Deadline for Applications
January 17, 2026
Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)
U (unclassified)
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
No designation
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
UNOPS LICA6
2026-01-01
1. General Background
As of the end of August 2025, Ghana is home to a total of 31,670 refugees and asylum seekers. This diverse population spans 43 nationalities, with the top six countries of origin being Burkina Faso, Togo, Sudan, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia.
The biggest and newest arrivals being the Burkinabe population, together with the government of Ghana, a climate-smart agribusiness initiative has been adopted – Ghana Refugee Agribusiness Sustainability Programme (GRASP). This initiative is aimed at fostering self-reliance and promoting sustainable livelihoods by equipping beneficiaries with essential skills in modern agricultural practices and agribusiness development.
A flagship component is being implemented in Bono East and Upper West regions, where a significant number of refugees and asylum seekers reside.
The Agronomist will play a critical role in overseeing the implementation of this program. He/She will work closely with refugee and host communities to ensure the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, provide technical support, and facilitate market linkages to enhance economic inclusion and food security. The position also requires coordination with government agencies, partner organizations, and stakeholders to ensure the programme aligns with national policies and the overall goals of the Ghana refugee operation.
2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
A. Agricultural Planning and Land Development
• Provide technical guidance on land assessment, land clearing, and preparation for GRASP demonstration and production plots.
• Support soil testing and interpret results to inform crop selection, input requirements, and production targets.
• Advise on land use planning in collaboration with local authorities and traditional leaders.
B. Climate-Smart and Sustainable Agriculture
• Design and support the implementation of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices aligned with national MoFA guidelines.
• Promote environmentally sustainable farming techniques, soil conservation, water management, and resilience to climate variability.
• Ensure alignment with national environmental and agricultural standards.
C. Input Selection and Production Management
• Advise on the selection and procurement of seeds, fertilizers, tools, and basic mechanization services.
• Support the development of seasonal production plans based on agro-ecological conditions and market demand.
• Monitor crop performance and provide technical troubleshooting support during the production cycle.
D. Capacity Building and Farmer Support
• Support the design and delivery of practical training for refugee and host community farmers.
• Work with extension officers, Agromite, and private sector actors to strengthen farmer knowledge and skills.
• Provide hands-on technical guidance to cooperatives and farmer groups.
E. Value Chain and Market Linkages
• Support alignment of production with market requirements and private-sector off-take arrangements.
• Advise on post-harvest handling, quality standards, and yield optimization.
• Contribute to linking farmer cooperatives with agribusiness actors and aggregators.
RESULTS
I. Highlighting good practices and the contribution of UNHCR and its partners in the development of agricultural value chains in refugee-hosting areas; identifying existing challenges and risks (market access, informal agreements, illegal trade routes, climate change, malnutrition, conflicts over natural resources...), and the needs of communities to strengthen their resilience and food security and promote sustainable agriculture and the inclusion of refugees in food systems.
II. Practical recommendations shared with implementing NGOs and UNHCR on how to improve ongoing agricultural projects, planning, resource mobilization, monitoring and coordination with local authorities, development actors, the private sector and the populations concerned for the agricultural development of areas hosting refugees.
III. Mapping of possible interventions, implementation of a monitoring system, and comprehensive assessment of stakeholders with whom synergies have been established or are to be provided for the inclusion of refugees in their development programs and local development plans, and for the scaling-up of existing agricultural interventions.
IV. Successful advocacy (documented agreements) for the extension of agricultural projects of the Ministry and/or development actors on at least two large areas negotiated by GRB with support from UNHCR.
V. Recommendation on the technical structure to be maintained by UNHCR in the sector.
VI. Identification of the needs of refugees and host communities for the development of agricultural sectors in refugee-hosting areas.
VII. Training of UNHCR staff and partners in strategic planning, coordination, support and monitoring of agricultural development programs and projects.
3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
• Mid-year and Year-end report
• Monitoring mission reports
• Any other ad hoc report as needed.
4. Qualifications and Experience
a. Education
Minimum 4 years' higher education in agricultural sciences - Diploma in agricultural engineering - Agronomy - Agro-industry - Plant production - Rural development - Hydroponics - Agroeconomics - Agroecology - Food safety - Agri-food - Vegetable growing - Agroforestry - or any other similar and relevant field.
b. Work Experience
(List the number of years and area of required work experience. Clearly distinguish between required experience and experience that could be an asset.)
8 years of relevant experience in sustainable agriculture, rural development, agricultural policy, infrastructure, and market development for agricultural livelihoods, including at least 5 years with international development agencies or organizations in program coordination, agricultural supervision, and food security.
c. Desirable
o Knowledge of the intervention area (or similar areas), refugee programmes and host community challenges.
o Experience in conducting agricultural work, demonstration tests in farming environments, agricultural evaluation, etc.
o Good experience and knowledge of soilless cultivation and vegetable gardens
o Experience in management mechanisms, development, and distribution of agricultural inputs.
o Knowledge of the sectors in the areas of intervention, and of innovative agricultural production and soil improvement techniques (ZAI, half-moon, agroforestry, composting, soilless cultivation, etc.);
o Assiduity, listening skills, initiative, responsiveness, dynamism, availability.
o Mastery of IT tools (Office 365)
d. Key Competencies
(Technical knowledge, skills, managerial competencies, or other personal competencies relevant to the performance of the assignment. Clearly distinguish between required and desired competencies.
Core Competencies:
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation
Managerial Competencies
Judgement and Decision Making
Managing Performance
Managing Performance
Strategic Planning and Vision
Cross-Functional Competencies
Stakeholder Management
Political Awareness
Stakeholder Management
Analytical Thinking
Planning and Organizing
Innovation and Creativity
Planning and Organizing
Standard Job Description
Required Languages
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,
Desired Languages
,
,
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Certifications
Other information
This position doesn't require a functional clearance
Remote
No