Agricultural Officer (Plant Production and Protection)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The FAO's Subregional Office for the Caribbean (SLC) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing, and implementing strategies for addressing food, agriculture, and rural development priorities in the Caribbean subregion. It maintains relations with regional Economic Integration Organizations and operates in 13 countries, including Barbados and six OECS countries.

Job Overview:
The Agricultural Officer (Plant Production and Protection) will play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural production and crop protection in the Caribbean. This position focuses on making agriculture more efficient, competitive, sustainable, climate-resilient, and socially inclusive, particularly for small and medium-scale farmers. The officer will be involved in various aspects of agricultural development, including digital agriculture, technological innovation, and ecosystem approaches. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of agricultural practices and policies, as well as the ability to develop and implement technical standards and methodologies that support the planning and monitoring of agricultural programs. The officer will also be responsible for responding to technical and policy requests from member countries and providing expert advice to enhance agricultural practices and productivity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agricultural Officer will be responsible for planning and leading components of multi-disciplinary teams, participating in internal committees and project teams, and providing specialized expertise on technical networks. Key responsibilities include developing technical frameworks and methodologies to support program planning and implementation, conducting research and data analysis to support the development of technical standards and policy proposals, and providing technical assistance to decentralized offices and field projects. The officer will also collaborate on capacity development activities, promote international cooperation, and advocate for best practices in agricultural production. Specific functions include promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing crop protection methods, improving agricultural operations, and facilitating participation in international bodies related to plant genetic resources and pesticide management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agriculture, crop production, crop protection, plant sciences, or a related field. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in providing technical and policy advice to promote sustainable agricultural practices is required. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in English and have intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language. Competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing are essential, along with technical skills in sustainable agricultural production and experience in project formulation and implementation.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agriculture, crop production, crop protection, plant sciences, or a related field is mandatory for this position. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address the complexities of agricultural production and protection in the Caribbean context.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant experience in technical and policy advice related to agricultural production and crop protection. Experience in multiple locations or areas of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable. The candidate should also have extensive experience in sustainable agricultural practices, project/program formulation, and providing policy advice at various levels.

Languages:
Proficiency in English (level C) is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Working knowledge of Spanish is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Bridgetown, Barbados, and is part of the FAO's Subregional Office for the Caribbean. The role may involve travel within the region to support member countries. The FAO offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development. The position is full-time and may involve collaboration with international partners and stakeholders.