JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT BULIMI

Bulimi is a farmer-centered social enterprise supporting smallholder farmers in Uganda to establish productive and sustainable cocoa farms through best agriculture regenerative practices. Our integrated soil-to-shade model provides farmer registration and training, quality cocoa seedlings, extension services, organic agricultural inputs, agroforestry support, cocoa aggregation and access to reliable markets. Bulimi is operating in Western Uganda with a central hub in Kyenjojo District.

To strengthen our operations and expand our support to farming communities, we invite applications from competent, committed and results-oriented individuals for the following positions:

1. EXTENSION OFFICERS

Number of positions: 5
Duty station: Kyenjojo District, with frequent travel to farming communities
Reports to: Agronomist

Job Purpose

The Extension Officer will mobilize, register, train and support smallholder cocoa farmers participating in Bulimi programmes. They will serve as the primary link between Bulimi and farming communities, ensuring that farmers receive timely information, practical technical guidance and continuous field support.

Key Responsibilities

• Mobilize and sensitize farmers, community leaders and farmer groups about Bulimi Services and Products.
• Identify, screen, register and onboard eligible smallholder farmers.
• Support the formation and strengthening of parish and community-level farmer groups.
• Conduct farmer training sessions and practical field demonstrations.
• Guide farmers on land preparation, cocoa planting, shade management, soil fertility, pruning and general farm maintenance.
• Conduct regular farm visits and monitor the implementation of recommended agricultural practices.
• Identify and report cases of cocoa pests, diseases and other production challenges.
• Maintain accurate farmer profiles, attendance records, farm data and field activity reports.
• Support the distribution and proper use of seedlings, organic fertilizers, organic pesticides and other agricultural inputs.
• Monitor seedling survival rates and farmer compliance with agreed production standards.
• Promote agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture and environmentally responsible farming practices.
• Gather farmer feedback and promptly escalate concerns requiring technical or management attention.
• Support cocoa production forecasting, traceability and aggregation activities.
• Perform any other duties assigned in support of Bulimi’s farmer programmes.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Social Works, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least one year of relevant experience in farmer mobilization, agricultural extension, community development or agribusiness field operations.
• Experience working with smallholder farmers and farmer groups is highly desirable.
• Practical knowledge of cocoa production will be an added advantage.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively within rural communities.
• Ability to use a smartphone, Microsoft Office applications and digital data-collection tools.
• Ability to ride a motorcycle and possession of a valid riding permit will be an added advantage.

Required Competencies

• Strong communication, facilitation and community-mobilization skills.
• Ability to communicate in the local languages spoken in the target communities.
• Good recordkeeping and report-writing skills.
• Integrity, patience, adaptability and respect for farmers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a field-based team.

2. AGRONOMIST

Number of positions: 1
Duty station: Kyenjojo District, with regular field travel
Reports to: Chief Operations Officer

Job Purpose

The Agronomist will provide technical leadership for Bulimi’s cocoa production and farmer-support programmes. The position will oversee farmer training, farm establishment, extension support, soil management, agroforestry, pest and disease management and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement technical guidelines for cocoa farm establishment and management.
• Design farmer-training materials, seasonal training plans and practical demonstration activities.
• Train and supervise Field Officers in the delivery of agricultural extension services.
• Provide technical guidance on planting, spacing, shade management, pruning, soil fertility, irrigation, harvesting and post-harvest handling.
• Develop integrated pest and disease management protocols for cocoa farms and nursery operations.
• Conduct soil, crop and farm assessments and recommend appropriate interventions.
• Promote the safe and effective use of organic fertilizers, soil amendments and organic pest-management products.
• Establish demonstration plots and support farmer learning through practical field sessions.
• Monitor farm performance, seedling survival, plant health and farmer adoption of recommended practices.
• Support research, field trials and the documentation of lessons on cocoa production and climate-smart agriculture.
• Provide technical input into the production and quality assurance of organic manure and other agricultural inputs.
• Work closely with nursery, production, field and aggregation teams to maintain quality across the cocoa value chain.
• Prepare technical reports, production forecasts and recommendations for management.
• Build relationships with research institutions, government extension teams and other agricultural partners.
• Perform any other related duties assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Soil Science or a related field.
• At least three years of relevant professional experience in agronomy, crop production or agricultural extension.
• Practical experience in cocoa production, perennial crops or agroforestry is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of organic agriculture, soil fertility management and integrated pest management.
• Experience supervising field teams and delivering farmer training.
• Membership in a relevant professional body will be an added advantage.

