Senior Agricultural Data Scientist Job Vacancy in Mzuzu, Malawi – Agriculture & Agribusiness

Job Description

Position: Senior Agricultural Data Scientist

Company: Nestlé Malawi

Location: Mzuzu, Malawi

Experience: 5+ years in data science, agriculture focus

Education: Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Agricultural Economics or related field

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Agriculture & Agribusiness

Department: Data Analytics

Salary: SSP 2,500,000 – 3,500,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Nestlé Malawi is a leading multinational food and beverage company with a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and community development across the country. Operating for over three decades, Nestlé Malawi partners with local farmers, cooperatives, and research institutions to improve crop yields, promote responsible farming practices, and deliver high‑quality products to consumers. As part of its strategic growth plan, the company is investing heavily in data‑driven solutions to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce waste, and support smallholder farmers. This creates a dynamic environment for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact on Malawi Jobs and the broader agricultural sector. The role offers a unique blend of technical challenge and social responsibility, aligning with Nestlé’s vision of creating shared value for people and the planet.

Job Overview

The Senior Agricultural Data Scientist will lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced analytics models that transform raw agricultural data into actionable insights for Nestlé Malawi’s farming partners. Working closely with agronomists, supply chain managers, and IT teams, you will harness machine learning, predictive modeling, and geospatial analytics to optimize planting schedules, forecast yields, and improve resource allocation. This position plays a pivotal role in Nestlé’s digital agriculture strategy, driving innovation that supports sustainable farming and enhances the company’s competitive edge. For more information about Nestlé Malawi’s digital initiatives, visit https://malawijobsearch.com/.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy predictive models to forecast crop yields, pest outbreaks, and weather impacts across diverse agro‑ecological zones.
• Integrate satellite imagery, IoT sensor data, and farmer‑reported metrics into a unified analytics platform.
• Collaborate with agronomy experts to translate scientific findings into data‑driven recommendations for smallholder farmers.
• Design interactive dashboards and visualizations that enable stakeholders to monitor key performance indicators in real time.
• Lead data governance initiatives to ensure data quality, security, and compliance with local regulations.
• Mentor junior data analysts and foster a culture of continuous learning within the analytics team.
• Present insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and external partners.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in Python or R for statistical analysis and machine learning.
• Experience with GIS tools (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) and remote sensing data.
• Strong knowledge of agricultural datasets, crop modeling, and agronomic principles.
• Expertise in SQL, NoSQL databases, and big data platforms such as Hadoop or Spark.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non‑technical audiences.
• Project management skills with a track record of delivering analytics solutions on time.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Chichewa is an advantage.

Education

A Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, or a closely related discipline is required. Candidates with a Ph.D. or additional certifications in machine learning, GIS, or agritech are highly regarded.

Experience

Minimum of five years of professional experience in data science, analytics, or research, with at least two years focused on agricultural applications. Experience in the African agribusiness context, especially within Malawi, will be considered a strong asset.

Salary

The competitive salary range for this role is SSP 2,500,000 to 3,500,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and incentives are also part of the total compensation package.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering employee and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Paid parental and annual leave in line with Malawian labor law.
• Professional development allowance for conferences, certifications, and training.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.

Training

• On‑boarding program covering Nestlé’s agricultural sustainability framework.
• Advanced analytics workshops and access to online learning platforms.
• Mentorship from senior data scientists and agronomy leaders.
• Opportunities to attend international agritech symposiums.

Working Environment

Nestlé Malawi offers a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative workplace where diversity of thought is celebrated. The role is based in Mzuzu, providing a modern office equipped with state‑of‑the‑art technology, while also offering occasional field visits to partner farms across the northern region. Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture enable a healthy work‑life balance.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience through the Nestlé Careers portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Nestlé Malawi is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic.