Agronomist Role in Post-Disaster Recovery: Supporting Agricultural Restoration and Sustainable Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina
This job posting is for an Agronomist position with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, specifically in the regions of Jablanica, Konjic, and Mostar. The role is part of the “Support to Immediate Recovery from the 2024 Floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina” project, which is funded by the EU. The project aims to help local communities recover from severe flooding that occurred in October 2024 by supporting agricultural producers, small businesses, and infrastructure restoration.
Key Job Detailshttp://UNDP Agronomist Position – Support to Immediate Recovery from the 2024 Floods
- Position: Agronomist (2 individuals)
- Duration: 8 months (May 1 – December 31, 2025)
- Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-8)
- Location: Sarajevo, but work will be conducted in Jablanica, Konjic, and Mostar.
- Workload: Up to 80 expert days per person
- Language Requirements:
- Official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina required.
- English proficiency is considered an asset.
- Salary: Not mentioned, but travel expenses for field visits will be covered separately according to UNDP rules.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Agronomist will work under the supervision of the Project Manager and will focus on economic recovery efforts for agricultural producers affected by the floods. Their work will be divided into three main areas:
1. Field Verification of Applicants for Economic Support@vacancyspaces.com
- Develop a schedule for field visits in collaboration with local representatives.
- Visit farmers and verify the information they provided in their applications for economic aid.
- Assess the feasibility of support packages requested by applicants.
- Recommend alternative solutions where necessary.
- Inspect agricultural land to determine its suitability for proposed activities.
- Submit detailed field reports with findings and recommendations.
2. Monitoring, Field Visits, and Quality Assurance
- Conduct regular visits to farmers who receive support packages.
- Ensure that distributed aid (e.g., greenhouses, equipment, beehives) is received and used correctly.
- Monitor the installation of greenhouses and other infrastructure.
- Verify proper maintenance of provided resources.
- Ensure farmers are preparing adequately for the next planting season.
- Report any problems, misuse, or defects in received items.
- If there are defects covered under a warranty, follow up to ensure they are fixed.
3. Technical Support and Training for Beneficiaries
- Develop training materials for farmers, including topics on sustainable agriculture and climate risk adaptation.
- Conduct training sessions (one-on-one and group) for agricultural producers.
- Organize hands-on demonstrations and field visits (at least three per beneficiary).
- Collect feedback from participants and improve training accordingly.
- Document best practices and lessons learned.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education:
- A Master’s degree in Agriculture (Agronomy) is required, OR
- A Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
Experience:
- If you have a Master’s degree, no experience is required.
- If you have a Bachelor’s degree, you need at least 2 years of experience in Agronomy.
- Experience in project implementation, monitoring, and quality assurance.
- Understanding of local regulations and by-laws related to agriculture.
Skills:
- Computer literacy (Microsoft Office and other digital tools).
- Knowledge of agri-food sector and rural development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Experience in UN/EU post-disaster recovery projects (preferred).
- Experience in conducting field verification and working with suppliers and local authorities.
- Prior work with UNDP is an advantage.
Competencies
The ideal candidate should have:
- Strategic thinking – Ability to plan and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Systems thinking – Understanding of how different elements of agricultural support and recovery interact.
- Human-centered approach – Ability to focus on the needs of beneficiaries.
- Clear communication – Ability to present information in a structured way.
- Relationship management – Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including public and private partners.
- Data analysis skills – Ability to assess and interpret agricultural data.
Additional Information
- Equal Opportunity: UNDP encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
- Work Environment: The role requires extensive fieldwork, meaning frequent travel to Jablanica, Konjic, and Mostar.
- Fraud Alert: UNDP does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment.
Is This Job Right for You?
This job is ideal for someone who: ✔ Has a background in Agronomy or Agriculture.
✔ Is experienced in fieldwork, verification, and monitoring.
✔ Wants to work on post-disaster recovery and rural development.
✔ Enjoys training and educating farmers.
✔ Is comfortable with traveling for work.
✔ Has experience working with international organizations (UNDP, EU, NGOs).
Would you like help preparing your application or understanding specific aspects of the role?
Sure! Here is a detailed explanation of the UNDP Agronomist position in Bosnia and Herzegovina, covering all aspects of the job, background, responsibilities, qualifications, expectations, and how it fits into the larger context of disaster recovery and economic support.
