Young Professional Officer – Plant Production & Protection

About the role

The Young Professional Officer (Plant Production and Protection) will support FAO's Regional Office for Africa in delivering sustainable crop production programmes across the region. The role combines technical analysis, project support and capacity‑building for member countries.

Key responsibilities

• Analyse technical, social, economic and environmental data to inform project documents, databases and web content.
• Provide technical back‑stopping for projects on quality seeds, soil health, irrigation, integrated pest management, protected cultivation, mechanisation and digital agriculture.
• Develop and review technical specifications, training tools and materials for agronomists and extension staff.
• Assist in project life‑cycle activities from conceptualisation through implementation, monitoring and reporting.
• Facilitate meetings and workshops with governments, NGOs, private sector and academia.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in agriculture‑related disciplines.
• At least one year of experience in sustainable crop production, plant genetic resources, soil or water management, or integrated pest and disease management.
• Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language.
• Age 32 or younger as of 31 December of the application year.
• Demonstrated teamwork, communication and results‑focused competencies.

Required skills

• Seed systems and planting material management.
• Agronomics and plant health expertise.
• Biotechnologies, sustainable agricultural mechanisation, drones and sensors.
• Digital agriculture tools and platforms.
• Irrigation and soil moisture management.
• Integrated pest and disease management, protected cultivation and soilless systems.