Climate Smart Agriculture (Crops) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is 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 organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. In Zimbabwe, FAO aims to assist the government in developing policies and programs that promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve food security, particularly through initiatives like the Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2022-2026, which focuses on inclusive agrifood systems, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management.

Job Overview:
The Climate Smart Agriculture (Crops) Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural practices in Zimbabwe by providing technical support to government staff and consortium partners. This position is vital for the effective implementation of the Farmer Field School (FFS) methodology, which aims to improve productivity and promote climate-smart agricultural practices. The specialist will be responsible for generating evidence on the impact of these practices on productivity across various value chains. The role requires a deep understanding of agronomy, climate-smart agriculture, and project management, as well as the ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders to achieve the program's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specialist will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Providing guidance in the identification of needs, designing, implementing, and monitoring FAO Zimbabwe crops programs.
• Collecting and analyzing data to assess the impact of the Farmer Field School on productivity compared to other methods.
• Expanding Climate Smart Agriculture through the upscaling of conservation agriculture and related technologies.
• Developing training materials and conducting hands-on training for increased market-oriented productivity.
• Facilitating on-farm and on-station crop demonstrations and trials through the Farmer Field Schools.
• Coordinating training programs for consortium partners and government extension staff.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders, including government departments, NGOs, and educational institutions, to promote Climate Smart Agriculture.
• Participating in field missions and providing guidance to external consultants and government officials.
• Contributing to project progress reports in line with donor requirements and maintaining quality. 1
• Performing any other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Climate Smart Agriculture, Soil Science, Agricultural Extension, Environment and Natural Resources Management, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in agriculture, project coordination, or management is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of FAO tools and procedures for project implementation, monitoring, and reporting, as well as the ability to manage and support field activities effectively. Good analytical, writing, communication, and advocacy skills are essential, along with the ability to work across various contexts.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Agronomy, Climate Smart Agriculture, Soil Science, Agricultural Extension, or Environment and Natural Resources Management is mandatory. Candidates must have their qualifications recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible experience in agriculture, project coordination, and/or management. Experience working with FAO or similar international organizations is highly desirable, particularly in roles related to climate-smart agriculture and extension services.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Zimbabwe will be considered an asset, enhancing communication and effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. 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 appointment is subject to security clearances. This position may involve working in a full-time capacity and may require international collaboration.