🇳🇬 Job Vacancies @ SAO Group – 6 Positions

SAO Group is one of Africa’s leading Social Impact Investment and Advisory firm operating exclusively in the agriculture sector across Africa, particularly in Nigeria. We are seeking to create positive economic impact and long-term value for private investors from the project planning to commissioning stage executed by carefully selected experts specific to each project and business unit within the Group.

We are a firm with a national and global outlook that focuses on the strategic development of transformational projects that create a sustainable economic impact for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work.

We are recruiting to fill the following positions below:

1.) GIS Expert - Oil Palm Farm
2.) Agricultural Economist
3.) Oil Palm Supervisor
4.) Assistant Oil Palm Manager

Job Title: GIS Expert - Oil Palm Farm

Location: Ore, Ondo
Job Type: Full time

Job Summary

• The GIS Expert will utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to optimize the use of land, boosting productivity, and supporting decision-making for the oil palm farm.
• Spatial data collection, mapping, analysis, and interpretation to improve farm management and sustainability are involved in the job.

Key Responsibilities
GIS Data Collection & Management:

• Acquire, store, and preserve geospatial information on land use, soil status, water availability, and vegetation cover.
• Develop and maintain a GIS database for farm operations.

Mapping & Spatial Analysis:

• Create high-quality maps for plantation planning, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting schedules.
• Perform spatial analysis to identify suitable planting areas and monitor farm expansion.

Land & Environmental Management:

• Conduct soil and topographical analysis to guide land preparation and fertilizer application.
• Assess environmental impacts and ensure sustainable land use practices.

Integration with Farm Operations:

• Work closely with agronomists, engineers, and farm managers to integrate GIS technology into daily operations.
• Provide training to field staff on GIS applications and usage.

Reporting & Decision Support:

• Generate GIS-based reports and recommendations for farm optimization.
• Support management in making data-driven decisions for improved productivity and cost efficiency.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in GIS, Remote Sensing, Geography, Environmental Science, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in GIS applications within the agriculture sector.
• Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, ERDAS Imagine, etc.).
• Experience with drone technology, GPS mapping, and remote sensing techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of oil palm plantation management is an added advantage.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Skills & Competencies:

• Expertise in geospatial data analysis and mapping.
• Strong understanding of soil and crop monitoring techniques.
• Excellent technical report writing and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with machine learning applications in agriculture is a plus.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter to: info@saoagro.com using the job title as the subject of the mail.

Job Title: Agricultural Economist

Location: Ore, Ondo
Job Type: Full time

Job Summary

• The Agricultural Economist conducts economic research and analysis to improve agricultural productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.
• The role involves evaluating market trends, analyzing production costs, and providing data-driven recommendations for strategic decision-making.
• The Agricultural Economist collaborates with various stakeholders to assess policies, pricing strategies, and resource management in the agricultural sector.

Key Responsibilities
Economic Analysis:

• Analyze production costs, market trends, and supply chain dynamics in the agricultural sector.
• Evaluate farm operations to identify efficiency improvement opportunities and optimal resource allocation.

Market Research and Forecasting:

• Conduct market research to understand trends in commodity prices, demand, and competition.
• Forecast agricultural market trends and provide actionable insights.

Policy Evaluation:

• Assess the impact of government policies, trade regulations, and subsidies on agricultural activities.
• Recommend policy adjustments to improve agricultural productivity and profitability.

Financial Planning:

• Analyze investment opportunities and risks for agribusiness projects.
• Develop financial models to assess project viability and profitability.

Project Evaluation:

• Conduct cost-benefit analysis for agricultural projects and initiatives.
• Prepare feasibility studies and provide recommendations on project implementation.

Data Collection and Reporting:

• Collect and analyze agricultural production, financial, and market data.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with farmers, agribusiness firms, policymakers, and research institutions.
• Provide advisory services on market strategies and resource management.

