Agricultural Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 194 member countries and the European Union, with its headquarters in Rome, Italy. FAO operates in over 130 countries, including Afghanistan, where it focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, improving nutrition, and promoting rural development. The organization is committed to supporting countries in their efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, and it plays a crucial role in global efforts to address food security and agricultural development challenges.

Job Overview:
The Agricultural Officer position at FAO Afghanistan is primarily focused on providing technical support in various agricultural sectors, particularly in beekeeping, locust and Sunn pest management, and plant production and protection. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing projects aimed at enhancing agricultural livelihoods and ensuring food security in Afghanistan. This role involves working closely with farmers and herders to improve agricultural practices, increase productivity, and promote sustainable farming methods. The Agricultural Officer will also be involved in developing training materials, conducting training sessions, and monitoring the effectiveness of agricultural interventions. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve project goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agricultural Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: identifying issues and implementing locust and Sunn pest control projects; preparing technical specifications for equipment procurement; developing presentations and visual materials for community awareness; coordinating Desert Locust assessments; providing input on reporting templates for locust movement data; developing work plans for greenhouse implementation; overseeing Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and monitoring related activities; identifying quality agricultural inputs; supporting beekeeping initiatives; monitoring mushroom production; delivering training on nursery and greenhouse operations; and conducting regular field visits to assess project progress and provide support to facilitators and provincial heads of agriculture. The role may also involve additional functions as required by the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or a related field, along with a minimum of four years of field experience in pest control and agricultural program implementation. At least two years of experience working with the United Nations or international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in horticulture or agriculture is desirable. A strong working knowledge of English and local languages (Pashto and/or Dari) is required. Candidates should demonstrate core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, and the ability to build effective relationships. Technical skills in agriculture, particularly in locust and Sunn pest control, are essential, along with excellent organizational and coordination abilities.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or a related field. Candidates must have their educational qualifications recognized by an institution accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). This ensures that the educational background aligns with international standards and is acknowledged by FAO during the recruitment process.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of four years of relevant field experience, particularly in the control of locusts and Sunn pests, as well as in implementing agricultural programs. Experience working in emergency conditions and with international organizations, especially in agriculture, is preferred. The candidate should also have a proven track record of conducting training sessions and workshops, as well as experience in managing agricultural projects and establishing market linkages for agricultural products.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in local languages, specifically Pashto and/or Dari. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication with local farmers and stakeholders, as well as for the preparation of training materials and reports.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve full-time engagement, and the successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively with various partners in the field of agriculture. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with FAO policies, and the organization is committed to providing a supportive work environment.