Agricultural Extension Officer Job Vacancy in Beledweyne, Somalia – Agriculture – Agribusiness

Job Description

Position: Agricultural Extension Officer

Company: FAO Somalia

Location: Beledweyne, Somalia

Experience: 3-5 years in agricultural extension, rural development or related fields

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture or related field

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Agriculture – Agribusiness

Department: Rural Development and Extension Services

Salary: 3,000,000 – 5,000,000 SSP per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

FAO Somalia, a branch of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, is dedicated to improving food security, nutrition and sustainable agricultural practices across Somalia. With a strong presence in the Horn of Africa, FAO collaborates with government ministries, NGOs, farmer cooperatives and private sector partners to implement innovative programs that boost productivity, resilience and market access for smallholder farmers. The organization’s mission aligns with national development plans and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, making it a pivotal player in the country’s agricultural transformation. As part of its commitment to creating meaningful Career Opportunities in Somalia, FAO continuously seeks skilled professionals who can drive impact on the ground.

Job Overview

The Agricultural Extension Officer will serve as a frontline technical advisor, delivering hands‑on support to farmers in the Hiiraan region. Based in Beledweyne, the officer will work closely with local agricultural offices, community leaders and partner NGOs to disseminate best‑practice techniques, introduce climate‑smart technologies and facilitate access to inputs and markets. This role is central to FAO’s strategy of strengthening extension services, enhancing value chains and fostering inclusive growth. The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing Employment in Somalia by empowering rural communities, increasing yields and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field visits to assess farmer needs, provide technical advice on crop management, soil health and pest control.
• Organize and lead training workshops on climate‑smart agriculture, post‑harvest handling and value‑addition techniques.
• Collaborate with local government and NGOs to coordinate extension activities and avoid duplication of efforts.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of extension interventions, preparing detailed reports for donors and stakeholders.
• Facilitate farmer access to quality seeds, fertilizers, irrigation equipment and credit facilities.
• Promote gender‑inclusive practices, ensuring women farmers receive equal training and resources.
• Maintain accurate records of farmer contacts, activities and outcomes using FAO’s data management systems.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of agronomic practices for staple crops such as maize, sorghum, rice and vegetables.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts in simple language.
• Proficiency in using mobile data collection tools and basic computer applications.
• Ability to work independently in remote, sometimes insecure, environments.
• Problem‑solving mindset and adaptability to changing field conditions.
• Fluency in Somali and English; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

Education

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, Rural Development or a closely related discipline is required. Advanced certifications in extension services, climate‑smart agriculture or related fields are highly desirable.

Experience

Applicants should have at least three to five years of practical experience in agricultural extension, farmer training or rural development projects, preferably within Somalia or the broader East African region.

Salary

The position offers a competitive salary ranging from 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 SSP per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Salary is paid in Somali Shillings and includes statutory benefits.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage for the employee.
• Annual leave and sick leave in accordance with FAO policies.
• Professional development allowances.
• Opportunity to work with an internationally recognized organization.
• Access to FAO’s global knowledge resources and networks.

Training

• Comprehensive onboarding program covering FAO policies, safety protocols and regional agricultural priorities.
• Ongoing technical training on the latest agronomic research, digital tools and climate‑resilience strategies.
• Leadership and project management workshops for career growth.

Working Environment

The role is based in Beledweyne with frequent travel to surrounding rural districts. The officer will operate in field settings that may lack basic infrastructure, requiring resilience and a proactive safety mindset. FAO provides a supportive environment, regular debriefings and access to a network of experts across the organization.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an online application through the official FAO careers portal. The application must include a current CV, a cover letter outlining relevant experience, and copies of academic certificates. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For more information about FAO Somalia and its programs, please visit Somalia Job Search.

Equal Opportunity Statement

FAO Somalia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, religion or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination.