Senior Agricultural Officer (Plant Production And Protection)
Organizational Context
The FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF) in Accra, Ghana, is responsible for implementing the FAO Strategic Framework and regional priorities across Africa. It fosters a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies key action areas, and collaborates with sub-regional offices and Headquarters to guide FAO's strategic response. The office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture, and rural development, promotes partnerships, and aids in capacity development and resource mobilization within the region.
Job Purpose
This role provides leadership and technical policy expertise for planning, developing, and implementing regional programmes, projects, products, and services aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework and Gender Policy. The incumbent will manage multidisciplinary teams, analyze regional and country-specific needs to inform FAO's work plans and budgets, and oversee programme implementation using evidence-based strategies and tools. Responsibilities include conducting research, providing technical and policy advice to member states and decentralized offices, and leading capacity development initiatives. The position also involves representing FAO at international forums, fostering strategic partnerships, advocating best practices, and leading resource mobilization efforts.
Responsibilities
Lead the development of interventions in the RAF region focusing on modern crop production and protection systems to address member development needs, particularly concerning climate change adaptation/mitigation, nutrition, and input efficiency. Promote the adoption of context-sensitive modern agricultural technologies like drones, AI, and digitalization to enhance productivity and resilience, alongside sustainable mechanization and efficient soil/moisture management. Provide regional leadership and technical oversight for integrating sustainable crop production systems, including seed systems, agronomics, and plant health, into FAO flagship initiatives. Strengthen regional capacities, partnerships, and knowledge platforms to foster innovation in sustainable crop production, including harmonizing seed policies, managing plant genetic resources, and improving phytosanitary frameworks. Enhance institutional and human capacities for Sub-Saharan African countries to engage with FAO governance mechanisms. Support country-level actions through FAO Country Programming Frameworks, promoting South-South cooperation and evidence-based solutions for sustainable plant production and protection systems. Lead the integration of context-appropriate innovations to boost crop productivity and produce quality. Analyze agrifood/agribusiness innovation and digital agriculture data, particularly from SMEs, to inform sustainable agrifood system transformation.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of relevant experience is required, gained within public or private sector institutions or international organizations. This experience should emphasize seeds and plant genetic resources, including related policies, particularly within developing countries. Experience in more than one location or area of work, especially in field positions, is considered essential.
Skills
Demonstrated skills in analyzing technical issues for policy development and providing advice at local, national, and regional levels, with experience relevant to the main crops and cropping systems of the Africa region. Proven ability in planning and implementing plant protection programmes within development organizations. Experience in organizing international meetings, seminars, and training courses. Knowledge of implementing international instruments related to plant protection. Understanding of the work of international organizations and national governments. Working knowledge of English (Level C) and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Level B) are required. Intermediate knowledge of French (Level B) is considered an asset.