Zambia Sugar Plc. is a subsidiary of Illovo Sugar Africa (Pty) Ltd Group and is the leading sugar producer in Zambia.  Its main activities are the growing of sugar cane, the production and marketing of sugar and other sugar downstream products.

The Company invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill the position Agronomist in the Agriculture Department.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the position of Agronomist. The position reports to the Optimisation Manager and operates within the Agriculture function.

The successful candidate will be responsible for Providing direction and technical guidance on crop varieties, crop nutrition, crop protection (weed control and Pest & Disease control) and irrigation to ensure long-term optimization of yield and cost of production. Drive implementation of the “Illovo Way in sugar cane production” to ensure Zambia Sugar is the best in-class sugar producer in the Country, working on-site at Zambia Sugar PLC.

Key Performance Areas:

• Implement sustainable agronomic practices with the objective of closing the gap between the actual and the attainable yield potentials for each field on the Nakambala Estate.
• Support adoption and embedding of agreed best practices, frameworks, minimum standards and processes for agronomy.
• Implement and manage sugar cane agronomic trials (fertilizers and crop protection) required by the head of agricultural optimization as part of a continuous productivity initiative.
• Formulate, communicate, and monitor fertilizer, weed control and ripener programmes (including 3rd party contractor management)
• Manage Estate nursery fields, monitor seed quality, and ensure regular disease inspections are carried out.
• Ensure all commercial and nursery fields are timeously surveyed for pests and diseases, and that their infestation levels and recommendations are communicated to the relevant parties.
• Ensure all agronomic data is captured for trend analysis, reporting and decision-making.
• Support agronomic optimisation by adopting new technologies and methods and ensure continuous improvement by implementing best practices and conducting regular system checks.
• Develop new standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) per requirements and ensure performance against agronomy-related SOPs.
• Monitor trends to understand impact of adopted practices and refine practices accordingly.
• Provides agronomic advice to Growers.
• 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 specifications / Requirements areas

• Grade 12 School Certificate
• Bachelor of Science in Agronomy (an MSC would be an added advantage) / Bachelor’s degree in agriculture / Diploma in Agriculture
• 5 years’ experience in sugar cane agriculture
• Research orientated person with experience in agronomic experiments, trial work and evaluation.
• Good business acumen and agricultural expertise, with ability to anticipate, interpret and respond to changes impacting on functional area.