FAO Climate Smart Agriculture (Crops) Specialist Job 2026 in Zimbabwe | 6-Month Contract | Apply Now

FAO Climate Smart Agriculture (Crops) Specialist Job 2026 is an opportunity for experienced Zimbabwean agriculture professionals to contribute to climate-smart agriculture, sustainable crop production, agricultural extension and rural resilience programmes. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is recruiting a Climate Smart Agriculture (Crops) Specialist under its FAO Representation in Zimbabwe.

The FAO Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist job is based in Harare, Zimbabwe, and is offered as a six-month National Project Personnel (NPP) appointment. The successful candidate will provide technical support to government extension staff, consortium partners and agricultural programmes working to improve crop productivity and strengthen climate resilience.

For professionals searching for FAO jobs in Zimbabwe, agriculture jobs in Harare, climate-smart agriculture jobs, agronomy jobs or United Nations agriculture opportunities, this vacancy is relevant to consider.

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FAO Climate Smart Agriculture (Crops) Specialist Job 2026 – Quick Details

Job Details	Information
Organization	Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Job Title	Climate Smart Agriculture (Crops) Specialist
Job Reference	2601900
Location	Harare, Zimbabwe
Organizational Unit	FAO Representation in Zimbabwe
Job Type	Non-staff opportunities
Requisition Type	National Project Personnel (NPP)
Duration	6 months
Posting Date	8 September 2026
Closing Date	22 September 2026, 11:59 PM
Nationality	Zimbabwean nationals
Education	Advanced university degree
Experience	At least 5 years
Salary	Not stated in the supplied vacancy
Application	Online FAO recruitment portal

Important: The supplied vacancy does not state the salary, exact contract start date or a detailed list of benefits. Applicants should verify any compensation and appointment conditions through the official FAO recruitment portal.

About the Food and Agriculture Organization

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, commonly known as FAO, is a specialized agency of the United Nations working to achieve food security, reduce hunger and malnutrition, promote sustainable agriculture and support the responsible management of natural resources.

FAO collaborates with governments, farmers, development partners and other stakeholders to improve agrifood systems and strengthen agricultural resilience.

About FAO Zimbabwe

The FAO Representation in Zimbabwe supports government efforts in food security, nutrition, agricultural development, climate resilience and environmental protection.

According to the supplied vacancy, FAO Zimbabwe’s Country Programme Framework for 2022–2026 focuses on three key pillars:

1. Promotion of inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems to address food security and nutrition.
2. Building resilience to climate change, agricultural threats and crises.
3. Sustainable management of natural resources and environmental protection.

The Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist job is connected to the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund Phase II (ZRBF II), which FAO is implementing in partnership with UNDP and the Government of Zimbabwe, with funding support from the European Union and the Government of Ireland.

Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist Job – Project Overview

The Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund II programme aims to build resilience in vulnerable rural communities, improve food and nutrition security, promote sustainable natural resource management and reduce the effects of natural disasters.

The supplied vacancy states that the programme reaches approximately 450,000 people in seven districts across the Mid Zambezi area and Southeast Lowveld.

Districts Covered

• Binga
• Kariba
• Hurungwe
• Mbire
• Chiredzi
• Mwenezi
• Beitbridge

The programme is described as extending to December 2028.

FAO provides technical support to ZRBF II’s Outcome 2, which focuses on improved natural resource management, utilization and environmental protection to promote sustainable food systems within functioning ecosystems.

Climate-Smart Agriculture Activities

Through the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach, the programme will promote sustainable agricultural practices and technologies, including:

• Soil and water conservation.
• Watershed development and management.
• Conservation agriculture.
• Mechanized minimum tillage.
• Crop diversification.
• Use of organic fertilizers.
• In-field water management.
• Integrated pest management.
• Rangeland management.
• Improved soil fertility.
• Post-harvest management.
• Climate-resilient crop varieties.

The programme also focuses on drought-resistant crops, improved seed varieties adapted to local conditions and cash crops that are not palatable to wildlife.

The Farmer Field School approach is the main extension delivery mechanism described in the vacancy.

Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist Job – Opportunity Overview

The FAO Climate Smart Agriculture (Crops) Specialist will provide technical support to consortium partners and government staff at field level.

The main purpose of the FAO agriculture job is to ensure effective implementation of Farmer Field School activities and provide agronomic advice that supports improved productivity across supported value chains.

The specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Zimbabwe and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative-Programmes.

The position also involves collaboration with the National Project Coordinator, FAO technical officers, the Regional Office for Africa and technical divisions at FAO headquarters.

Main Focus of the Climate Smart Agriculture Job

The Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist will contribute to:

• Agricultural extension and Farmer Field School implementation.
• Crop productivity improvement.
• Climate-smart agricultural practices.
• Agricultural training and technical backstopping.
• Crop demonstrations and trials.
• Monitoring and evaluation.
• Agricultural data analysis.
• Sustainable soil and water management.
• Project progress reporting.

Key Responsibilities of the Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist

1. Support FAO Zimbabwe Crop Programmes

The specialist will provide guidance and support in identifying agricultural needs, designing crop programmes, implementing activities and supporting monitoring and evaluation.

This responsibility requires the ability to understand agricultural challenges and contribute to practical programme solutions.

2. Collect and Analyse Agricultural Data

The Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist will collect and analyse data to determine the impact of Farmer Field Schools on productivity.

The specialist will help demonstrate productivity changes resulting from proper Farmer Field School implementation compared with other extension methods.

This makes agricultural data analysis, monitoring and evaluation important skills for the position.

3. Strengthen Climate-Smart and Conservation Agriculture

The specialist will support the expansion of climate-smart agriculture and conservation agriculture technologies.

The work includes promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and post-harvest management to strengthen agricultural productivity and resilience.

4. Develop Agricultural Training Materials

The specialist will develop training and extension materials for farmers, government extension staff and programme partners.

These materials may include:

• Crop training materials.
• Agricultural pamphlets.
• Flyers.
• Farmer extension resources.
• Practical training materials.

The role also includes hands-on training and technical backstopping, particularly for market-oriented productivity in VBUs, dryland fields and irrigation schemes.

5. Facilitate Crop Demonstrations and Trials

Through the Farmer Field School approach, the specialist will facilitate and implement on-farm and on-station crop demonstrations and trials.

These activities will support the practical application of crop production technologies and climate-smart agricultural practices.

6. Coordinate Crop Training and Extension

The Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist will carry out and coordinate crop training and extension programmes for consortium partners and government extension staff.

This responsibility requires good communication, technical knowledge and the ability to support agricultural learning at field level.

7. Work With Government and Development Partners

The specialist will work closely with the Department of MAMWRD, implementing partners, donors, private sector stakeholders, agricultural colleges, universities, CGIAR centres and other stakeholders involved in climate-smart agriculture.

8. Participate in Field Missions

The role includes participation in large and complex field missions.

Responsibilities may involve providing guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties, as well as drafting mission summaries.

9. Support Project Reporting

The specialist will contribute to the production of project progress reports in line with donor requirements and guidelines.

The position requires attention to reporting quality and the ability to communicate project progress clearly.

Who Is Suitable for the Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist Job?

The FAO Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist vacancy is suitable for experienced Zimbabwean agriculture professionals with relevant academic qualifications and professional experience.

This is not advertised as an entry-level agriculture job or internship. The vacancy requires at least five years of progressively responsible experience.

Suitable Professional Backgrounds

Professionals who may find this FAO job relevant include:

• Agronomists.
• Agricultural extension specialists.
• Climate-smart agriculture specialists.
• Soil scientists.
• Crop production specialists.
• Agricultural project coordinators.
• Agricultural development practitioners.
• Environmental and natural resource management professionals.

Applicants should ensure that their actual qualifications and experience match the official requirements.

Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist Job Requirements

1. Educational Qualifications

Applicants must have an advanced university degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Climate Smart Agriculture, Soil Science, Agricultural Extension, Environment and Natural Resources Management or a related field.

The supplied vacancy does not specify a particular degree title beyond these fields and related disciplines.

