UN Agency Recruits Expert to Transform Refugee Settlement Agriculture in Kenya
Kalobeyei, 20 January 2026
The Food and Agriculture Organisation is seeking a Field Support Agronomist to revolutionise farming practices in Kalobeyei Refugee Settlement and Turkana West Sub-County, where refugees and host communities work together in Kenya’s integrated settlement model. This 12-month position, advertised on 19 January 2026, requires expertise in climate-smart agriculture and irrigation management to support both displaced populations and local farmers in one of Kenya’s most challenging environments.
Position Requirements and Application Process
The FAO requires candidates to hold a university degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, Horticulture, or a related field, alongside five years of relevant experience in irrigation agronomy, dryland agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, and crop production [1][2]. Applicants must be Kenyan nationals with working knowledge of English and Kiswahili [1][2]. The position is classified as grade SC7 and offers a 12-month contract duration [3]. To apply, candidates must visit the FAO recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete their online profile, including a letter of motivation [1]. Applications must be submitted before the deadline of 2 February 2026 at 12:59:00 AM, with the organisation encouraging early applications [3][4]. FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains strict confidentiality for all applications [2].
Technical Responsibilities and Agricultural Innovation
The Field Support Agronomist will provide technical support to farmers and partners on shade-net and open-field crop production management to ensure optimal costs and production levels are maintained in Kalobeyei and surrounding environments [5]. The role involves training, mentoring, and coaching Community-Based Extension Service Providers (CBESPs), farm management committees, Water User Associations, and farmers in Turkana West on agroecological approaches and techniques [1][5]. These training programmes cover diversification, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), agroforestry, conservation agriculture with trees, integrated pest management, postharvest management, and irrigation agronomy [5]. The agronomist will also support the regreening and rehabilitation of degraded land initiatives by FAO in Kakuma and Kalobeyei and their environs, whilst establishing demonstration sites in various production areas [4][5].
Infrastructure and Market Development Focus
A significant component of the role involves supporting farm management committees and partners on technical issues related to water infrastructure management, including water pans, pumping systems, distribution systems, drip irrigation systems, and in-situ water harvesting structures [5]. The agronomist will facilitate producer-agro-dealer linkages and other agro-input service provider connections, whilst supporting the development of commercially viable business models for agro-dealers to provide inputs and services to farmers [5]. The position also requires supporting the upscaling of agricultural mechanisation to enhance productivity and efficiency by equipping farmers with adequate mechanisation training for effective, safe, and sustainable use [5]. These efforts align with FAO’s broader mission to support efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems as part of the 2030 Agenda [1][6].
Organisational Context and Strategic Alignment
The Field Support Agronomist will report to multiple senior officials, including the FAO Representative in Kenya, the Assistant FAO Representative Programmes, the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Programme manager, and the National Project Lead of the Building Opportunities for Refugees and Host Communities Self-Reliance Project (UNJP/KEN/120/EC) [2][3]. This reporting structure reflects the integrated nature of the settlement model in Kalobeyei, where refugee and host community agricultural development programmes operate collaboratively [1][6]. FAO operates in over 130 countries with 195 members comprising 194 countries and the European Union, positioning this role within the organisation’s global efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security [1][4]. The successful candidate will also support implementation of monitoring and evaluation of field activities, data collection and surveys, and regular report writing as part of their operational responsibilities [5].