Sustainable Agriculture Innovation Lead

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• Initially, conduct a wide scan of input and practice alternatives through desk research, key informant interviews, available performance data, supplier conversations, current product adopters, etc. Regular market scans will become an ongoing practice. • Create a prioritization framework based on factors like mechanism of action, cost, yield impact, profitability impact, quality of evidence, farmer feasibility, logistical feasibility, supply chain stability, etc. • Work with R&D leads and other stakeholders to design our “alternatives” strategy. Considering the logical & efficient sequence in which to tackle different questions; the sorts of trials we need to do, and in what order; and the optimal sequencing and prioritization. • Translate the strategy into an action plan, and ensure that we meet our targets in all areas including agricultural research, government relations, supplier engagement, logistics, and supply chain, etc. • Support R&D leads to ensure high-quality trial design, execution, analysis, and dissemination of results. • As appropriate, work with specific input suppliers to refine their products to specifications that work for smallholder farmers in SSA. You may suggest trials, propose new formulations, address supply chain constraints, etc., to improve product development. • Proactively engage suppliers to expedite research, helping them demonstrate efficacy and achieve product registration. • Relevant academic background in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Nutrition, Microbiology, Agroecology, or a related field. • Experience developing and/or managing farm system transition pathways. You will ideally bring consideration of diverse cropping systems, sustainable plant protection, nutrient cycling, and integrated soil fertility management, as well as an ability to model the productivity and financial impact of changes. • Familiarity with the latest advances in sustainable plant nutrition – particularly biological solutions – and soil science. This includes the latest scientific understanding as well as knowledge of promising products, services, and practices. • Familiarity with agricultural research (e.g., experimental design, analysis, interpretation of results). Robust experimental analysis capabilities are a plus. • Strong project management skills and experience leading complex initiatives with diverse stakeholders. • Experience navigating agricultural regulatory or product registration pathways in Sub-Saharan Africa is a plus.