Agricultural Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to eradicating hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries and has a mission to help eliminate food insecurity and improve nutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and enhance rural livelihoods. In Afghanistan, FAO is actively involved in resilience-building initiatives across all 34 provinces, focusing on agricultural livelihoods and local ecosystems.

Job Overview:
The Agricultural Officer position is crucial for supporting the regional agricultural and plant production and protection activities in Afghanistan. The incumbent will be responsible for providing technical support related to agricultural practices, particularly in wheat and other crops, ensuring alignment with climate-smart and sustainable agriculture approaches. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including implementing partners, UN agencies, and local communities, to promote FAO's mandate and programs effectively. The Agricultural Officer will also assist in project implementation, monitoring, and reporting, contributing to the overall goal of enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and agricultural resilience in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agricultural Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: preparing and disseminating technical communication materials related to agriculture; providing field-level support and guidance to implementing partners and beneficiaries; promoting FAO's programs and activities; coordinating with various stakeholders in the agriculture sector; assisting in project implementation according to approved work plans; monitoring the distribution of agricultural inputs; conducting field visits to support emergency and resilience activities; collecting and analyzing data for planning and reporting; facilitating information sharing among government counterparts and local stakeholders; and maintaining project records and preparing activity reports. The role requires a proactive approach to support assessments of affected households and assist in training sessions for partners and beneficiaries.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences or a related field, along with a minimum of four years of field experience in implementing agricultural or agronomy programs. At least two years of experience with the UN or international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) is desirable. The position requires a working knowledge of English and local languages, specifically Pashto and/or Dari. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, relationship building, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences or a closely related field is mandatory for this position. Candidates must ensure that their educational qualifications are recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of four years of relevant field experience in agricultural program implementation, with a preference for candidates who have at least two years of experience working with UN agencies or INGOs. Experience in emergency conditions and organizing stakeholder meetings or workshops is highly valued.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a working knowledge (level C) required. Additionally, candidates must be fluent in local languages, specifically Pashto and/or Dari, to effectively communicate with stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve full-time engagement, and the FAO emphasizes the importance of higher educational qualifications from accredited institutions. For further employment opportunities, candidates are encouraged to visit the FAO employment website.