Grower Support Officer at Kilombero Sugar Company Ltd | October 2024

A Grower Support Officer Contributes to and implement Country’s Grower development strategy with a view towards long-term growth, Grower relationship development and optimization, Implement and drive relevant Illovo Agriculture Ways and related standards across Agriculture and Grower development, Ensure implementation of cane production expansion opportunities and projects – both vertical (yield) and horizontal (area).

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adopt and embed best practices, minimum standards, policies, processes, tools, technology and enablers through the relevant Illovo Way and capability development strategy.
• Ensure compliance with group minimum standards and processes for Grower relationships.
• Develop and follow programme for all farm visits and Growers in own extension area, identify gaps and provide advise to Growers.
• Provide technical assistance to Growers, for purposes of improving productivity, enhancing sustainability and profitability, and the development of new areas.
• Monitor cane supply agreements with growers and grower bodies.
• Facilitate days and training sessions to promote best practice sharing and continuous improvement of sugar cane farming.
• Establish and maintain relationships with individual commercial growers, medium-scale and/or small-scale grower bodies.
• Implement ‘fit for purpose’ technology to enable effective cane supply and monitoring.
• Provide input into, monitor and manage grower support budget.
• Input to the department communication plan and address developmental concerns
• Manage grower information database.
• Support engagement with local community, government and industry officials on matters pertaining to sugar cane Agriculture.
• Promote and adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies and guidelines, including, without limitation, those relating to SHERQ, Competition Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC).

Minimum Requirements:

• Diploma in Agriculture/Social Science/Community Development Studies
• 2 or more years previous experience in the cane growing environment
• Knowledge of the Sugar Industry structure, operation and agreement.
• Detailed knowledge of sugar cane production standards
• Sugar cane agronomy
• Cane quality and its effect on the milling operation
• Knowledge of grower structures and systems.

Terms of Service: The successful candidate will be engaged on a permanent contract.

All interested candidates, who meet the above requirements, please apply for the position on or before 30th October 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Kilombero Sugar Company Limited is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people with disability are highly encouraged to apply