The Zimbabwe Country office is partnering with UNDP and the Government of Zimbabwe to implement the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF II) program, with funding support from the European Union and the Government of Ireland. The goal of the program is to build resilience in vulnerable rural communities, ensure sustainable natural resources management for climate action, improve food and nutrition security, and lower the impact of natural disasters in at-risk communities in Zimbabwe. FAO is responsible for technical support to ZRBF II’s Outcome 2: Improved natural resources management, utilization, and environmental protection to promote sustainable food systems within functioning ecosystems for sustainable resilience to multiple shocks. In collaboration with other programs working on Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) ZRBF II through the Farmer Field School approach will promote sustainable soil and water conservation practices and technologies including watershed development and management at macro and micro-catchment levels. The program will increase the proportion of farmers applying agroecology principles including mechanized minimum tillage, crop diversification, use of organic fertilizers, in-field water management techniques and integrated pest management, and rangeland management. In line with the FAO and World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Techniques (WOCAT), the program will continue protecting soil and the environment through soil conservation techniques, reforestation to promote carbon sinks, drainage of soil water, maintenance, and improvement of soil fertility to reduce soil erosion, compaction, and salinity. Climate resilient crops across the 7 districts will be promoted, with focus on identification and promotion of drought resistant varieties, access to improved seed varieties that are adapted to the local conditions, and promotion of cash crops that are not palatable to wildlife. The Farmer Field School (FFS) approach is the main extension delivery mechanism.
Job Summary
- Employer: FAO
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Agriculture
- Closing Date: 2026-09-22
Key Responsibilities
- Provide guidance and support in the identification of needs, design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of FAO Zimbabwe crops programmes of different units and sections within the organization
- Collect and analyse data to determine and demonstrate the impact of the farmer field school on productivity changes compared to other extension methods.
- Expand and strengthen Climate proof and Smart Agriculture through up scaling of conservation agriculture and other GAP related technologies including post- harvesting management.
- Develop training and extension material and provide hands on training and backstopping extension especially for increased market -oriented productivity in VBUs, dryland fields and irrigation schemes.
- Through the Farmer Field Schools back stopping, facilitate and implement on farm and on station crops demonstrations and trials.
- Develop crops related pamphlets, fliers and other training and extension materials.
- Carry out and coordinate crops training and extension programmes for Consortia partners and government extension staff
- Work closely with the Department of MAMWRD, implementing partners, donors, private sector, agricultural colleges, universities, CGIAR centres and other stakeholders involved in Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) and agriculture systems in general.
- Participate in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
- Contribute to the production of all required Project Progress reports in line with donor requirements and guidelines maintaining quality.
- Perform any other related duties as may be required.
Requirements
- Advanced university degree in agriculture, agronomy, climate-smart agriculture, soil science, agricultural extension, environment and natural resources management or a related field
- At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in agriculture, project coordination and/or management.
- Working knowledge (level C) of English
- National of Zimbabwe
- Extent and relevance of experience in agriculture (agronomy, climate smart agriculture, extension) and project coordination/management.
- Knowledge of FAO and experience with FAO tools and procedures for project implementation, monitoring and reporting is an asset.
- Ability to technically supervise, manage and support field activities of the project.
- Experience working across humanitarian, development and normative contexts.
- Good analytical and writing skills
- Good communication and advocacy skills
- Knowledge of local languages spoken in Zimbabwe will be considered as an asset
- Previous working experience with UN or international organizations in similar positions will be an added advantage
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: fao.org
About the Company
FAO Zimbabwe is the country office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, based in Harare. It implements diverse initiatives across Zimbabwe's agriculture sector in support of FAO's Resilience Strategy for Southern Africa. Its work spans climate-resilient farming, food security, livestock health, and sustainable natural resource management. The office partners with the Government of Zimbabwe, development agencies, and local communities to strengthen rural livelihoods. Through these programmes, FAO Zimbabwe contributes to building a more resilient and food-secure nation.
Working for a food-secure Zimbabwe through resilient agriculture
Website: https://www.fao.org/zimbabwe/en
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for this role?
Candidates usually need a degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, or Environmental Science from a recognized institution. Professional certifications in climate-smart techniques or experience with FAO frameworks are highly valued.
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of a Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist?
You will likely spend time in the field training smallholder farmers on drought-resistant crop varieties and conservation tillage. You will also monitor crop yields and draft technical reports on climate adaptation strategies.
What is the work culture and expectation for agriculture specialists in Zimbabwe?
The role requires a high degree of flexibility and a willingness to travel to remote rural districts. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for engaging with traditional leaders and local farming communities.
What are the typical benefits and growth paths for this position?
Benefits often include medical aid, pension schemes, and generous leave days aligned with international agency standards. Career progression typically leads toward senior technical advisory roles or regional program management.
How should I apply and what do employers in Zimbabwe prioritize in this field?
Apply through the official portal with a CV that highlights practical field experience and successful project implementation. Employers prioritize candidates who demonstrate a deep understanding of Zimbabwe's specific agro-ecological regions.