Required Competencies

• Strong technical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate technical information into practical guidance for farmers.
• Leadership, coaching and team-supervision skills.
• Strong planning, reporting and data-analysis abilities.
• Commitment to sustainable agriculture and smallholder farmer development.

3. MARKET ACCESS OFFICER

Number of positions: 1
Duty station: Kyenjojo District, with frequent travel to cocoa-producing communities
Reports to: Chief Operations Officer
Supervises: Store Assistants, Fermentation Workers and other assigned operational staff
Works closely with: Extension Workers, Agronomist, Finance and Admin Team, farmers and transport service providers

Job Purpose

The Market Access Officer will coordinate the purchasing, collection, transportation, receipt, fermentation, storage and quality control of wet and dry cocoa beans purchased from farmers.

The role will ensure that farmers are offered fair and competitive prices, cocoa is efficiently transported from farms and collection points to Bulimi stores, and all cocoa beans meet the required quality standards. The position holder will also provide farmers with practical technical guidance on harvesting, fermentation, drying, storage and other post-harvest practices necessary to preserve cocoa quality.

Key Responsibilities

1. Cocoa Purchasing and Farmer Coordination

• Coordinate the purchase of wet and properly dried cocoa beans from registered farmers and farmer groups.
• Develop cocoa purchasing schedules in collaboration with Field Officers, farmers and community-level farmer groups.
• Verify the source, quantity and quality of cocoa presented for sale before purchase.
• Ensure that cocoa is weighed accurately using verified and properly calibrated weighing equipment.
• Ensure that all cocoa purchases are properly documented and supported by approved purchase records.
• Maintain updated records of farmers, quantities purchased, prices paid, dates of purchase and collection locations.
• Ensure that farmers receive clear information regarding Bulimi’s purchasing procedures, quality requirements and payment arrangements.
• Promote transparent, respectful and professional relationships between Bulimi and participating farmers.
• Coordinate with the Finance and Administration team to facilitate accurate and timely payments to farmers.

2. Market Research and Cocoa Pricing

• Regularly research and monitor local, national and relevant international cocoa market prices.
• Collect market intelligence from farmers, buyers, exporters, processors and other reliable market sources.
• Analyse prevailing farm-gate prices, transportation costs, quality premiums and market trends.
• Recommend fair and competitive purchasing prices for wet and dry cocoa beans.
• Communicate approved purchasing prices clearly and consistently to farmers, Field Officers and purchasing teams.
• Advise management on cocoa price movements, supply trends and potential purchasing risks.
• Ensure that Bulimi remains competitive while maintaining sustainable operating margins and fair value for farmers.
• Maintain accurate records of historical prices and prepare regular market-price reports for management decision-making.

3. Cocoa Collection and Transportation

• Plan and coordinate the collection of cocoa from individual farms, farmer groups and designated community collection points.
• Work closely with Field Officers to identify cocoa that is ready for collection and estimate expected volumes.
• Develop practical collection routes and transportation schedules to ensure timely movement of cocoa.
• Coordinate vehicles, motorcycles, collection containers and other logistical requirements.
• Ensure that wet cocoa beans are transported promptly to the fermentation facility to prevent deterioration and loss of quality.
• Ensure that dry cocoa beans are transported under appropriate conditions that protect them from moisture, contamination, damage and loss.
• Verify quantities at the point of collection and again upon arrival at Bulimi stores.
• Monitor transportation costs, delivery timelines and losses occurring during collection and transportation.
• Investigate and report any discrepancies between quantities collected from farmers and quantities received at the stores.
• Ensure the safe and hygienic handling of cocoa during loading, transportation and offloading.