Sustainability Analysis:

• Evaluate the economic and environmental impact of farming practices.
• Recommend sustainable farming techniques and resource management strategies.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Agribusiness, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agricultural economics or related roles.
• Strong analytical skills and knowledge of economic modeling and forecasting.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with agricultural policies, supply chains, and commodity markets.
• Strong analytical skills and knowledge of economic modeling and forecasting.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with agricultural policies, supply chains, and commodity markets.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter to: info@saoagro.com using the job title as the subject of the mail.

Job Title: Oil Palm Supervisor

Location: Ore, Ondo
Job Type: Full time

Job Summary

• The Oil Palm Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of our oil palm plantation, ensuring the efficient and productive cultivation, harvesting, and maintenance of oil palm crops.
• The role requires leadership, attention to detail, and technical expertise in oil palm management to achieve optimal yield and quality.

Key Responsibilities
Operational Supervision:

• Oversee all field activities, including planting, maintenance, pest and disease control, fertilization, and harvesting.
• Ensure proper implementation of agronomic practices and plantation management standards.

Workforce Management:

• Assign tasks to plantation workers and supervise their activities.
• Train and mentor workers on best practices in oil palm cultivation and harvesting.
• Monitor attendance, performance, and productivity of workers.

Crop Management:

• Monitor the growth, health, and yield of oil palm crops.
• Identify and address pest, disease, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Ensure proper application of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.

Harvesting and Production:

• Plan and schedule harvesting activities to ensure timely and efficient operations.
• Ensure proper harvesting techniques to maximize oil extraction and minimize losses.

Record Keeping:

• Maintain accurate records of plantation activities, including labor, fertilizer application, and yield data.
• Prepare reports on plantation performance and submit them to the Plantation Manager.

Resource Management:

• Manage plantation resources, including equipment, tools, and inputs.
• Ensure maintenance and proper storage of farm equipment.

Health and Safety:

• Enforce health and safety protocols for plantation workers.
• Ensure the use of protective gear and adherence to safety guidelines.

Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with environmental and agricultural regulations.
• Implement sustainable agricultural practices in plantation operations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in oil palm plantation management.
• Strong knowledge of oil palm cultivation, pest and disease management, and harvesting practices.
• Leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and report preparation.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter to: info@saoagro.com using the job title as the subject of the mail.

Job Title: Assistant Oil Palm Manager

Location: Ore, Ondo
Job Type: Full time

Job Summary

• The Assistant Oil Palm Manager supports the Oil Palm Manager in overseeing the entire plantation’s operations, ensuring the implementation of best agronomic practices to achieve optimal yield and productivity.
• The role involves supervising daily field operations, coordinating workforce activities, monitoring plantation health, and assisting in strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities
Operational Management:

• Assist in planning, supervising, and coordinating daily plantation activities, including planting, fertilization, weeding, pest control, and harvesting.
• Ensure the effective implementation of standard agronomic practices for oil palm cultivation.

Workforce Coordination:

• Supervise field supervisors and plantation workers to ensure smooth operations.
• Allocate tasks and monitor worker performance to optimize productivity.
• Assist in recruiting, training, and mentoring plantation staff.

Crop Monitoring and Management:

• Monitor crop growth, health, and yield to identify and resolve issues such as pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Recommend and oversee the application of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.

Harvesting and Yield Optimization:

• Assist in planning and executing timely harvesting activities to ensure highquality oil extraction and reduced crop losses.
• Monitor harvest efficiency and suggest process improvements.

Resource Management:

• Ensure the proper use and maintenance of plantation machinery, tools, and other resources.
• Manage procurement and distribution of farming inputs.

Record Keeping and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of plantation operations, including workforce activities, input usage, and yields. Prepare and submit detailed reports to the Oil Palm Manager.

Health, Safety, and Compliance:

• Enforce health and safety protocols on the plantation.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and industry standards.

Budget and Cost Control:

• Assist in budget preparation and ensure costeffective plantation operations.
• Monitor expenses and suggest measures for cost optimization.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• 5+ years of handson experience in oil palm plantation management.
• Strong knowledge of oil palm agronomy, pest and disease control, and harvesting techniques.
• Experience in workforce management and resource allocation.
• Proficiency in recordkeeping, reporting, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with agricultural machinery and inputs.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter to: info@saoagro.com using the job title as the subject of the mail.