UNDP Agronomist Position in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Comprehensive Overview
1. Introduction to the Job Posting
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has posted an opportunity for two agronomists to work on a disaster recovery project in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The positions are based in Sarajevo but involve extensive fieldwork in Jablanica, Konjic, and Mostar. The agronomists will be contracted for up to 80 expert days per person between May 1 and December 31, 2025 under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-8).
This job is part of the EU-funded “Support to Immediate Recovery from the 2024 Floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina” initiative, which aims to assist communities affected by severe flooding in October 2024. The floods caused massive destruction, with estimated damages of €144 million to homes, public infrastructure, and businesses. The project provides agricultural producers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with economic support to restore their businesses.
The agronomists will play a crucial role in assessing, monitoring, and providing technical support to beneficiaries, ensuring that aid is effectively distributed and utilized.
2. Background: The Flood Disaster and the Role of UNDP
The floods that hit southern and central Bosnia and Herzegovina in October 2024 had catastrophic effects, including:
- Destruction of homes and infrastructure
- Loss of agricultural land and crops
- Disruption of local economies, including farms and small businesses
- Increased vulnerability of rural communities
- Threats to food security and economic stability
As part of post-disaster recovery, the EU and UNDP designed this intervention to help affected communities rebuild their lives. The project provides:
- Housing reconstruction and rehabilitation
- Restoration of public infrastructure
- Economic support for agricultural producers and MSMEs
The agronomists hired for this role will work under the economic recovery component, which aims to help farmers regain their productivity by providing them with:
- Greenhouses and small agricultural equipment
- Beekeeping tools and other auxiliary agricultural items
- Training on sustainable farming practices and climate adaptation strategies
- Monitoring and quality assurance of the provided assistance
Given the importance of agriculture in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the revival of this sector is essential for long-term recovery.
3. Responsibilities of the Agronomist
The selected agronomists will have three main responsibilities, each of which includes specific tasks and objectives.
(A) Field Verification of Applications for Economic Support
One of the first tasks will be to verify applications submitted by farmers and agricultural businesses applying for financial aid or material support. This process ensures that only eligible and deserving candidates receive assistance.
Key tasks:
- Develop a detailed field visit schedule in coordination with local authorities.
- Conduct on-site verification visits to farmers and agricultural producers in Jablanica, Konjic, and Mostar.
- Assess the accuracy and legitimacy of the information provided in the applications.
- Evaluate the suitability of agricultural land for the proposed activities.
- Determine whether applicants have the capacity to properly use the support packages.
- Where necessary, recommend alternative support that better fits the needs of the applicants.
- Prepare detailed verification reports summarizing findings, observations, and recommendations.
This verification process is crucial to ensuring that EU funds and UNDP resources are used effectively, without fraud or misallocation.
(B) Monitoring, Field Visits, and Quality Assurance
Once support packages (e.g., greenhouses, small farming equipment, beekeeping tools) are distributed, the agronomists will monitor how they are used and ensure quality assurance.
Key tasks:
- Develop a structured work plan to optimize field visits.
- Conduct regular monitoring visits to recipients of agricultural support packages.
- Ensure that distributed items (e.g., greenhouses, equipment, beehives) are properly installed and used correctly.
- Inspect the condition of received items and ensure that beneficiaries follow proper maintenance protocols.
- Verify that farmers are preparing adequately for the upcoming planting season.
- Identify any defects in equipment and ensure suppliers address them under warranty.
- Report misuse, fraud, or improper handling of resources to the UNDP Project Manager.
- Monitor economic recovery impact, including whether farmers have integrated into the value chain and generated income.
This phase of work is critical because providing resources alone is not enough—ensuring their proper use determines the project’s success.
(C) Technical Support and Training for Beneficiaries
Beyond monitoring, the agronomists will also play a role in capacity building by training farmers in sustainable and climate-adaptive farming techniques.
Key tasks:
- Develop comprehensive training materials tailored to the needs of local farmers.
- Ensure that training includes sustainable agriculture and climate resilience strategies.
- Create a structured training plan, including session topics, methods, and scheduling.
- Conduct one-on-one and group training sessions to improve farming skills.
- Provide hands-on demonstrations and field training (at least 3 visits per beneficiary).
- Collect feedback from farmers to improve training effectiveness.
- Document best practices and lessons learned for future initiatives.