4. Fermentation and Post-Harvest Management

• Supervise the receipt, sorting and preparation of wet cocoa beans for fermentation.
• Ensure that wet beans from different sources are appropriately identified, recorded and handled.
• Oversee the proper loading and management of fermentation boxes or other approved fermentation systems.
• Monitor fermentation periods, temperatures, turning schedules and other critical quality parameters.
• Ensure that fermentation equipment and facilities are clean, safe and properly maintained.
• Maintain complete batch records for all cocoa undergoing fermentation.
• Coordinate the transfer of fermented cocoa beans to the drying area within the required timeframe.
• Supervise appropriate drying methods to achieve the required moisture level and product quality.
• Ensure that cocoa beans are protected from rain, smoke, foreign matter, animals and other possible sources of contamination.
• Identify and separate under-fermented, over-fermented, mouldy, smoky, germinated, damaged or otherwise defective beans.
• Continuously improve fermentation and drying procedures based on quality results, research findings and market feedback.

5. Cocoa Quality Assurance and Control

• Inspect wet and dry cocoa beans at the farm, collection point, reception area, fermentation facility, drying area and store.
• Establish and enforce clear cocoa quality standards and inspection procedures.
• Assess cocoa for fermentation levels, moisture content, bean size, mould, foreign matter, smoke contamination, insect damage and other defects.
• Conduct or coordinate appropriate quality tests, including cut tests and moisture-content checks.
• Ensure that purchasing decisions and prices reflect the quality of cocoa supplied, in line with approved procedures.
• Reject or appropriately classify cocoa that does not meet the required standards.
• Ensure that quality-approved cocoa is properly graded, bagged, labelled and stored.
• Maintain batch identification and traceability from the farmer or collection point through fermentation, drying, storage and sale.
• Investigate quality-related complaints and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Prepare quality-control reports and advise management on issues affecting cocoa quality.
• Work with the Agronomist and Field Officers to address recurring farm-level and post-harvest quality problems.

6. Farmer Training and Technical Support

• Provide farmers with practical technical support on cocoa harvesting and post-harvest management.
• Train farmers on the identification and harvesting of mature cocoa pods.
• Guide farmers on appropriate pod opening methods and the hygienic handling of wet cocoa beans.
• Train farmers on fermentation, drying, moisture management, sorting, packaging and storage.
• Educate farmers on practices that can cause quality deterioration, including poor fermentation, smoke contamination, over-drying, mold formation and mixing cocoa with foreign materials.
• Conduct practical demonstrations at farms, farmer-group meetings and cocoa collection points.
• Develop simple post-harvest guidance materials in collaboration with the Agronomist and Field Officers.
• Provide feedback to farmers regarding the quality of cocoa supplied and actions required for improvement.
• Promote quality-based production and purchasing systems that reward farmers for supplying better-quality cocoa.
• Document common post-harvest challenges and recommend appropriate training or technical interventions.

7. Stores and Inventory Management

• Supervise the receipt, weighing, grading, bagging, labelling and storage of cocoa beans.
• Maintain accurate stock records for wet cocoa received, cocoa under fermentation, cocoa under drying and dry cocoa in storage.
• Maintain separate records for cocoa based on source, batch, quality grade and processing stage.
• Ensure that all stock movements are supported by properly authorized documentation.
• Conduct daily, weekly and monthly physical stock counts and reconciliations.
• Investigate and report stock losses, weight differences, damage, contamination and other discrepancies.
• Ensure that cocoa stores are clean, dry, secure, properly ventilated and free from pests.
• Ensure that cocoa bags are properly stacked on pallets and protected from floors, walls, water and contamination.
• Monitor moisture levels and storage conditions to prevent mould development and deterioration.
• Maintain the cleanliness, safety and security of fermentation, drying and storage facilities.
• Ensure accountability for weighing scales, moisture meters, fermentation equipment, tarpaulins, pallets, bags and other operational materials.
• Prepare regular stock, procurement, fermentation, quality and distribution reports.

