Rwanda National Performance Trial Specialist (Fixed-Term)

One Acre Fund is a nonprofit organization that supplies smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa with the farm inputs, financing, training, and market access they need to grow more food and earn more income. Operating across nine countries including Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the organization works with millions of farming families who rely on small, rain-fed plots of land as their primary source of livelihood. By delivering quality seeds, fertilizer, and agricultural services directly to rural farmers, One Acre Fund reports helping clients achieve approximately 45% more farm income on the same land area. One Acre Fund's sustainability and climate mission is embedded throughout its programs. The organization focuses on climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, including agroforestry and tree-planting initiatives, financing and insurance products to help farmers weather climate-related shocks, and innovation in climate-resilient agricultural practices. These efforts are designed to strengthen the long-term resilience of smallholder farmers who are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, while also contributing to carbon sequestration and reduced agricultural emissions across the continent. What distinguishes One Acre Fund is its last-mile delivery model, which brings bundled services directly to farmers in remote rural areas, combined with a rigorous impact measurement methodology including social return on investment analysis. The organization also prioritizes gender-smart agriculture, with women comprising more than 50% of its client base, and maintains a strong commitment to evidence-based programming and transparent reporting on outcomes.

About One Acre Fund

Founded in 2006, One Acre Fund equips 5.5 million smallholder farmers to make their farms more productive. Across nine countries that together are home to two-thirds of Africa's farmers, we provide high-quality farm supplies, tree seedlings, accessible credit, modern agronomic training, and a wide range of other agricultural services. On average, this model enables any farmer to increase their income and assets on supported land by more than 35 percent, while permanently improving their resilience. This is all made possible by our team of 9,000+ full-time staff, drawn from diverse backgrounds and professions. To learn more, please see our Why Work Here blog post.

Our Rwanda program, founded in 2007, is our largest and operates under the local brand Tubura. We have more than 3,000 staff across all four provinces of Rwanda, as well as in Kigali. Together, we served more than 2.8 million farmers in 2024. We work closely with the government to support national efforts to improve food security. Additionally, we help channel funding and resources to promising agri-SMEs, supporting farmers by providing a market for high-impact crops such as coffee, avocado, and chilli.

About the Role

We are seeking a National Performance Trial Specialist to lead National Performance Trials (NPTs), ensuring scientific integrity through robust trial design and statistical analysis while building capacity by teaching and mentoring STB trainees.

Responsibilities

Lead National Performance Trial Design & Execution

• Design and implement high-quality National Performance Trials (NPTs), ensuring scientifically robust experimental designs and field protocols.
• Oversee trial implementation from planting through harvest, working closely with field teams to ensure accurate data collection and adherence to research standards.
• Maintain compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), institutional guidelines, and international research best practices.

Deliver Advanced Data Analysis & Research Insights

• Develop standardized data collection tools and quality assurance protocols for research teams.
• Analyze complex trial data using statistical software to generate reliable insights and recommendations.
• Create clear data visualizations, dashboards, and technical outputs that support evidence-based decision-making.

Build Research Capacity & Technical Expertise

• Deliver training on experimental design, data management, and statistical analysis within the Seed Technology & Business (STB) Program.
• Mentor trainees and provide technical guidance on research proposals, trial design, and data interpretation.
• Promote best practices in agricultural research and strengthen the technical capacity of field and research teams.

Communicate Research Findings & Support Innovation

• Prepare high-quality technical reports, presentations, and research briefs for internal and external stakeholders.
• Translate scientific findings into practical recommendations for seed production, variety evaluation, and industry partners.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve research tools, data systems, and operational processes.

Drive Continuous Improvement in Research Quality

• Identify opportunities to strengthen trial methodologies, data quality, and analytical approaches.
• Support the adoption of digital tools and innovative solutions that improve research efficiency and decision-making.
• Contribute to advancing national seed research and variety evaluation through continuous learning and scientific excellence.

Career Growth and Development

We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You’ll have weekly check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months, and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You’ll have the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term career.

Qualifications

Across all roles, these are the general qualifications we look for. For this role specifically, you will have:

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, Statistics, Biometry, Agronomy, Seed Science, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in agricultural research, trial management, or applied statistical analysis.
• Experience with agricultural research reporting and data analysis is a strong advantage.
• Advanced analytical skills with experience using statistical software such as R, Genstat, SAS, STATA, or similar.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple research activities simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of experimental design, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and data quality assurance.
• Fluency in Kinyarwanda and English.

Preferred Start Date

As soon as possible

Job Location

Bugesera, Rwanda

Benefits

Health insurance, housing, and comprehensive benefits.

Contract Duration

2 years, renewable with a high chance based on good performance.

Eligibility

This role is only open to citizens or permanent residents of Rwanda.

Application Deadline

07 November 2026. Please note that we hire on a rolling basis which means that applications are reviewed and processed on a continuous basis until a hire is made.

One Acre Fund never asks candidates to pay any money or pay for tests at any stage of the interview process. Official One Acre Fund emails will always arrive from an @oneacrefund.org address. Please report any suspicious communication here ([email protected]), but do not send applications or application materials to this email address.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), and anti-racism are deeply connected to our organization’s mission and purpose. One Acre Fund aspires to build a culture where all staff feel consistently valued, represented, and connected – so that our team can thrive as professionals, and achieve exceptional impact for the farmers we serve.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.