Project Manager – Soil Remineralisation & Enhanced Rock Weathering (Uganda)

Salary

Competitive salary, travel, and accommodation allowance About the Role Equator is seeking a highly motivated Project Manager to lead the development of a ground breaking suite of soil remineraliser products in partnership with Namekara Mining Co. Ltd (Uganda). This pioneering project aims to :

Develop crop-specific, rock-based soil remineralisers.

Build a commercially viable production-to-market model.

Explore carbon sequestration opportunities via Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) .

The position combines scientific innovation, agronomic impact, and commercial strategy, ideal for someone passionate about sustainable agriculture, climate solutions, and cross-cultural collaboration . Why This Matters Sustainable soil fertility depends on replenishing nutrients lost through harvest and leaching. In Uganda and across Africa, high fertiliser costs have led to nutrient mining , impoverished soils, and reduced yields.

Rock-based “remineralisers” offer a natural, affordable alternative — restoring soil nutrients, improving pH balance, and even removing CO₂ from the atmosphere through ERW. From its Bukusu Alkali Complex in southeast Uganda, Namekara Mining Co. produces several rock types with strong remineralisation potential, including high-phosphorus saprolite, carbonatite, phoscorite, potassic trachytes, and vermiculite .

These can be blended to suit different crops — for example, banana and maize — while generating measurable carbon-removal benefits. Key Responsibilities Phase 1 : Resource Assessment (Months 1–3)

Characterise nutrient content, pH buffering, and ERW potential of local rock types.

Map and quantify mineral resources within the Bukusu licence area.

Establish sampling and QA protocols aligned with international standards.

Phase 2 : Product Development & Agronomic Trials (Months 3–)

Formulate and test pilot-scale remineraliser blends.

Design and oversee pot and field trials to optimise formulations.

Monitor soil chemistry and yield performance.

Phase 3 : Market & Business Planning (Months 6–)

Analyse remineraliser markets (Brazil, South Africa, East Africa).

Conduct SWOT and competitor analysis.

Develop a detailed five-year business plan and go-to-market strategy.

Phase 4 : Carbon Credit & Partnership Development (Months 7–)

Evaluate ERW carbon-credit potential and relevant frameworks.

Collaborate with NGOs, academia, and carbon-market partners.

Draft documentation to support pilot credit issuance.

Key Deliverables & Success Metrics

Develop three crop-specific remineraliser formulations with full nutrient profiles within 9 months.

Demonstrate ≥% yield improvement in pot and field trials.

Establish at least two academic or institutional research partnerships .

Deliver a robust five-year commercial and carbon-credit business plan .

Reporting Structure

Reports to Equator’s Managing Director and Namekara GMO .

Monthly progress meetings; quarterly reporting with budget metrics.

Candidate Profile Education

MSc or PhD in Soil Science, Agronomy, Geochemistry, Environmental Science , or a related discipline.

Equivalent professional experience also considered.

Professional Experience

7+ years leading multidisciplinary agronomic or geochemical R&D projects.

Proven track record in resource assessment , field trials , and business planning .

Experience engaging across industry, academia, and government sectors.

Technical Skills

Expertise in geochemical analysis and nutrient profiling .

Ability to design and interpret agronomic experiments.

Familiarity with Enhanced Rock Weathering and carbon-credit frameworks .

Understanding of carbon markets and relevant policy landscapes .

Soft Skills

Strong leadership and autonomy in remote field environments.

Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.

Analytical, strategic, and results-driven mindset.

Languages

Fluent English required.

Kiswahili, Portuguese, or French desirable.

Travel

Up to % field deployment in Uganda and wider East Africa.

Occasional international travel for workshops and partner meetings.

Contract & Compensation

Term : months (extension based on performance).

Performance Reviews : 6 and months, tied to deliverables.

Remuneration : Competitive salary, travel, and accommodation allowance.

How to Apply Interested candidates are invited to submit a concise summary of their qualifications (approximately words) outlining relevant experience and suitability for the position. Closing date for applications is December 5 .

Further information is available on our website -