Climate Smart Agriculture (Crops) Specialist

About the role

The Climate Smart Agriculture (Crops) Specialist will provide technical support to the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF II) Outcome 2, focusing on sustainable natural resources management and climate‑resilient crop production across seven districts. Working within the FAO Zimbabwe Country Office and in partnership with UNDP, the Government of Zimbabwe and other stakeholders, the specialist will help promote agro‑ecology practices, soil and water conservation, and the adoption of drought‑resistant crop varieties.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver technical assistance on natural resources management, including watershed development, soil conservation and reforestation.
• Design and facilitate Farmer Field School activities to disseminate climate‑smart crop practices.
• Promote and monitor the uptake of agro‑ecology principles such as minimum tillage, crop diversification, organic fertiliser use, in‑field water management and integrated pest management.
• Collaborate with UNDP, government agencies and local partners to align interventions with the ZRBF II programme objectives.
• Collect, analyse and report data on the adoption of climate‑smart practices and their impact on food security and resilience.

Required profile

• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management or a related field.
• Proven experience in climate‑smart agriculture, sustainable land management and rural development, preferably in Southern Africa.
• Strong understanding of agro‑ecology principles and experience working with farmer field schools.
• Ability to work effectively in multi‑stakeholder environments and communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Required skills

• Soil conservation techniques
• Reforestation and carbon‑sink promotion
• Drainage of soil water
• Soil fertility management
• Integrated pest management
• Crop diversification
• Organic fertilizer use
• Minimum tillage practices
• In‑field water management

What we offer

• Opportunity to contribute to climate resilience and food security in Zimbabwe.
• Collaboration with international agencies and national authorities.
• Professional development within a leading UN organization.