Research and Development Specialist

Diageo Kenya is seeking a highly motivated Research and Development Specialist to join its Supply Chain and Manufacturing team in Molo, Kenya. This position plays a key role in advancing Diageo’s agricultural innovation by designing, implementing, and monitoring research programs for cereal crops such as sorghum and barley. The successful candidate will contribute to improving crop productivity, supporting sustainable sourcing, and enhancing the quality and reliability of raw materials for Diageo’s world-class premium spirits.

Key Job Information

• Position: Research and Development Specialist
• Location: Molo, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Mid-level
• Reference Code: JR1118840

About Diageo

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks company, with a portfolio of over 200 iconic brands sold in nearly 180 countries. With more than 30,000 talented employees globally, Diageo continues to innovate and set industry standards in sustainability, inclusivity, and performance. The company’s vision is to be one of the best-performing, most trusted, and most respected consumer goods companies in the world.

Diageo’s legacy is built by pioneering entrepreneurs such as Arthur Guinness, John Walker, and Charles Tanqueray—visionaries whose innovative spirit continues to inspire the company today. At Diageo, every employee is encouraged to explore, learn, and grow, creating a career worth celebrating while contributing to a sustainable and inclusive future.

About the Function

The Supply Chain and Manufacturing function at Diageo is a global operation that sources, produces, and delivers beloved brands to customers across the world. With more than half of Diageo’s workforce in this function, the team works across over 100 sites in more than 30 countries—partnering with suppliers, customers, and farmers to deliver excellence in manufacturing, logistics, and sustainability. The team’s efforts align with Diageo’s ‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress’ agenda, which aims to protect the planet, support farmers, and drive circular economic practices.

Job Description

The Research and Development Specialist will implement agricultural research programs across multiple sites in Kenya. This includes trial design, field evaluation, data analysis, seed multiplication, and translating research outcomes into practical solutions for farmers and supply chain partners. The role directly supports Diageo’s commitment to sourcing sustainable raw materials and enhancing agricultural productivity for local communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and monitor research and development (R&D) trials for sorghum and barley across different agro-ecological zones in Kenya.
• Identify and evaluate improved crop varieties for yield, grain quality, and resilience to drought, pests, and diseases.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret both field and laboratory data, generating high-quality technical reports and recommendations.
• Plan, establish, and oversee seed multiplication fields to ensure sufficient and high-quality seed production for business needs.
• Ensure strict adherence to national and internal seed production protocols to maintain varietal purity and seed quality.
• Coordinate the harvesting, processing, treatment, and packaging of seed lots for distribution.
• Work closely with seed certification agencies to facilitate inspections and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Test and promote climate-smart and regenerative agricultural practices among smallholder and commercial farmers.
• Conduct post-harvest research to minimize losses and enhance grain quality.
• Translate research findings into actionable insights for farmers, supply chain partners, and internal teams.
• Facilitate capacity-building sessions and training programs for extension officers, farmer groups, and partners.
• Organize on-farm demonstrations to showcase new technologies and sustainable practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Seed Science & Technology, Crop Production, or a related field.
• Proven experience in seed production, multiplication, or crop production management.
• In-depth understanding of seed certification systems, quality standards, and agricultural regulatory frameworks in Kenya.
• Experience working with smallholder farmers and contract farming models.
• Competence in agricultural data collection, statistical analysis, and report preparation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cereal crops such as sorghum and barley.
• Background in agricultural R&D, sustainability projects, or agribusiness innovation.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms for agricultural research and data analysis.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, from farmers to regulatory authorities.
• Adaptability and resilience in dynamic agricultural environments.

Benefits and Compensation

Diageo Kenya offers competitive compensation packages and comprehensive benefits designed to support employee wellbeing and career development. Employees enjoy opportunities for global learning, leadership training, and participation in innovative sustainability projects. Diageo promotes a flexible working culture, empowering employees to balance professional and personal priorities.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diageo celebrates diversity in all its forms. The company’s culture is built on respect, inclusivity, and belonging—ensuring that every employee feels valued. Diageo embraces people of different backgrounds, abilities, genders, and experiences, recognizing that diversity fuels innovation and creativity. Employees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work and contribute to shaping the next generation of celebration and connection worldwide.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply using the Apply Now button below. Ensure that your application highlights relevant experience in research, seed production, and agricultural innovation. Applicants requiring reasonable adjustments are encouraged to indicate this during submission to ensure an inclusive and supportive hiring process.

Join Diageo Kenya and build a career that celebrates innovation, sustainability, and impact—where your work contributes to shaping a more inclusive and resilient agricultural future.