This component ensures that beneficiaries not only receive aid but also gain knowledge to improve long-term resilience.
4. Qualifications and Skills Required
Educational Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet one of the following:
- Master’s degree in Agriculture/Agronomy (no experience required).
- Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture/Agronomy with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
Work Experience
- Experience in agronomy and agricultural fieldwork.
- Prior experience in project implementation and monitoring.
- Knowledge of agricultural regulations and by-laws in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Familiarity with post-disaster recovery initiatives (preferred).
- Experience working with UNDP, EU, or international organizations (preferred).
Technical Skills
- Computer proficiency, especially in Microsoft Office.
- Experience conducting field verification and beneficiary assessments.
- Ability to work with local authorities, suppliers, and farmers.
- Experience in training and knowledge-sharing.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in the official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina (required).
- English language proficiency (preferred).
5. Why This Job Matters
This position is vital in helping Bosnia and Herzegovina recover from a major disaster. By providing expertise in agriculture and rural development, the selected agronomists will:
- Support economic recovery in flood-affected areas.
- Help farmers regain their livelihoods.
- Ensure that aid is properly distributed and utilized.
- Promote climate-resilient agricultural practices.
The job combines technical expertise, fieldwork, and community engagement, making it a unique and impactful opportunity.
6. Conclusion
This UNDP Agronomist position is an excellent opportunity for professionals in agronomy who want to contribute to post-disaster recovery and rural development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The role involves verification of aid applicants, monitoring of support distribution, and training of beneficiaries to ensure sustainable recovery. It requires technical expertise, hands-on fieldwork, and strong communication skills. If you have the qualifications and the passion for helping communities rebuild, this could be the perfect role for you.
Would you like assistance with your application, CV, or cover letter?
Absolutely! Let me expand further on the context, responsibilities, qualifications, and the impact of this position with additional details and insights into the significance of the UNDP Agronomist role, the background of the Support to Immediate Recovery from the 2024 Floods project, as well as how it fits within the broader goals of economic recovery and sustainable agriculture.
7. Expanded Overview of the Position
The Role of Agronomists in Post-Disaster Recovery
Post-disaster recovery in the wake of major natural disasters like the 2024 floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina is crucial for rebuilding communities and restoring livelihoods. Natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and storms not only destroy homes and infrastructure but can also devastate the local agriculture sector, which is vital for food security and economic sustainability in many rural areas.
The agronomist role within the UNDP Disaster Recovery Project is designed to ensure that agriculture and food production are prioritized as part of the recovery process. Given the importance of agriculture in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economy, rebuilding this sector directly impacts the recovery of the local economy and the resilience of affected populations. Agronomists play an essential role in:
- Supporting farmers and agricultural producers to recover from crop losses, land damage, and infrastructure destruction.
- Restoring agricultural production through the provision of resources such as greenhouses, farming equipment, and training.
- Building resilience against future disasters, such as floods and climate-related events, by promoting sustainable farming practices.
The role is thus one of impact—helping to restore an entire sector while simultaneously improving livelihoods and protecting the environment. The expertise of agronomists in these areas is pivotal for ensuring that the recovery is not just temporary but sustainable in the long run.
8. Detailed Breakdown of Job Responsibilities
Field Verification of Applications
The first key responsibility is ensuring that farmers and agricultural producers who apply for assistance meet the necessary eligibility criteria. This involves verifying the accuracy of their applications and ensuring they truly require support. It also ensures the integrity of the project, preventing fraudulent claims and ensuring the appropriate distribution of resources.
Why this task matters:
- Ensures fairness and accountability by ensuring that resources are allocated based on need.
- Helps to identify farmers and producers who may be underrepresented or unable to meet the application requirements but still need assistance, ensuring no one is left behind.
Monitoring and Field Visits to Ensure Quality Assurance
The second responsibility involves monitoring the distribution of support packages—including greenhouses, equipment, and other agricultural resources. The agronomists are responsible for ensuring that the materials provided are being used properly, that they are not misused or damaged, and that they are improving the agricultural capacity of the recipients.
Why this task matters:
- Prevents waste by ensuring that the resources provided are used correctly and effectively.
- Promotes sustainability by ensuring that farmers adopt best practices for land preparation and equipment maintenance, which will increase productivity.
- Ensures that farmers have the training and tools necessary to make full use of the agricultural resources provided.
