Agricultural Officer (Palm Oil Value Chains Improvement)

Job Posting Organization:
The FAO Sierra Leone Country Office is part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which was established in 194

• The mission of FAO is to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The FAO Sierra Leone office focuses on addressing country-level priorities for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, and rural development. It employs a multidisciplinary approach to programs and collaborates with various divisions and offices to implement strategic responses to country priorities. The office is involved in the formulation and implementation of Country Programmes and Projects, contributing to the FAO Strategic Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Job Overview:
The Agricultural Officer (Palm Oil Value Chains Improvement) will play a crucial role in supporting the FAO's initiatives in Sierra Leone, particularly in the development of the palm oil value chain. This position involves working closely with the FAO Representative and other technical units to ensure the successful implementation of projects aimed at improving agricultural practices and enhancing food security. The officer will be responsible for conducting research and analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">technical analysis, providing support for various assessments and initiatives, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to promote best practices. The role requires a strong understanding of the agricultural landscape in Sierra Leone and the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including government agencies and international partners. The officer will also contribute to the development of tools and systems that enhance the effectiveness of capacity development activities within member countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agricultural Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the day-to-day technical implementation of the EU-funded Oil Palm Value Chains Improvement Project, ensuring alignment with approved workplans and budgets.
• Providing technical coordination with the National Project Coordinator and program colleagues to ensure coherence between field implementation and donor reporting requirements.
• Assisting in the preparation and consolidation of annual workplans, procurement plans, and technical inputs for internal review.
• Offering technical inputs related to oil palm production, climate-smart agriculture, integrated pest management, and farmer organization development in target districts.
• Acting as a technical resource person for exchanges with EU partners, government counterparts, and other implementing agencies.
• Contributing to the preparation of donor progress reports and ensuring accuracy and alignment with project documents.
• Organizing internal project task force and technical review meetings, preparing documentation, and following up on agreed actions.
• Performing other related duties as required by the FAO Representative.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agriculture, crop protection, plant sciences, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant experience in crop protection or pesticide management is required, with a focus on the main crops of the region. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the agricultural context in Sierra Leone and the West Africa region, particularly in relation to palm oil value chain development.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agriculture, crop protection, plant sciences, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of agricultural practices and the specific challenges faced in the palm oil sector.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in crop protection or pesticide management, particularly in field positions. Experience in developing and managing technical projects related to palm oil value chain development is highly desirable, especially within the West Africa region. Familiarity with sustainable crop production and ecosystem management is also important.

Languages:
A working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in additional languages may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and is part of a project that is expected to benefit at least 43,000 farm families across selected districts. The role may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies and international organizations. The FAO emphasizes the importance of results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships as key competencies for candidates.