2. Professional Experience

The FAO Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist job requires:

At least five years of progressively responsible experience in agriculture, project coordination and/or management.

Relevant experience may include agricultural extension, agronomy, crop production, climate-smart agriculture or agricultural project management.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate their professional experience in their CV and online FAO profile.

3. Language Requirements

The vacancy requires:

• Working knowledge of English at Level C.
• Zimbabwean nationality.

Knowledge of local languages spoken in Zimbabwe will be considered an asset.

4. FAO Core Competencies

Candidates will be assessed against the following FAO core competencies:

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

Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate these competencies through genuine examples from their professional experience.

Technical Skills Required for the FAO Agriculture Job

The FAO Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist vacancy identifies several technical skills and areas of experience.

Agriculture and Agronomy Experience

The extent and relevance of experience in agronomy, climate-smart agriculture, agricultural extension and project coordination or management will be considered.

FAO Tools and Procedures

Knowledge of FAO tools and experience with FAO procedures for project implementation, monitoring and reporting is an asset.

Field Supervision

Applicants should have the ability to technically supervise, manage and support field activities.

Humanitarian and Development Experience

Experience working across humanitarian, development and normative contexts is an advantage.

Analytical and Writing Skills

Good analytical and writing skills are required for agricultural data analysis, technical reports and project documentation.

Communication and Advocacy Skills

Good communication and advocacy skills are important for working with government officials, farmers, project partners and other stakeholders.

Local Languages

Knowledge of local Zimbabwean languages will be considered an asset.

United Nations Experience

Previous experience with the United Nations or international organizations in similar positions will be an added advantage.

FAO Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist Salary and Benefits

Salary Information

The salary for the FAO Climate Smart Agriculture (Crops) Specialist job has not been stated in the supplied vacancy.

The position is listed as a six-month National Project Personnel (NPP) appointment.

The advertisement does not provide a confirmed monthly salary, total contract value or payment schedule.

Applicants should check the official recruitment portal and any applicable appointment documentation for compensation details.

Benefits and Allowances

The supplied vacancy does not confirm a specific list of benefits for this appointment.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that the job includes:

• Housing allowance.
• Medical insurance.
• Airfare.
• Relocation support.
• Pension benefits.
• Accommodation.
• Additional allowances.

Any applicable terms should be confirmed through FAO.

How Competitive Is the FAO Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist Job?

The FAO Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist job may attract experienced agriculture professionals with backgrounds in agronomy, climate-smart agriculture, agricultural extension and project management.

However, the supplied vacancy does not provide official applicant numbers, acceptance rates or competitiveness statistics.

What Can Make Your Application Stronger?

Applicants may strengthen their applications by clearly demonstrating experience in:

1. Farmer Field School methodology.
2. Climate-smart agriculture.
3. Crop productivity improvement.
4. Conservation agriculture.
5. Agricultural extension.
6. Soil and water conservation.
7. Agricultural monitoring and evaluation.
8. Data collection and analysis.
9. Agricultural training.
10. Project reporting.

These areas are closely connected to the responsibilities and technical skills listed in the vacancy.

How to Prepare Your CV for the Climate Smart Agriculture Job

A strong CV should show how your experience matches the FAO Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist job requirements.

Highlight Your Academic Qualifications

Include your advanced university degree and relevant agricultural qualifications.

Use the correct official name of your qualification.

Demonstrate Five Years of Experience

Clearly list your employment history, including:

• Job titles.
• Organizations.
• Employment dates.
• Main responsibilities.
• Relevant achievements.

If you have worked in agronomy, agricultural extension or agricultural project management, make those responsibilities easy to identify.

Highlight Farmer Field School Experience

If you have supported Farmer Field Schools, explain your actual responsibilities.

For example, you may describe experience in farmer training, field demonstrations, extension support or agricultural monitoring.

Do not claim experience you do not have.

Show Climate-Smart Agriculture Experience

Include relevant work in conservation agriculture, drought-resilient crops, sustainable crop production, soil management or water management where applicable.

Include Data and Reporting Skills

Mention genuine experience in:

• Agricultural data collection.
• Productivity analysis.
• Monitoring and evaluation.
• Technical reporting.
• Project progress reports.

