Agriculture Officer (Crop Technologies)
Organizational Setting FAO's Subregional Office for Eastern Africa (SFE) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing subregional food, agriculture and rural development priorities. It develops and maintains relations with subregion-wide institutions including Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of FAO's Regional Office for Africa (RAF). The post is located in the Subregional Office for Eastern Africa (SFE) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Reporting Lines The Agricultural Officer (Crop Technologies) reports to the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa, SFE and works under the direct supervision of the Agricultural Officer (Crops), SFE and the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Unit (NSP) in headquarters.
Technical Focus Sustainable crop production systems, focusing on crop improvement, agronomics and integrated plant health with cross-cutting innovations of agricultural biotechnologies, sustainable agricultural mechanization, digitalization, irrigation, drones, remote sensing, etc., across Eastern Africa.
Key Results Collection and analysis of information, data and statistics and project/meeting services to support programme projects, products and services.
Key Functions • Collects and analyses relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related information, data and/or statistics to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services. • Undertakes analysis, provides technical input for plans and reports and edits/revises technical/scientific documents. • Participates in the development of improved work methods, tools and systems. • Updates databases and web pages. • Participates in multidisciplinary project/work teams. • Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars etc. • Participates in the organization, conduct and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the development/production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.
Specific Functions • Assists in coordinating regional initiatives to enhance plant production and health across Eastern Africa. • Engages in policy dialogues to advocate for comprehensive agricultural sustainability, including crop production and plant health strategies. • Supports efforts to secure funding for regional projects that improve plant health and crop productivity. • Collaborates in developing training tools and organize workshops to enhance agricultural practices. • Fosters international partnerships to support agricultural sustainability, plant health and crop production. • Helps develop and apply crop-specific guidelines to improve productivity and sustainability in regional agriculture. • Facilitates strategic policy support and communication between the Subregional office and national counterparts. • Participate in monitoring and evaluating projects focusing on crop production and plant health.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in agriculture/agricultural sciences, agronomy, environmental science, or a related field. • Three years of relevant experience in crop production and protection or pesticide management in the field preferably including experience on main crops of the region. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies • Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building effective relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable. • Experience collecting, analysing and utilizing agricultural data and information effectively. • Skilled in using digital communication tools, data analysis software. • Strong capability to manage and synchronize multidisciplinary projects across different locations. • Proven ability to prepare, edit and revise technical documents and reports for diverse audiences. • Demonstrated experience in leading training sessions and workshops and developing educational materials. • Experience contributing to or managing innovative agricultural projects, particularly in international or regional settings. • Demonstrated understanding of integrated plant health management, agroecological practices and sustainable crop production techniques.