation for all sales activities to ensure accountability
- Custodian of Nursery Assets
• Safeguard all assets under your care, including tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Ensure cost-effective production by minimizing wastage and managing resources efficiently.
- Reporting
• Prepare and submit weekly reports on nursery sales, spraying schedules, seedling health, and attendance.
• Provide detailed updates on stock levels, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
- Nursery Cleanliness & Maintenance
• Maintain a clean and organized nursery environment by scheduling regular cleaning and ensuring proper disposal of waste.
Qualifications & Experience
The candidate will be required to have the following skills, attributes and competencies;
- Certificate/Diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture, or a related field.
- At least 1-2 years of experience working in a nursery, preferably in coffee or horticulture.
- Basic understanding of nursery management practices, including seedling care, watering, and pest control.
- Knowledge of grafting techniques is an added advantage. Skills & Competencies
- Strong attention to detail and ability to monitor plant health.
- Good communication skills, especially in engaging with farmers.
- Basic record-keeping and financial reconciliation skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
- Knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices is a plus.
TO APPLY
Please send your detailed CV and a cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. not later than 15th November 2024. Include the job title in the email subject. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
VACANCY No. 3
COFFEE CUPPER/PROJECT MANANGER
Position Title: Coffee Cupper / Project Manager
Reports to: CEO
Location: Meru Coffee Millers Cooperative Union
Job Type: Full-time
Purpose:
- The Coffee Cupper/Manager is responsible for evaluating and maintaining the quality of coffee produced by Meru Coffee. The role involves overseeing the cupping process, analyzing coffee samples, providing feedback to farmers, and ensuring high-quality standards from bean selection through roasting and packaging. This role also involves educating farmers and the cooperative team on coffee quality improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- . Coffee Evaluation & Quality Control
• Perform sensory analysis (cupping) of coffee samples to evaluate quality and detect flavor, aroma, acidity, body, and defects.
• Provide clear feedback on coffee quality to farmers and cooperatives, suggesting improvements in cultivation, harvesting, and processing to enhance quality.
• Maintain detailed records of cupping results and communicate regularly with internal teams to ensure high standards are upheld.
- .Coffee Sourcing & Grading
• Work with farmers to source the best coffee beans based on quality, consistency, and market demands.
• Grade coffee beans according to established standards, ensuring alignment with both local and international quality benchmarks.
- .Quality Improvement & Farmer Training
• Train farmers and cooperative members on best practices for coffee cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest processing to improve bean quality.
• Educate the team on cupping protocols and the importance of quality control in every stage of production.
• Conduct quality improvement workshops and collaborate with agronomists to address quality issues from farm to cup.
- .Process Optimization
• Collaborate with production and roasting teams to optimize processes that impact flavor and quality, from drying and milling to roasting.
• Implement systems to track and monitor the quality of beans through various stages of production.
- .Reporting & Documentation
• Keep detailed records of cupping sessions, quality reports, and coffee profiles.
• Prepare and present reports on coffee quality trends, production challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
• Maintain quality-related data for certifications and audits as required.
- . Market Research & Trend Analysis.
• Stay up to date on global coffee market trends and consumer preferences, ensuring that Meru Coffee remains competitive in quality.
• Suggest new coffee varieties or processing methods that align with market trends and customer preferences.
- . Stakeholder Collaboration.
• Work closely with marketing and sales teams to ensure product quality matches consumer expectations.
• Represent Meru Coffee in meetings with buyers, customers, and industry stakeholders to promote the brand’s commitment to quality.
- .Inventory & Stock Control.
• Monitor coffee stock levels and manage inventory to ensure that high-quality coffee is consistently available for sale and distribution.
• Work with supply chain and finance teams to manage costs related to coffee sourcing and grading.
- . Sustainability Practices.
• Promote sustainable coffee farming practices that align with the Union's environmental goals .
• Work with farmers on eco-friendly methods for growing, processing, and packaging coffee to enhance product value.
- . Additional Responsibilities.
• Carry out any other duties as assigned by the Head of Quality Control or General Manager to support the overall growth and success of Meru Coffee.
Qualifications & Experience
The candidate will be required to have the following skills, attributes and competencies;
- Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Food Science, or related field. Certification in Coffee Quality Grading from Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA) or a Q Grader certification is a must.
- Strong knowledge of coffee grading, processing, and production techniques.
- Familiarity with coffee market trends and consumer preferences.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent sensory skills and ability to detect coffee flavors, aromas, and defects.
- Strong attention to detail and record-keeping skills.
- Good communication skills to convey feedback to farmers and stakeholders.
- Ability to train and motivate farmers to implement quality-focused practices.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills to improve production processes.
TO APPLY
Please send your detailed CV and a cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. not later than 15th November 2024. Include the job title in the email subject. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
• Perform sensory analysis (cupping) of coffee samples to evaluate quality and detect flavor, aroma, acidity, body, and defects.
• Provide clear feedback on coffee quality to farmers and cooperatives, suggesting improvements in cultivation, harvesting, and processing to enhance quality.
• Maintain detailed records of cupping results and communicate regularly with internal teams to ensure high standards are upheld.
• Work with farmers to source the best coffee beans based on quality, consistency, and market demands.
• Grade coffee beans according to established standards, ensuring alignment with both local and international quality benchmarks.
• Train farmers and cooperative members on best practices for coffee cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest processing to improve bean quality.
• Educate the team on cupping protocols and the importance of quality control in every stage of production.
• Conduct quality improvement workshops and collaborate with agronomists to address quality issues from farm to cup.
• Collaborate with production and roasting teams to optimize processes that impact flavor and quality, from drying and milling to roasting.
• Implement systems to track and monitor the quality of beans through various stages of production.
• Keep detailed records of cupping sessions, quality reports, and coffee profiles.
• Prepare and present reports on coffee quality trends, production challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
• Maintain quality-related data for certifications and audits as required.
• Stay up to date on global coffee market trends and consumer preferences, ensuring that Meru Coffee remains competitive in quality.
• Suggest new coffee varieties or processing methods that align with market trends and customer preferences.
• Work closely with marketing and sales teams to ensure product quality matches consumer expectations.
• Represent Meru Coffee in meetings with buyers, customers, and industry stakeholders to promote the brand’s commitment to quality.
• Monitor coffee stock levels and manage inventory to ensure that high-quality coffee is consistently available for sale and distribution.
• Work with supply chain and finance teams to manage costs related to coffee sourcing and grading.
• Promote sustainable coffee farming practices that align with the Union's environmental goals .
• Work with farmers on eco-friendly methods for growing, processing, and packaging coffee to enhance product value.
• Carry out any other duties as assigned by the Head of Quality Control or General Manager to support the overall growth and success of Meru Coffee.