National Plant Production and Protection Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Government of Ghana and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations with funding support of the European Union (EU), the Kingdom of Norway and the Government of Canada is implementing a programme to improve the food security and livelihoods of vulnerable population in Ghana targeting at least 14000 households. The EU funded project is being implemented over three agricultural seasons to increase crop and livestock production, including 6 000 maize farmers who will be supported to produce 18 000 Mt of maize over three years in targeted districts; 2 400 millet farmers who will be supported to produce 5,184 Mt of millet; and 4 200 sorghum farmers to produce 8 517 Mt of sorghum over the three years in the targeted districts. In addition, farmers, especially women and youth, and value chain actors will be supported with capacity and access to post-harvest technologies along the groundnut, soybean and vegetable (tomato) value chains with farmers’ capacity on climate change adaptation among others enhanced. An integrated approach to sustainable food production and the resilience of food systems has become all-time important than ever. The project will promote crop-specific, agro-ecological systems and approaches and support the sustainable development of maize, millet, sorghum, soyabean, groundnut, vegetables (tomato), poultry, and piggery value chains. In selected project locations, direct agricultural inputs provision, accompanied by support to climate-adapted agricultural practices, provision of improved grain storage technologies, training on post-harvest practices, promotion of organic fertilizer use, provision of solar powered irrigation solutions and application of other climate sensitive and sustainable agri-techniques, promotion of integrated pests and diseases management approaches and facilitation of access to market as well as value addition for crops produced will help in resolving some of the production and postharvest bottlenecks and contribute to achieving food security, and enhanced resilience to future shocks and disasters.

The Kingdom of Norway and the Government of Canada funded project is being implemented to increase fish, crop, livestock production, through including improved aquaculture practices, sustainable crop and livestock practices and improved access to water for pastoralists, farmers, and fishers. In addition, the programme will focus especially on women and youth groups, and value chain actors who will be supported with capacity on climate change adaptation, community seed production, value addition, capacity and access to post-harvest technologies for better access to markets and financial services to pool resources, share knowledge, negotiate better price, while improving access to finance and markets. This will ensure women gain better control over resources, enhanced bargaining power, and actively participate in income generating activities contributing to inclusive and equitable growth along value chains. Finally, strengthened multi-hazard early warning systems combined with ecosystem management, social safety nets and anticipatory action will provide protection to at risk communities through an integrated risk management against shocks. The programme approach to sustainable food production, inclusive and equitable growth alone value chains, and disaster risk reduction will contribute to the resilience of agri-food systems in Ghana.

Reporting Lines

The Plant Production and Protection Specialist will be under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative to Ghana, and the direct technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), and under the direct supervision Technical Expert and in close collaboration with the Field Coordinator.

Technical Focus 

The Plant Production and Protection Specialist will provide technical expertise and coordination for crop production and plant protection activities, ensuring alignment with the project document, results-based work plan, and donor requirements. The specialist will lead the implementation of crop production and protection tasks.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Plant Production and Protection Specialist shall undertake the following tasks:
•     Provide technical advice and support for the crop production and plant protection activities of the programme as outlined in the results-based work plan.
•     Prepare work plans on crop production and plant protection, monitor and review the status of the project implementation to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan and the project document; identify inconsistencies and delays and submit proposals to the Technical expert/advisor on how to improve results and increase efficiency.
•     Coordinate with stakeholders related to crop production and protection and promote smart agriculture practices, deliver the project’s crop production and protection activities in accordance with the project document and approved annual work plan and budget. 
•     Draft project procurement documents including draft terms of reference, letters of agreement, request for proposals, bidding documents and other materials, ensure compliance with FAO and donor procurement guidelines and obtain necessary technical clearances.
•     Organize annual project workshops, and coordination meetings with the relevant staff and units to monitor the crop production and protection progress.
•     Ensure collaboration and coordination between the implementing partners and relevant stakeholders related to crop production and protection activities and initiatives.
•     Prepare project progress reports related to activities in crop production and protection, other technical reports and terminal reports as required.
•     Provide day-to-day technical and management inputs to the project team assuring smooth implementation of the programme.
•     Undertake any other tasks assigned or relevant in support of efficient implementation of the project.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced university degree in Agronomy, Plant Protection, Crop Science, Agricultural Sciences, or related field.
•     5 years of demonstrated qualified and relevant experience in crop production, plant protection, and/or sustainable agriculture project implementation.
•     Working knowledge of English.
•     National of Ghana

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills 

•     The position requires extensive technical knowledge of crop production, plant protection, integrated pest management, climate-smart agriculture, and post-harvest technologies.
•     Knowledge of Ghana’s agricultural sector, key crops, and value chain dynamics.
•     Extent and relevance of experience in planning, coordination, and monitoring in agricultural development programmes.
•     Experience working with FAO, other UN agencies, or international development organizations.
•     Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including with government, NGOs, research institutions, and farmer organizations.
•     The candidate must demonstrate high communication skills, both verbal and written, negotiation, leadership, vision, strategy, coordination and teamwork.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION