Young Professional Officer (Plant Production and Protection)
Organizational Context
The Regional Office for Africa (RAF) leads FAO's efforts in food security, agriculture, and rural development within the region. It manages country and subregional offices, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to programs and identifying key action areas. RAF collaborates with headquarters to develop and oversee strategic responses and implement organizational strategies through regional projects. This position is based in the Regional Office for Africa in Accra, Ghana.
Job Purpose
This role supports regional, subregional, and national programs focused on sustainable plant production and protection. It encompasses seed systems, agronomics, plant health, and related innovations like digitalization and mechanization. The position involves research, technical analysis, and project services to deliver assigned outputs. Key functions include analyzing technical, social, economic, and environmental data, maintaining records, providing technical project support, and assisting in the development of training materials and workshops. The role also supports meeting organization and partner assistance.
Responsibilities
Provide technical support and backstopping for projects and initiatives across FAO's RAF region to enhance institutional and human capacities in diverse cropping systems. Interventions may cover quality seeds, soil health, moisture management, integrated pest and disease management, agronomic innovations, sustainable mechanization, digital agriculture, and pollinators. Assess cropping systems and recommend innovative practices and technologies to improve farm productivity, produce quality, and smallholder incomes. Develop and review technical documents on crop production and protection, and deliver training programs for agronomists and extension staff. Assist in all phases of project implementation, from conceptualization to monitoring and evaluation. Develop and review technical specifications for inputs and equipment. Collaborate with FAO technical teams, divisions, offices, and partners on sustainable crop production systems. Support the organization of stakeholder meetings. Perform other duties as required.
Work Experience
One year of relevant experience is required in development projects focusing on sustainable crop production systems, sustainable agriculture, plant genetic resources management, soil management, water/irrigation management, integrated pest and disease management, plant nutrition, protected cultivation, soilless systems, digital agriculture, or sustainable agricultural mechanization.
Skills
Working knowledge of English (Level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is required. Experience in more than one work location, especially in field positions, is desirable. Knowledge and experience in crop improvement, agro-biodiversity, conservation of plant genetic resources, and digital agriculture are beneficial. Experience in collecting, analyzing, and summarizing technical information and data is important. Project implementation experience is an asset. Experience establishing partnerships with UN agencies, NGOs, donors, and government institutions is also valuable. Intermediate knowledge of French is considered an asset.