Climate Resilient Agronomist

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Pakistan is seeking a Climate Resilient Agronomist to support the “Transforming Indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management” project in Punjab, based in Multan. This 12-month position focuses on enhancing national capacity to address climate change impacts on agriculture and water management. The role involves promoting climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) practices and technologies at scale through Farmer Field Schools (FFS), integrating climate adaptation into ongoing agricultural initiatives, and ensuring sustainability of interventions. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative in Pakistan and the project Technical Advisor, collaborating closely with provincial coordinators and international specialists.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide technical support and advisory services by designing and supervising climate-resilient, market-oriented crop production programs, including identification of resilient crops, varieties, and sustainable inputs.
- Support district teams with expertise on crop development, seed production, homestead gardening, nursery development, and other horticultural practices.
- Liaise with provincial government departments, research institutions, and technical projects to coordinate crop production interventions.
- Offer technical backstopping to Farmer Facilitators and government extension staff on CRA practices relevant to local cropping systems such as cotton-wheat, rice-wheat, sugarcane, and high-value vegetables.
- Guide and supervise the Farmer Field School program, including curriculum development, training of trainers, implementation, and monitoring of adaptive research and participatory learning.
- Develop and monitor FFS activities, ensuring integration of CRA and On-Farm Water Management (OFWM) practices into curricula and demonstration plots.
- Lead training and capacity-building initiatives for farmers, FAO, and government staff, including development of training materials in local languages.
- Assist in establishing and managing demonstration plots, applying standard operating procedures for site selection and beneficiary consent, and analyzing data to assess CRA impacts.
- Contribute to the development and dissemination of agro-climate advisories and early warning messages, collaborating with communication specialists and IT teams.
- Support monitoring, reporting, and documentation of CRA interventions, including economic and cost-benefit analyses, and prepare progress reports and case studies.
- Facilitate stakeholder coordination, including organizing meetings, strengthening market linkages, and supporting policy reviews to promote CRA adoption.
- Ensure gender and social inclusion by making training and demonstration activities accessible to women and marginalized groups, supporting Women Open Schools, and adapting practices to women’s needs.

Required Qualifications

- Advanced university degree in plant/crop sciences, agronomy, or climate-smart agriculture.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in Pakistan’s agricultural sector, with at least 3 years of practical field experience in Climate Resilient Agriculture and 5 years in training extension staff on climate-smart practices.
- Fluent in Urdu, Punjabi, Saraiki (for Punjab), or Sindhi (for Sindh) in reading, writing, and speaking.
- Pakistani national.
- Strong preference for qualified female candidates with an agricultural background.

Preferred Qualifications and Additional Information

- Practical knowledge of field crops, homestead gardening, and community organization in arid and semi-arid zones.
- Experience in crop diversification and climate-smart/resilient crop technologies.
- Ability to work effectively with small farmers, farmer groups, and Farmer Field Schools.
- Deep understanding of cropping systems in the Indus Basin.
- Skilled in developing technical materials, manuals, and IEC content for agriculture and climate-smart enterprises.
- Proficient in report writing, data analysis, and documentation.
- Good computer skills including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Adaptability to work in multicultural, multi-ethnic rural environments with extensive travel within the province.
- Familiarity with UN systems and codes of conduct is desirable.
- FAO is committed to workforce diversity and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented groups.
- Appointment is subject to medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
- FAO maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and upholds the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct.

Applications must be submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal. Only complete applications received by the closing date will be considered. FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Candidates are encouraged to apply early and ensure their educational qualifications are recognized by the World Higher Education Database.