Farm Consultant / Manager

Position Title : Farm Consultant / Manager – Commercial Onion Production

Reporting to : Farm Director

Contract Duration : Initial 12-month contract, with a 3-month probationary period. Renewable based on performance.

1.0 Background and Introduction

Quasar Farms is a start-up agricultural enterprise establishing an initial 2-hectare (to be scaled up to 10 Ha) commercial farm dedicated to the intensive production of high-quality onions. The farm will utilize modern drip irrigation and best agronomic practices to supply wholesale and retail markets in Lusaka.

To ensure the successful establishment and profitable operation of the farm, we are seeking to engage a highly motivated and experienced individual to act as either a technical consultant or a hands-on manager. This role is critical for translating the business plan into a successful field operation.

2.0 Objective of the Assignment

The primary objective of this role is to provide the technical expertise and operational management required to establish the 2-hectare onion farm and manage its first two production cycles efficiently and profitably, achieving the yield and quality targets set out in the business plan.

3.0 Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities

The role is divided into three distinct phases with corresponding responsibilities :

Phase 1 : Farm Establishment & Setup (Months 1-3 – Consultancy Focus)

Site Validation : Conduct a technical assessment of the 2-hectare site to confirm soil suitability and layout for optimal production.

Infrastructure Oversight : Directly supervise and provide technical guidance during critical infrastructure development, including :

Installation and commissioning of the drip irrigation system.

Construction of the curing shed and basic storage facilities.

Operational Planning : Develop a detailed, practical 12-month farm operations calendar, including a comprehensive crop budget for the first growing cycle.

Input Sourcing : Identify and secure reliable, cost-effective local suppliers for all essential inputs, including certified hybrid seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection chemicals.

Staffing : Assist the owner in recruiting, training, and managing the initial team of permanent farm hands.

Phase 2 : Production & Crop Management (Months 4-12 – Management Focus)

Day-to-Day Operations

Irrigation & Nutrition Management

Integrated Pest & Disease Management

Labour Management :

Record Keeping : Maintain accurate farm records, including input application logs, labour costs, rainfall, and weekly crop health reports.

Phase 3 : Harvest, Post-Harvest, and Sales Support

Harvest Management

Curing and Grading

Market Linkage Support

4.0 Key Deliverables

The Consultant / Manager will be expected to deliver the following :

Inception Report (End of Month 1) : A detailed work plan, a finalized crop budget for the first cycle, and a list of recommended input suppliers.

Weekly Progress Reports : A brief email update to the Farm Owner detailing activities performed, challenges encountered, and plans for the upcoming week.

Input & Stock Records : A clear and updated log of all farm inputs and their usage.

End-of-Cycle Report (After each harvest) : A comprehensive report detailing the full production cycle, including total yield, cost analysis, profitability, challenges, and recommendations for the next cycle.

5.0 Qualifications and Experience

Education : Minimum of a Diploma in Agriculture or a related field.

Experience :

3-5 years of hands-on experience in commercial vegetable production.

Proven, practical experience with irrigated onion production is highly desired.

Demonstrable experience in managing drip irrigation and fertigation systems.

Experience in supervising and managing farm labour.

Skills :

Strong technical knowledge of onion agronomy, including pest and disease identification and management.

Basic financial literacy for budget management and record keeping.

Must be able to operate effectively in a rural setting.

6.0 Remuneration

A competitive monthly salary / consultancy fee will be offered, commensurate with experience. The compensation package includes a performance-based bonus tied to achieving pre-agreed yield and profitability targets.