Senior Agricultural Officer (Plant Production And Protection)

Location: Accra, Ghana

Company

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations supports sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agrifood systems worldwide.

What you will do

• Lead regional programmes and provide technical policy advice on sustainable crop production and plant protection across Africa.
• Develop interventions addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation, nutrition outcomes, input-use efficiency, and resilient cropping systems.
• Advance seed systems, plant genetic resource management, agronomics, integrated pest management, phytosanitary frameworks, and pesticide risk reduction.
• Promote agricultural innovation, including mechanization, biotechnology, protected cultivation, drones, sensors, artificial intelligence, and digitalization.
• Strengthen partnerships, institutional capacities, knowledge platforms, and participation in international governance and normative mechanisms.
• Support resource mobilization, capacity development, knowledge sharing, and cooperation with governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agronomy, plant science with specialization in seed science or technology, crop improvement, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in seeds, plant genetic resources, and related policies, including experience in developing countries.
• Working knowledge of English at proficiency level C and intermediate knowledge at proficiency level B of another official hirify.global language are required.
• Experience in multiple locations or areas of work, particularly field positions, and experience with African crops or cropping systems.
• Experience in policy development, programme implementation, plant protection, international instruments, resource mobilization, and organizing international meetings or training.
• Strong results focus, leadership, communication, partnership, knowledge-sharing, and strategic-thinking competencies.

Nice to have

• Intermediate knowledge of French.

Culture & Benefits

• Fixed-term appointment for two years with the possibility of extension.
• International health insurance, optional life insurance, disability protection, and pension fund entitlements.
• Dependency allowances, rental subsidy, education grant, home leave travel, and 30 working days of annual leave per year, subject to eligibility.
• Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies.
• Inclusive workplace focused on integrity, respect, diversity, and professional conduct.

Hiring process

• Submit an online profile, employment records, academic qualifications, language skills, and a motivation letter through the hirify.global recruitment portal.
• Applications may include performance assessments and verification of employment, education, character, and other relevant records.
• Selected candidates undergo reference, background, medical, accreditation, residency or visa, and security checks.