National Expert on Drone-based Seeding, Plant Nutrient and Weed Management

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to lead international efforts aimed at eradicating hunger. With a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all, FAO ensures that people have regular access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food necessary for leading active and healthy lives. Founded in 1945, FAO has grown to include 195 members, comprising 194 countries and the European Union, and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. In Sri Lanka, FAO has been active since 1979, working through its Representation (Country Office) in Colombo. The organization contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, which supports the transformation of agri-food systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. This is guided by the Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Job Overview:
The National Expert on Drone-based Seeding, Plant Nutrient and Weed Management will play a crucial role in providing technical and operational support to the Field Crops Research and Development Institute (FCRDI) in Sri Lanka. The primary objective of this position is to assist in the design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and validation of drone-based protocols for seeding, nutrient management, and weed management specifically tailored for maize-mungbean cropping systems. This role is essential in addressing the challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s rice and other field crop production systems, which are increasingly pressured by climate variability, labor shortages, rising input costs, and inefficient input use. The incumbent will work closely with various technical teams and partner institutions to develop national standards and operational guidelines under project TCP/SRL/4104, utilizing drone-acquired imagery for early detection of weed infestations and nutrient stress, thereby enabling targeted and site-specific input applications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Expert include providing comprehensive technical and operational support for the planning, establishment, and management of field trials related to drone-based mungbean seeding, maize nutrient management, and maize weed management. The expert will assist in identifying and preparing suitable research and demonstration plots in collaboration with FCRDI and local stakeholders. They will support the development of field protocols and data collection methodologies to evaluate the agronomic, operational, and economic performance of drone-based applications. Additionally, the expert will coordinate drone operations, ensuring compliance with approved experimental designs and field protocols. Responsibilities also include collecting, compiling, and analyzing field data on various parameters such as crop establishment, plant growth, nutrient status, weed suppression, yield performance, input-use efficiency, and operational costs. The expert will assess and interpret drone-derived imagery and related datasets to inform decision-making and validate operational protocols. Documenting field observations, lessons learned, and implementation challenges will also be part of the role, along with contributing to the development of national standards and technical guidelines for drone-based applications in agriculture. The expert will organize stakeholder consultations, field demonstrations, and capacity-building activities for extension officers, researchers, and farmers, and prepare technical reports and progress updates as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics/GIS, Agricultural Engineering, Precision Agriculture, Soil Science, or a closely related discipline. A minimum of five years of professional experience in UAV-based remote sensing applications is required, including at least two years of experience in agricultural or precision agriculture applications. Candidates must have a working knowledge (level C) of English and must be a national of Sri Lanka or a resident of the country with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics/GIS, Agricultural Engineering, Precision Agriculture, Soil Science, or a closely related discipline. A Master’s degree or PhD is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in UAV-based remote sensing applications, with at least two years specifically in agricultural or precision agriculture applications. This experience should demonstrate a solid understanding of the practical applications of drone technology in agriculture.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in Sinhala and/or Tamil is required, which will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project TCP/SRL/410

• The role is focused on national recruitment, and candidates should be prepared to engage in various capacity-building activities and stakeholder consultations. Compensation and benefits details are typically aligned with FAO standards and may include allowances for relocation or other project-related expenses.