Head of Agricultural Technology Innovation Job Vacancy in Rumbek, South Sudan – Agriculture & Technology

Job Description

Position: Head of Agricultural Technology Innovation

Company: John Deere

Location: Rumbek, South Sudan

Experience: 10+ years in agricultural technology, innovation management, and project leadership

Education: Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, or related field

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Agriculture & Technology

Department: Innovation & Research

Salary: SSP 25,000,000 – SSP 35,000,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

John Deere is a global leader in advanced agricultural machinery, precision farming solutions, and sustainable agribusiness practices. With a legacy spanning over 180 years, the company is committed to empowering farmers worldwide through innovative technology that enhances productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship. In South Sudan, John Deere collaborates with local partners, government agencies, and farming cooperatives to introduce modern equipment and digital tools that address the unique challenges of the region’s agricultural sector. As part of its strategic expansion, John Deere is establishing a regional hub in Rumbek to drive technology adoption, capacity building, and research initiatives that support the country’s food security goals.

Job Overview

The Head of Agricultural Technology Innovation will lead John Deere’s efforts to design, develop, and implement cutting‑edge agricultural solutions tailored to the South Sudanese market. Reporting directly to the Regional Director, this role will oversee a multidisciplinary team of engineers, data scientists, agronomists, and field specialists. The incumbent will be responsible for translating market insights into scalable products, fostering partnerships with local universities and research institutions, and ensuring that John Deere’s offerings align with national agricultural policies and sustainability objectives. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of farming in South Sudan while contributing to global innovation pipelines.

For more information about our mission and values, visit South Sudan Job Search.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive innovation roadmap for precision agriculture technologies in South Sudan.
• Lead cross‑functional teams to prototype, test, and launch new equipment, IoT sensors, and data analytics platforms.
• Collaborate with government ministries, NGOs, and farmer cooperatives to align product development with national agricultural strategies.
• Manage the regional R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for high‑impact projects.
• Drive field trials and pilot programs across diverse agro‑ecological zones, gathering feedback to refine solutions.
• Represent John Deere at industry conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings to promote thought leadership.
• Mentor and develop talent within the innovation team, fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.

Required Skills

• Deep expertise in precision farming technologies, remote sensing, and data‑driven agronomy.
• Proven track record of leading large‑scale R&D projects from concept to market launch.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex agricultural data sets.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation abilities.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Arabic or local languages is a plus.
• Strategic thinking combined with hands‑on technical proficiency.

Education

A Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Crop Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline is required. Advanced certifications in precision agriculture, data analytics, or project management are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of ten years of progressive experience in agricultural technology development, preferably within emerging markets. Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering innovative solutions that improve yield, resource efficiency, and farmer profitability.

Salary

The competitive compensation package ranges from SSP 25,000,000 to SSP 35,000,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The package includes performance‑based bonuses, health insurance, and a relocation allowance where applicable.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and dental coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Annual performance bonus tied to project milestones.
• Professional development stipend for conferences and certifications.
• Flexible working arrangements and paid parental leave.

Training

• On‑boarding program covering John Deere’s global innovation framework.
• Access to cutting‑edge research labs and field testing facilities.
• Mentorship from senior leaders in the Global R&D network.
• Continuous learning modules on emerging agri‑tech trends.

Working Environment

The role is based in a modern office in Rumbek, with regular field visits to farms and research sites across the region. John Deere promotes a collaborative, inclusive culture where ideas are encouraged and diversity is celebrated. Employees benefit from state‑of‑the‑art labs, high‑speed internet connectivity, and a supportive expatriate community.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their vision for agricultural innovation in South Sudan through the online portal on our website. 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

John Deere is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.