Markos PLC is one of Ethiopia’s pioneer and fastest growing agribusiness companies, specializing in the import and distribution of agro-chemicals, high quality vegetable seeds, agricultural tools, veterinary drugs and feed supplements, as well as poultry and beekeeping equipment. The company sources its products from leading manufacturers in the Netherlands, India, Jordan, Belgium, Italy, and China.

Established in 1986, Markos PLC has been serving the Ethiopian agricultural sector for nearly four decades. Through five outlets in Addis Ababa and key regional areas, the company supports both smallholder and commercial farmers by providing technical assistance, field demonstrations, and ongoing advisory services, contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture in Ethiopia.

The Senior Agronomist will be based at the Head Office and will take primary responsibility for driving the sales and market growth of vegetable seeds, while managing and supporting a team of site agronomists working in different regions. The role requires strong technical knowledge in vegetable production, but the main focus is proven experience in selling agricultural inputs, especially vegetable seeds, and converting technical activities into measurable sales. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Sales and marketing (primary focus)

• Market, promote and sell the company’s vegetable seeds as the main product line, and support sales of agro-chemicals and other agricultural inputs. 

• Explore and develop potential customers (commercial farms, private farms, unions, cooperatives, agro-dealers, NGOs and projects) and maintain close professional relationships. 

• Develop and implement annual and monthly agronomic sales and marketing plans that support the company’s overall business plan and sales targets.

• Ensure that all training, demonstrations and technical support activities have clear sales objectives and are followed up with concrete actions to secure orders and repeat business.

Management of site agronomists

• Lead, supervise and coach site agronomists so they function as effective “technical sales agronomists” rather than only technical advisors.

• Prepare clear targets and work plans for each site agronomist (sales, customer visits, demos, field days) and regularly monitor performance.

• Collect, review and consolidate weekly and monthly reports from site agronomists (sales performance, demo status, farmer feedback, competitor activities) and submit summarized reports and recommendations to management.

Technical service, promotion and market development

• Develop and maintain close relations with customers by providing professional agronomic services and practical solutions to their production challenges.

• Plan, establish and coordinate field demonstrations and field days on hybrid vegetable seeds and key agro-chemicals to create awareness and stimulate demand. 

• Arrange and coordinate technical and marketing trainings, and stay updated on market trends and competitor strategies through networking and personal development. 

• Initiate and introduce new techniques and best practices in vegetable production and protection to improve farmers’ productivity and strengthen the company’s image. 

Background of the Job

This position requires a creative and solution-oriented professional who can strengthen the visibility and image of Markos PLC in the vegetable seed market and related agro-inputs. The Senior Agronomist is expected to plan and execute activities that expand the company’s reach in hybrid vegetable seeds and agro-chemicals through training, demonstrations and technical support, creating awareness among farmers and commercial producers that contributes to food security, improved livelihoods and company profitability.

Job Requirements

Minimum education

• Bachelor’s degree in plant science, Horticulture, Agronomy or related fields (MSc is an advantage).

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of proven experience in SALES of agricultural inputs.

• Strong preference for candidates with direct vegetable seed sales experience; additional experience in selling pesticides, fertilizers, and other agricultural input is a strong asset. 

• Previous experience in field extension and crop protection/agro-chemical use is desirable.

Key skills and competencies

• Strong sales orientation, with a clear track record of achieving or exceeding sales targets.

• Good technical knowledge of vegetable production and protection, with the ability to translate this into practical advice for farmers and agro-dealers. 

• Willingness and ability to travel very frequently to rural areas and regional towns.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills to provide a positive experience and work effectively with customers, suppliers and colleagues.

• Experience in managing or coordinating agronomists or field staff is an advantage.

Other knowledge and additional competencies

• Very good working knowledge of ICT technologies (phone, email, internet) and computer applications (e.g. MS Office).

• Fluent written and spoken English and Amharic 

• Knowledge of additional local language(s) is preferable.

Application Deadline

• Application deadline: within 10 working days from the date of this announcement.

How To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates shall submit their non-returnable, recent CV and application letter via email: desta2003@yahoo.com markosplc9@gmail.com.

Please clearly state “Senior Agronomist” in the subject line of your email.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Job Requirements BSc Degree in Plant Science, Horticulture, Agronomy or in a related field of study with relevant work experience How to Apply Submit your application, updated CV and supporting credentials via email: desta2003@yahoo.com \markosplc9@gmail.com