8. Team Supervision and Coordination

• Supervise staff involved in cocoa collection, transportation, fermentation, drying, grading and storage.
• Allocate daily responsibilities and ensure that operational targets are achieved.
• Train staff on cocoa handling, hygiene, quality standards, recordkeeping and workplace safety.
• Work closely with Field Officers to coordinate farmer communication, cocoa availability and collection arrangements.
• Collaborate with the Agronomist to ensure that farmers receive consistent technical advice.
• Coordinate with the Finance and Administration team on purchasing documentation, farmer payments and stock reconciliation.
• Coordinate with transport service providers to ensure timely and cost-effective cocoa collection.
• Promote teamwork, integrity, accountability and respect for farmers throughout the cocoa-purchasing process.

9. Reporting and Compliance

• Prepare daily, weekly and monthly reports on cocoa purchases, prices, quantities, transportation, fermentation, quality and stock balances.
• Maintain accurate purchasing, batch, farmer, payment, quality and inventory records.
• Monitor performance against approved purchasing and aggregation targets.
• Ensure compliance with Bulimi’s procurement, financial, stores, quality and operational procedures.
• Support internal stock reviews, financial reconciliations, audits and quality inspections.
• Report suspected fraud, manipulation of weighing scales, unauthorized purchases, stock losses or other irregularities.
• Ensure that all operations comply with applicable food safety, workplace safety and environmental requirements.
• Perform any other related duties assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Agribusiness, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Procurement and Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Food Science and Technology, Post-Harvest Technology, Business Administration or a related field.
• At least three years of relevant experience in cocoa procurement, agricultural commodity buying, produce aggregation, post-harvest management, warehouse operations or quality assurance.
• Practical knowledge of cocoa harvesting, fermentation, drying, grading, storage and quality control is highly desirable.
• Experience working directly with smallholder farmers, farmer groups and field-based agricultural teams.
• Experience coordinating the transportation and aggregation of agricultural commodities from rural communities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of commodity pricing, market research and purchasing procedures.
• Experience using weighing equipment, moisture meters and other basic quality-control tools.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and digital inventory or procurement systems.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly to farms and community collection points.
• Ability to ride a motorcycle and possession of a valid riding permit will be an added advantage.

Required Competencies

• Strong knowledge of cocoa post-harvest handling and quality requirements.
• Strong purchasing, negotiation and supplier-relationship management skills.
• Ability to analyse market information and recommend competitive farmer prices.
• Excellent planning, logistics and coordination abilities.
• High level of integrity, transparency and accountability.
• Strong inventory control and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to identify quality defects and recommend corrective actions.
• Strong farmer-training, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to supervise operational staff and manage multiple activities simultaneously.
• Strong numerical, analytical and report-writing skills.
• Commitment to fair treatment of farmers and responsible sourcing practices.

Key Performance Indicators

Performance in this position will be assessed against:

• Volume of wet and dry cocoa purchased against approved targets.
• Percentage of cocoa meeting Bulimi’s quality requirements.
• Timeliness of cocoa collection and transportation from farms to Bulimi stores.
• Accuracy of weighing, purchasing, batch and inventory records.
• Percentage reduction in post-harvest losses and rejected cocoa.
• Consistency and quality of cocoa fermentation and drying.
• Stock variance and product loss levels.
• Competitiveness of prices offered to farmers.
• Number of farmers trained in cocoa post-harvest management.
• Farmer satisfaction with purchasing, weighing, pricing and payment processes.
• Compliance with Bulimi’s traceability, quality-control and stores-management procedures.

