The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inviting applications for the position of Senior Agricultural Officer (Team Leader) within the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP). Based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, this P-5 level position offers a fixed-term, two-year appointment with potential extension. The role provides an exceptional opportunity to lead global efforts that enhance sustainable, climate-resilient, and productive cropping systems. About FAO and the NSP Division FAO plays a central role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through the transformation of agrifood systems that are more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) contributes to these goals by supporting countries in adopting integrated, science-based crop production and protection systems that increase yields while safeguarding natural resources. Within NSP, the Crop and Mechanization Systems Team (NSPLD) leads innovation in modern agronomy, sustainable agricultural mechanization, and context-specific cropping approaches. The Senior Agricultural Officer will head this team, ensuring its technical leadership and strategic contribution to FAO’s mission. Position Overview The Senior Agricultural Officer (Team Leader) reports directly to the Director of the NSP Division. The role requires strong technical expertise, proven leadership, and strategic vision to guide global programming, research, policy development, and capacity building related to sustainable crop production systems. The Officer will oversee multidisciplinary initiatives, coordinate FAO’s internal and external partnerships, and support Member Nations in scaling climate-smart, efficient, and resilient cropping practices. Key Responsibilities The Officer will provide both strategic and technical leadership across several core areas: Leadership and Planning: Leads complex, multidisciplinary teams and contributes to divisional and cross-divisional committees. Oversees work programmes, research agendas, policy development, and resource mobilization aligned with FAO’s Strategic Framework. Technical Expertise: Guides the creation and application of evidence-based strategies, tools, and methodologies that support sustainable crop production. This includes modern agronomic practices, soil fertility and moisture management, mechanization, and innovation-driven approaches. Research and Knowledge Generation: Designs and oversees analytical work, technical standards, reports, and publications. Drives innovation and international knowledge sharing that advances crop production and protection. Advisory and Capacity Building: Provides high-level advisory services to Member Nations and supports regional and national teams in implementing programmes of work. Ensures quality assurance, technical backstopping, and the delivery of training, policy guidance, and learning materials. Representation and Partnership Building: Represents FAO in global forums, negotiates strategic partnerships, and advances policy dialogue with governments, private sector entities, academia, and research institutions. Team Management: Efficiently leads the NSPLD team, managing human and financial resources and ensuring the delivery of high-quality outputs within the division’s broader mandate. Specific Areas of Focus The role places special emphasis on: Promoting climate-smart crop production systems that contribute to climate adaptation, mitigation, and improved nutrition outcomes. Supporting Member Nations in adopting digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, precision agriculture, and sustainable mechanization. Strengthening rural, urban, and peri-urban crop production systems through tailored policy and technical support. Advancing crop diversification and productivity across food, feed, fiber, oil, ornamental, and industrial cropping systems. Minimum Requirements Advanced university degree in agronomy, crop science, soil science, agricultural mechanization, or related fields. At least ten years of relevant experience, including three years in a leadership or managerial role. Working proficiency in English (Level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language. Desired Competencies and Skills FAO assesses candidates on technical excellence, leadership abilities, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Ideal candidates will bring: Experience working in multiple regions, including developing countries. Strong background in sustainable intensification and diversification of crop systems. Experience integrating digital agriculture and precision technologies. A solid track record of capacity development, partnership building, and multidisciplinary teamwork. Knowledge of integrated production systems, including crop-livestock and agroforestry models. Application Process Applicants should apply through FAO’s official recruitment portal, ensuring that their online profile is complete, accurate, and includes all relevant credentials. A motivation letter is required. Only applications submitted through the portal will be considered, and early submission is strongly encouraged. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.