Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
Are you passionate about making a difference in maternal and child health through sustainable agriculture? Do you have experience working with rural farming communities? Are you motivated to help transform lives at the grassroots level? The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in collaboration with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) invites qualified individuals to apply for the following position as part of the Mama Shamba Maisha Study.
This five-year research study explores how an innovative agricultural intervention can improve the health of pregnant women, pregnancy outcomes, and infant development. The study involves following enrolled women from early pregnancy through the first year after delivery and focuses on using farming as a sustainable tool for improving household nutrition and resilience.
We are currently seeking proactive and dedicated individuals to join our team as:
POSITION: Farm Trainers (4 Positions)
Job Grade: KMR 10
Location: Migori County (residency in Rongo or Suna East/West Sub-counties required)
Reporting To: Agricultural Trainer
Duration: One (1) year contract, renewable subject to availability of funds
Job Summary
The Farm Trainers will play a key role in delivering practical agricultural training and support to study participants. They will be responsible for the development and management of the demonstration farms and training sessions designed to promote sustainable farming techniques. This role is integral in linking the agricultural component of the study with its broader health and development outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct group and individual training sessions on agricultural best practices to enrolled study participants.
- Develop and maintain the Mama Shamba Maisha model farm used for practical demonstrations.
- Set up and manage demonstration plots within the demo farm to support hands-on learning.
- Track the productivity and performance of the model farm through detailed record-keeping.
- Engage in continuous farm-based discussions and consultations with study participants to support the adoption of techniques taught.
- Assist in the adoption and implementation of sustainable farming practices, including soil and water conservation, pest management, and vegetable production.
- Foster relationships with community members, including farmers, local leaders, and sub-county agricultural extension officers.
- Support the Agriculture Training Coordinator in logistics related to the pick-up and distribution of agricultural inputs.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and organized documentation of all training activities.
- Provide regular written reports to the study leadership and support monitoring and evaluation efforts.
- Participate in other study-related tasks as assigned by the leadership team.
Person Specifications and Experience
- Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or equivalent.
- A minimum of four (4) years’ hands-on experience in practical farming or agricultural extension work, ideally with rural or smallholder farmers.
- Knowledge of farming techniques relevant to rural Kenyan settings, including soil and water conservation, composting, integrated pest management, and small-scale vegetable production.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex agricultural concepts in a simple, clear, and culturally appropriate manner.
- Certification in general agriculture or equivalent experience in community-based training or agricultural outreach is an added advantage.
- Experience working with vulnerable groups such as women, youth, or farming cooperatives is desirable.
- Ability to speak local languages (e.g., Dholuo or Kiswahili) is an added advantage.
- Residency in Migori County (Rongo, Suna East or West) is mandatory for the duration of the study.
Desirable Qualities
- Excellent interpersonal and team collaboration skills.
- Respectful and sensitive to diverse backgrounds, cultures, and literacy levels.
- A genuine passion for farming and promoting agricultural transformation.
- Reliable, self-driven, and organized with strong reporting skills.
- Capacity to work independently in field environments with minimal supervision.
Terms of Employment
This is a one-year renewable contract based on performance and availability of funding. The position will be subject to a three (3) month probationary period.
Salary is negotiable and will be aligned with the KEMRI scheme of service, based on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competence.
Why Join Us?
Working with KEMRI on the Mama Shamba Maisha Study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a transformative research initiative that combines public health and agriculture to address real-life challenges faced by rural communities. You’ll be part of a motivated and multidisciplinary team committed to generating solutions that promote maternal and child health, economic resilience, and food security.