4. NURSERY BED OPERATIONS OFFICER

Number of positions: 1
Duty station: Kyenjojo District
Reports to: Agronomist

Job Purpose

The Nursery Bed Operations Officer will manage the establishment and day-to-day operation of Bulimi’s cocoa nursery beds, ensuring the timely production and distribution of healthy, high-quality cocoa seedlings and other approved planting materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise the establishment, maintenance and expansion of cocoa nursery beds.
• Prepare nursery production plans based on farmer onboarding and planting targets.
• Coordinate seed sourcing, seed preparation, potting, planting, watering and seedling maintenance.
• Supervise nursery workers and allocate daily assignments.
• Ensure proper preparation and use of potting mixtures, organic manure and approved crop-protection products.
• Monitor seed germination, growth, plant health and seedling survival rates.
• Identify and manage nursery pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies and water-related challenges.
• Maintain proper irrigation, drainage, shading, sanitation and nursery security.
• Grade seedlings and ensure that only healthy, mature and approved seedlings are distributed.
• Maintain accurate records of seeds planted, germination rates, losses, available stock and seedlings distributed.
• Coordinate seedling hardening, loading, transportation and distribution to farmers.
• Ensure that nursery operations comply with environmental, safety and quality requirements.
• Support research and trials relating to cocoa varieties, propagation techniques and nursery-management practices.
• Prepare regular nursery performance and stock reports.
• Ensure proper maintenance and accountability for nursery tools, equipment and materials.
• Perform any other related duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Crop Science, Forestry, Nursery Management or a related field.
• At least two years of practical experience in nursery-bed management, seedling production or crop propagation.
• Experience with cocoa, coffee, forestry or other perennial crop seedlings is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of plant nutrition, irrigation, pest and disease control and nursery hygiene.
• Experience supervising casual or seasonal workers.

Required Competencies

• Strong practical nursery-management and supervisory skills.
• Good planning and production-tracking abilities.
• Attention to plant health and quality standards.
• Strong recordkeeping and reporting skills.
• Ability to work effectively in an outdoor production environment.

5. PRODUCTION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE SUPERVISOR

Number of positions: 1
Duty station: Kyenjojo District
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Job Purpose

The Production and Quality Assurance Supervisor will plan and supervise the production, processing, packaging, storage and distribution of Bulimi’s organic manure and related agricultural inputs. The position will ensure that raw materials, production methods and finished products meet established quality, safety and environmental standards. The role will also coordinate product research, trials and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Develop and implement daily, weekly and monthly organic manure production plans.
• Supervise the collection, receipt, sorting and preparation of production raw materials.
• Oversee material mixing, composting, turning, curing, drying, screening, processing, packaging and labelling.
• Ensure the correct proportions, procedures and processing timelines are followed.
• Allocate duties and supervise production workers and equipment operators.
• Monitor production output, efficiency, material usage, losses and downtime.
• Coordinate with the Stores Supervisor to maintain adequate stocks of raw materials and packaging supplies.
• Ensure that machinery, tools and production facilities are properly used, cleaned and maintained.
• Coordinate the packaging, storage and distribution of finished organic manure and related products.

Quality Assurance and Control

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures for production and quality control.
• Establish product-quality specifications and inspection checkpoints.
• Inspect incoming raw materials and verify that they meet approved standards.
• Collect samples and coordinate laboratory testing for moisture content, nutrient composition, maturity, contamination and other relevant parameters.
• Maintain clear batch numbers, production records and product traceability.
• Identify, isolate and investigate products that do not meet quality requirements.
• Recommend corrective and preventive actions for quality or process failures.
• Monitor packaging accuracy, product weights, labelling and storage conditions.
• Handle and investigate product-quality complaints from farmers, distributors and other customers.
• Prepare production, quality assurance and compliance reports.