Add Language Skills

List your English proficiency and any local Zimbabwean languages you genuinely speak or understand.

Prepare a Targeted Motivation Letter

FAO requests candidates to attach a letter of motivation to their online profile.

Your motivation letter should explain:

• Why you are interested in the FAO Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist job.
• Your relevant agricultural qualifications.
• Your professional experience.
• Your experience with Farmer Field Schools or agricultural extension.
• How your skills match the project objectives.
• Why you are suitable for the Zimbabwe-based position.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for FAO Jobs

1. Applying Without Meeting the Requirements

Check that you have the required advanced university degree, five years of relevant experience, English proficiency and Zimbabwean nationality.

2. Submitting an Incomplete FAO Profile

FAO states that applications are screened based on the information provided in the online profile.

Ensure that your employment records, academic qualifications and language skills are complete and accurate.

3. Ignoring the Motivation Letter

The vacancy requests a letter of motivation. Attach it as instructed.

4. Waiting Until the Closing Date

The official closing date is 22 September 2026 at 11:59 PM, based on the time settings of the applicant’s device.

Submit your application early to avoid technical difficulties.

5. Adding Unsupported Information

Do not add unconfirmed salary figures, benefits or qualifications to your application.

6. Applying Through Unofficial Websites

Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered.

Career Opportunities After a Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist Job

Experience in the FAO Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist role can support future career development in agricultural development, climate resilience and sustainable farming.

Depending on qualifications and experience, possible career directions include:

• Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist.
• Agronomist.
• Agricultural Extension Specialist.
• Crop Production Specialist.
• Agricultural Project Coordinator.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist.
• Soil and Water Conservation Specialist.
• Sustainable Agriculture Programme Officer.
• Food Security and Resilience Specialist.

These are potential career paths and are not guaranteed promotions or positions offered by FAO.

Similar Agriculture and FAO Job Opportunities

Applicants interested in the FAO Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist job may also explore:

• FAO jobs in Zimbabwe.
• FAO agriculture jobs.
• Climate-smart agriculture jobs.
• Agronomy jobs in Zimbabwe.
• Agricultural extension jobs.
• United Nations agriculture jobs.
• Food security and resilience jobs.
• Agricultural project management jobs.
• Sustainable agriculture opportunities.
• International development jobs.

For additional opportunities, visit the official FAO employment website.

Official Application Information

The FAO Climate Smart Agriculture (Crops) Specialist job is advertised under reference 2601900.

How to Apply for the FAO Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist Job

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official FAO recruitment portal.
2. Complete your online FAO profile.
3. Add your employment records, academic qualifications and language skills.
4. Attach a letter of motivation.
5. Review your application carefully.
6. Submit your application through the official recruitment portal.

Apply Now – Official FAO Job Portal

FAO Climate Smart Agriculture (Crops) Specialist Job 2026

Job Reference: 2601900

Location: Harare, Zimbabwe

Duration: 6 months

For assistance with the recruitment process, applicants may use the FAO client support portal:

FAO states that it does not charge a fee at any stage of recruitment, including application, interview or processing.

Additional FAO Application Information

FAO states that higher educational qualifications must be obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Applicants can check the relevant recognition information through the official WHED website:

The vacancy also states that appointments are subject to applicable medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements and security clearances.

Selected candidates may undergo reference and background checks.

Final Thoughts

The FAO Climate Smart Agriculture (Crops) Specialist Job 2026 in Zimbabwe is a relevant opportunity for experienced agriculture professionals interested in climate-smart agriculture, agronomy, agricultural extension and sustainable rural development.

The position provides an opportunity to contribute to FAO Zimbabwe’s agricultural resilience programmes and support farmers, government extension staff and development partners.

Applicants with an advanced university degree, at least five years of relevant experience and strong agricultural technical skills should carefully review the vacancy requirements before applying.

If you meet the requirements, prepare your CV, complete your FAO profile and submit your application before 22 September 2026.

Always verify the official vacancy details, salary information and closing date through the FAO recruitment portal before submitting your application.