Overview
JOB DESCRIPTION
Seed Potato Officer
Reports To: AgribusinessManager
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Type: Full-Time, Onsite
Contract Type: One-Year Fixed Term (Renewable Based on Performance)
Monthly Gross Salary: Kes. 45,000 – Kes. 50,000
About the Role
Our client is a multi-stakeholder, public-private partnership (PPP) organization mandated to coordinate
and promote the development of the potato subsector in Kenya. The organization works to strengthen
the value chain through information gathering, advocacy, policy development, and promotion of best
practices to enhance productivity, quality, and market competitiveness.
Our client is seeking to recruit a highly experienced Seed Potato Specialist with extensive technical and
practical knowledge of potato cultivation, seed production, and the seed industry. The successful
candidate will have a strong field presence, proven leadership in stakeholder engagement, and the ability
to lead initiatives directly in the field to ensure the availability of high-quality seed potatoes nationwide.
Role Purpose
To lead the technical and operational aspects of seed potato production, certification, and
distribution, leveraging deep potato agronomy knowledge and field experience. The officer will be
responsible for engaging with farmers, cooperatives, research institutions, and private sector
partners, providing technical guidance, and leading field-based initiatives to strengthen Kenya’s seed
potato value chain. .
Key Responsibilities
1. Technical Leadership & Field-Based Seed Production
Provide experttechnical guidance on all aspects of potato cultivation, including planting,
weeding, disease management, and harvesting.
Lead and oversee seed production activities in the field, ensuring adherence to quality
standards and certification requirements.
Conduct regular field visits to monitor crop health, pest/disease control, and seed quality
standards.
Stay abreast ofinnovative seed technologies and best practices, promoting their adoption
among seed producers.
2. Stakeholder Engagement & Field Leadership
Act as the technical lead in engagements with farmers, farmer groups, cooperatives, and
private seed companies.
Lead training sessions, field demonstrations, and capacity-building initiatives directly in
the field.
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with research institutions, government
agencies, and private sector stakeholders to promote seed industry growth.
Advocate for the adoption of improved seed varieties and best practices in potato
cultivation.
3. Strategic Reporting & Coordination
Collaborate with the policy department to develop and implement supportive potato
seed policies and regulatory frameworks.
Support potato seed producers in addressing key production and marketing challenges
including pest and disease management, land access and quality assurance, etc
Support the development and implementation of potato seed production plans,
monitoring frameworks, and quality control mechanisms
4. Policy Support & Quality Assurance
Provide expert input into the development of seed policies, standards, and certification
frameworks based on field insights.
Support seed producers in pest and disease management, land access, and quality
control issues.
5. Market & Business Development
Facilitate linkages between seed producers and buyers, ensuring market access and
value chain efficiencies.
Provide technical advice on profitable seed business models, considering planting,
costs, and market demand.
6. Data & Performance Monitoring
Maintain and utilise data systems to track seed-production performance, certification status,
seed lots, sales and distribution channels; use data to drive continuous improvement.
Conduct periodic evaluations of seed-programme outcomes and ensure lessons learnt feed
into future planning.
Qualifications and Experience
Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Seed Science, Horticulture, or a
related field.
Minimum of 4 years’ relevant experience in the seed industry, seed production, or crop
management; preferably in potatoes.
Proven experience working with smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and private sector
partners.
Key Skills and Competencies
Deep technical knowledge of potato cultivation, seed production, and seed
certification processes.
Strong leadership and field management skills.
Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and facilitation skills.
Ability to lead initiatives, demo projects, and field demonstrations.
Strategic thinking with practical, hands-on expertise.
High level of initiative, accountability, and problem-solving skills.
How to Apply
Send your application by 22 nd November 2025 to recruit@cag.co.ke
Subject Line: Seed Potato Officer – [Your Name]
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