Providing Technical Support and Training
Another crucial aspect of this position is providing technical assistance and training to beneficiaries. The agronomists are responsible for creating and conducting training programs for farmers and producers. These sessions will cover:
- Sustainable agricultural practices that improve long-term productivity and environmental resilience.
- Climate resilience and adaptation strategies to ensure farmers are better prepared for future challenges, such as changing weather patterns and flooding.
- Risk management practices, ensuring that farmers are equipped with the knowledge to protect their crops and livelihoods from future risks.
Why this task matters:
- Empowers local farmers by giving them the skills and knowledge they need to improve their productivity.
- Helps improve long-term sustainability, enabling farmers to adapt to changing conditions such as climate change and global economic shifts.
- Builds self-reliance by reducing dependency on external aid over time, fostering self-sufficiency and economic stability.
Table of Contents
9. Why This Position Is Important: The Bigger Picture
The Role of Agriculture in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Economy
Agriculture is a key pillar of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economy, particularly in rural areas. In many of the regions affected by the 2024 floods, agriculture provides livelihoods for a significant portion of the population. This includes both subsistence farming—where families grow crops to feed themselves—and commercial agriculture, which provides products for local markets and international trade.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, agriculture contributes to the GDP and provides employment to a significant proportion of the population, especially in rural communities. The sector includes crop production, livestock farming, orchards, and forestry, and it forms the backbone of the country’s food security.
The floods had a devastating impact on this sector:
- Crops were destroyed, leaving farmers without a means of income for an entire year.
- Livestock was lost, further compounding the losses.
- Agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, greenhouses, and storage facilities, was damaged or destroyed.
As a result, immediate recovery efforts focused on restoring agriculture were deemed essential for the broader recovery of the entire economy. Providing technical support and economic resources to farmers enables them to return to farming, restore their livelihoods, and begin contributing to the local and national economy again.
The agronomist’s role directly aligns with this goal, helping to revive the agriculture sector, which will:
- Boost food production for local consumption.
- Increase economic stability in the affected regions.
- Restore jobs in the agricultural sector.
- Contribute to overall national recovery.
Building Long-Term Resilience: Climate Change and Sustainable Practices
In addition to immediate recovery, the project places significant emphasis on building long-term resilience. The floods highlighted the vulnerabilities in the country’s agricultural sector, particularly the lack of adaptation to climate change and sustainable farming practices. The agronomist’s role in promoting climate-resilient farming is therefore crucial for reducing future risks.
This involves:
- Encouraging the use of sustainable practices, such as crop rotation, organic farming, and water conservation techniques.
- Adapting to changing weather patterns, ensuring that farmers are ready for future floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events.
- Educating farmers about risk management strategies, so they can better prepare for potential disasters.
By supporting sustainable agriculture, agronomists are helping to safeguard the environment, improve soil health, and increase the long-term viability of farming in the region.
10. The Broader Impact on the Community
Beyond the technical aspects of the job, the UNDP agronomist position has a broader social impact on the communities involved. Through the agronomists’ work:
- Farmers and small business owners will be able to restore their livelihoods.
- Rural communities will experience a reduction in poverty, as agriculture is a primary source of income for many families.
- Youth and women, often underserved in the agricultural sector, will be equipped with new skills and empowered to take on leadership roles in the recovery process.
The agronomists will also help improve the overall resilience of the communities, not just economically but socially. The training and resources provided will help ensure that future generations of farmers are better prepared to face the challenges posed by climate change and economic instability.
11. Conclusion: A Role of Impact and Responsibility
The UNDP Agronomist role is a unique opportunity for individuals with an interest in agriculture, disaster recovery, and sustainable development. It’s a chance to contribute to a critical recovery effort in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where agriculture forms the backbone of many rural communities’ livelihoods.
By applying expert knowledge of agronomy, agriculture, and climate resilience, agronomists will help to restore the livelihoods of farmers and businesses, ensuring that they not only recover from the 2024 floods but also build long-term resilience for future generations.
This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on the recovery process, improve economic stability, and contribute to a sustainable future for Bosnia and Herzegovina. For those passionate about rural development, agriculture, and disaster recovery, this is a role that combines technical expertise, community engagement, and social impact in meaningful ways.
Would you like to explore more details about the UNDP or how you can prepare for this role? Let me know how I can help with your application or any other information!
