ABOUT US:

We are an international, inter-governmental, not-for-profit organization that improves people’s lives worldwide by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. Our approach involves putting information, skills and tools into people’s hands.

CABI is the only organisation worldwide that incorporates a dedicated publishing arm and an independent science media organisation alongside conducting its own scientific research and applying practical expertise in digital and other approaches to reach farmers and other stakeholders. Our publications in applied life science – including world-leading databases, books, eBooks, compendia and internet resources – help scientists discover credible and authoritative outputs from around the globe. Our tools add insights to data and help people apply science to real-world problems.

We have over 400 staff based in 16 countries. We have offices in Brazil, China, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, the UK, the USA and Zambia

You can learn more at:www.cabi.org

THE ROLE:

CABI is seeking an experienced agricultural professional to drive the uptake of its open-access decision-support tools, targeting agro-advisory service providers and farmers across Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, and additional African countries. The role will work within CABI’s PlantwisePlus programme which is trying to solve some of the challenges facing smallholder production.

Due to increasing plant health threats, the indiscriminate use of highly toxic plant protection products is affecting product efficacy and human, livestock, and environmental health. Awareness of pesticide risks and knowledge of alternatives to highly hazardous pesticides remain low among smallholder farmers and agro-advisory service providers.

CABI has a range of digital advisory tools designed to support smallholder farmers produce high-quality crops while reducing reliance on highly toxic pesticides. The postholder will be responsible for raising the profile and increasing usage of these tools, particularly the CABI Bio Protection Portal, the Factsheet App, and e-learning courses, using their industry networks and connections with government agencies, Universities, agriculture service providers, and farmers.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Conduct a stakeholder analysis and establish a network with high-profile agricultural organisations at national, international and community level (such as Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), NGOs, Farmer Associations & Cooperatives) that work with agro-advisory service providers, including agro-input dealers, and farmers in India.

• Identify and prioritise organisations to collaborate with on the promotion of the CABI suite of digital advisory tools, especially the CABI Bio Protection Portal and the Crop Sprayer App.

• In collaboration with these organisations, identify appropriate communication channels (e.g. social media, radio, WhatsApp groups, Telegram, village groups, etc.) that could be used to maximise reach to users of the CABI digital advisory tools and which languages should be used.

• Develop a suite of communication materials and tools, for example online and face-to-face training, social media messaging, flyers, posters, video instructional clips, etc., that can be used to send messaging to FPOs and other farmer organisations that are engaged in farmer welfare and education.

• Monitor usage of the CABI digital advisory tools to assess impact of communication events conducted and calculate the return on investment.

• Attend leading national industry events and conferences to give thought-leader presentations promoting use of digital advisory tools that support utilisation of biopesticides and low-toxicity chemicals in a rational manner.

• Recommend biocontrol manufacturers to the CABI Bio Protection Portal project manager for potential partnership, as well as recommendations for private sector sponsors and associates, in order to contribute to sustainability of the portal.

• Use your social media network (LinkedIn and/or Twitter) to raise the profile of CABI’s work and drive engagement with the digital advisory tools.

• Manage the budget and spend of your activities and regularly report performance against targets.

• Own and develop processes for managing the progress of your activities and improve efficiency.

• Communicate regularly with other staff working within the CABI PlantwisePlus programme to ensure awareness and alignment of activities within the broader programme.

ABOUT YOU:

You will be a qualified agricultural specialist with over 5 years’ experience working with and communicating with agro-advisory service providers and farmers in Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, and Zambia. You will understand the principles of marketing products to specialist sectors and be confident in communicating with both highly qualified industry leaders and smallholder farmers. With contacts in the public sector, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and international organizations (e.g., ICRISAT, CIMMYT), who have direct links with FPOs, and a social media following, you will have an established network to begin promoting CABI’s work.You will use your knowledge and experience of agricultural development, scientific research, and stakeholder engagement to drive the use of CABI’s digital tools.

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working and communicating with government agencies, Universities, agro-advisory service providers, farmers, and other stakeholders

• Proven experience in marketing digital tools or products, with a strong understanding of marketing concepts and strategies

• Demonstrated ability to manage and cultivate partnerships with external organizations and stakeholders.

• Knowledge or experience in the agriculture or agribusiness sector is highly desirable

SKILLS

• Ability to work across cultures and geographic boundaries

• Strong team player with excellent technical management and communication skills

• Ability to work on own initiative and meet targets within budget

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey technical concepts to a non-technical audience.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, marketing, digital technology, communications or a related field.

• Fluent spoken and written English. Knowledge of African languages would be advantageous.

REQUIREMENTS

• Available to travel extensively across Africa

ROLE DETAILS:

Grade: HAY Band 5

Contract duration: 1-year fixed-term contract

Reporting to: Head of Programmes Marketing

Direct reports: None

WHAT WE OFFER:

• We aim to recruit and retain passionate people who have the necessary skills, knowledge and commitment to help us achieve our mission. Our benefits are designed to make our lives easier, improve our work-life balance, save money, and safeguard our well-being. They include:

• Competitive salaries.

• 30 days of annual leave, plus public holidays.

• Defined contribution pension scheme with employee contribution.

• A culture committed to being a fully inclusive, enjoyable, and fulfilling place to work.

• An Employee Assistance Programme, with a full calendar of health and well-being initiatives.

• Flexible working options.

• Career development opportunities, including internal promotions, mentoring, and a Development Bursary to visit another CABI center.

• Medical insurance and long service awards.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:

We are a thriving international organisation attracting a diverse range of talented people from around the world. Our staff currently comprises over 30 nationalities and as an equal opportunity’s employer we welcome applications from candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation or marital status. No applicant will be disadvantaged by conditions which cannot be shown to be justified, and selection will be based on merit.

How to apply

To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter via our online recruitment portal at www.cabi.org/careers by 5th May 2026.