SENIOR AGRONOMIST

Job title: SENIOR AGRONOMIST Location : Kigali, Rwanda Job reference # : 31306 Contract type: Fixed-term contract Language requirements: Proficient in English. Knowledge of Kinyarwanda and/or French is a plus. At Eni , we are looking for a Senior Agronomist within Eni Natural Energies S.p.A. in Kigali , Rwanda . About Eni Natural Energies SpA – Rwanda Branch Eni Natural Energies SpA (ENE) is an integrated energy company with headquarters in Milan, Italy. Its subsidiary, Eni Natural Energies SpA - Rwanda Branch (ENE Rwanda), operates in Rwanda on two main streams of activities: Agri-Business and Carbon Offset. Regarding the Agri-Business, with its seeds multiplication project, ENE Rwanda multiplies seeds of oil crops for export to other ENE geographies in collaboration with the National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA) and Rwandan operating companies. The overall objectives are to increase the quantity and quality of the produced seeds, share ENE's knowledge on oil crops built over previous years and in different African countries, and apply the latest technologies to this agricultural sector. So far, more than 135 tons of castor seeds have been produced and processed in the country over three planting seasons (from September 2023 until March 2025), and the fourth season is starting with a significant scale-up in terms of involved area and investments. The ENE Rwanda Clean Cooking Program is the main company Carbon Offset activity currently ongoing in the country, supporting corporate decarbonization targets. The program aims to distribute up to 500,000 improved cookstoves (ICS) across the country, mainly locally manufactured, to provide direct positive benefits to the involved communities—especially regarding health, reducing pressures on Rwandan forests, enhancing local manufacturing, and creating job opportunities. As of now, more than 10,000 ICS have been distributed in Nyagatare District with the Rwandan NGO Rwanda Women’s Network (RWN), and a new project will kick off before the end of the year. Main responsibilities : Seed production and management, including seed quality management. Selecting suitable crop varieties based on climate and soil conditions. Soil management: assessing soil quality and recommending appropriate land preparation techniques. Monitoring crop performance and identifying potential risks. Implementing sustainable farming techniques, such as crop rotation and integrated pest management. Research and innovation: conducting field trials and experiments to improve oil crop yields. Training and capacity building: providing technical training to farmers, field officers and project staff regarding oil crops and good agricultural practices. Project implementation and monitoring: supervising field operations to ensure compliance with project goals. Sustainability and compliance: ensuring that farming practices align with environmental and regulatory standards. Stakeholder engagement: collaborating with local operating companies and government agencies; coordinating with relevant authorities for agriculture, import-export of seeds, and seed certification/quality assurance, as well as research institutions and agricultural organizations. Skills and experience required : Master's degree in Agricultural Sciences, with a preference for specializations in Tropical Agronomy, Environment and Bioenergy. Qualifications other than those indicated may also be evaluated based on significant experience relevant to the role. Extensive experience in agro-industrial supply chains or farm management, preferably aimed at the energy sectors. Previous experience in Africa or the bioenergy sector is considered a plus. Knowledge of aggregation systems in agriculture with small and large-scale farmers, supply chain management, preparation and organization of sowing campaigns and post-harvest activities. Knowledge of cultivation systems to produce oil crops for bio feedstock, with reference to rotation crops and crops suitable for cultivation in degraded areas not suited to food production. Knowledge of seed production and management, including seed quality management. Knowledge of agricultural regulations and, if possible, reference to renewable energy from biomass, biofuels, certifications and general environmental and social sustainability criteria. Ability to work in a team and coordinate other people. Willingness to travel in or out of the country for field missions. Ability to relate to public entities. Proficient in English. Knowledge of Kinyarwanda and/or French is a plus. Knowledge of agricultural digital solutions, tracking and mapping systems (GIS, Google Earth, etc.) is a plus. Experience in agricultural research trials. Consolidated experience in managing all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) aspects associated with core agricultural activities under own supervision. How to apply : Applications are only accepted through our online application system. Please upload your CV in E