Research and Product Development

• Conduct research and practical trials to improve organic manure quality, production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Test appropriate raw-material combinations and processing methods.
• Work with the Agronomist to assess product performance through demonstration plots and farmer field trials.
• Document trial results, lessons and recommendations for product improvement.
• Support the development of new organic soil-improvement and crop-support products.
• Monitor emerging good practices and innovations in organic fertilizer production and sustainable soil management.

Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Enforce workplace health, safety, hygiene and environmental procedures.
• Ensure that production workers use appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Promote responsible waste management, cleanliness and safe handling of raw materials.
• Conduct routine safety inspections and promptly report incidents, hazards and equipment faults.
• Support compliance with applicable production, product-registration and environmental requirements.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher diploma in Industrial Chemistry, Agricultural Engineering, Food Science and Technology, Production Engineering, Soil Science, Agriculture, Environmental Science or a related field.
• At least three years of relevant experience in production, quality assurance, manufacturing, composting, organic fertilizer production or agro-processing.
• Practical knowledge of organic manure production and composting processes is highly desirable.
• Experience in quality-control systems, sampling, laboratory testing and production documentation.
• Demonstrated experience in research, product trials or process improvement.
• Experience supervising production workers and managing machinery will be an added advantage.

Required Competencies

• Strong production-planning and team-supervision skills.
• High attention to product quality, safety and process consistency.
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving abilities.
• Good documentation, data-management and reporting skills.
• Integrity, accountability and commitment to environmental sustainability.

6. FINANCE AND ADMIN OFFICER

Number of positions: 1
Duty station: Kyenjojo District
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Job Purpose

The Finance and Administration Officer will support accurate financial management, administrative coordination, procurement documentation, human resource administration and the smooth day-to-day functioning of Bulimi’s operations.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Support

• Prepare payment vouchers and maintain supporting documentation for financial transactions.
• Record income, expenditure, advances, receivables and other transactions in the approved accounting system.
• Maintain petty cash and prepare regular petty-cash reconciliations.
• Support bank, mobile-money, supplier and customer account reconciliations.
• Maintain organized physical and electronic financial records.
• Support the preparation of budgets, cash-flow forecasts and expenditure reports.
• Track staff advances and ensure timely accountability and retirement.
• Support invoicing, receipting and follow-up of outstanding payments.
• Assist with payroll preparation and the maintenance of staff payment records.
• Support internal reviews, external audits and statutory reporting.
• Ensure that transactions comply with approved budgets, policies and authorization procedures.

Administration Support

• Support procurement processes, including requests for quotations, bid documentation, local purchase orders and supplier records.
• Maintain office supplies, fixed-asset registers and administrative inventory.
• Coordinate office logistics, meetings, travel, accommodation and field activity requirements.
• Support recruitment administration, staff onboarding and maintenance of personnel files.
• Maintain attendance, leave and other basic human resource records.
• Manage correspondence, filing, telephone inquiries and visitor reception.
• Support the preparation of contracts, reports, meeting minutes and official documents.
• Coordinate with field, nursery, stores and production teams to support operational needs.
• Perform any other finance or administrative duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Commerce or a related field.
• At least two years of relevant experience in finance, accounting or office administration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and accounting software.
• Knowledge of bookkeeping, reconciliations, documentation and basic financial controls.
• Progress toward a professional accounting qualification will be an added advantage.
• Experience working in an agribusiness, development organization or start-up environment is desirable.

Required Competencies

• High level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Strong numerical, organizational and administrative skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit their application following this link https://forms.gle/HVefq5dtbhBgfkmn6

1. A 2-paged and updated curriculum vitae.
2. A one-page application or cover letter clearly indicating the position applied for.
3. Copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications attached to the CV.
4. Contact details for at least three professional referees.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bulimi is an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications from qualified women, young professionals, persons with disabilities and candidates from the programme communities are strongly encouraged.

Bulimi does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants should not make any payment to any person claiming to represent Bulimi in exchange for employment or preferential consideration.