International Agricultural Development Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world increasingly reliant on sustainable farming and food production, the role of international agricultural development specialists has become indispensable.

As global agricultural challenges persist, the demand for experienced professionals who can develop, manage, and advance international agricultural programs continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from an international agricultural development specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the core of this position,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect job profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of international agricultural development,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a versatile job description template for an international agricultural development specialist, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

International Agricultural Development Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

International Agricultural Development Specialists work to improve agricultural practices and food production in developing countries.

They use their expertise to develop and implement strategies for sustainable agricultural development and food security.

They can work for a variety of organizations, including non-profit organizations, government agencies, and international institutions.

The following duties and responsibilities are typical for this role:

• Evaluating and analyzing agricultural practices and food production systems in different regions
• Developing and implementing strategies and programs to improve agricultural production and food security
• Conducting research to identify and understand the challenges and opportunities in agricultural development
• Collaborating with local communities, farmers, and other stakeholders to design and implement sustainable agricultural practices
• Advocating for policies and investments that support agricultural development and food security
• Providing technical assistance and training to farmers, local organizations, and government agencies
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of agricultural development programs and interventions
• Preparing reports and presentations to share findings and recommendations with donors, policymakers, and the public
• Staying up-to-date with the latest research, trends, and best practices in agricultural development

 

International Agricultural Development Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated International Agricultural Development Specialist to join our team.

The specialist will be responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring agricultural programs in developing regions.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of sustainable farming practices, rural development, and the unique challenges faced by farmers in developing countries.

 

Responsibilities

• Design and implement agricultural programs to improve farming practices in developing regions.
• Work closely with local communities to understand their unique challenges and needs.
• Develop strategies to promote sustainable farming and rural development.
• Evaluate the impact of agricultural programs and make necessary adjustments.
• Coordinate with international agencies, NGOs, government bodies, and local communities to ensure successful program execution.
• Provide expertise and technical support related to agricultural development.
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate program progress and impact.
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in agriculture and rural development.

 

Qualifications

• A degree in Agriculture, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Experience working in agricultural development, preferably in a developing country.
• Knowledge of sustainable farming practices and rural development strategies.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in challenging environments and adapt to different cultures.
• Fluency in English and at least one additional language.

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Travel allowance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: International Agricultural Development Specialist
• Work Environment: This role involves travel to developing regions. The candidate should be prepared to work in challenging environments.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Agricultural Development.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Competitive and commensurate with experience.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an International Agricultural Development Specialist Do?

International Agricultural Development Specialists play an important role in the global agricultural landscape.

Their work primarily revolves around the development and implementation of strategies to improve agricultural practices and productivity in developing countries.

They are often employed by government agencies, international organizations, or non-profit groups.

They can also work as independent consultants.

Their main tasks involve conducting research to identify issues and challenges faced by the agricultural sector in different regions.

They work closely with farmers, local communities, and government bodies to understand their needs and design appropriate solutions.

International Agricultural Development Specialists are also responsible for introducing sustainable farming practices to protect the environment and enhance food security.

This could involve teaching farmers about new technologies, crop diversification, soil management, or pest control methods.

Additionally, these professionals often collaborate with economists and policy-makers to advocate for agricultural policies that support rural development and poverty reduction.

They must be equipped with strong communication skills to present their findings and recommendations to various stakeholders, from local farmers to international donors.

Their role also involves monitoring and evaluating the impact of agricultural programs to ensure they are meeting their objectives and contributing to the improvement of livelihoods in rural communities.

In a rapidly changing climate, they may also be involved in creating strategies for resilience and adaptation in agriculture to combat the potential impact of global climate change.

 

International Agricultural Development Specialist Qualifications and Skills

An International Agricultural Development Specialist should possess a mixture of technical skills, soft skills, and industry knowledge to successfully promote and support agricultural development worldwide.

These include:

• An extensive knowledge of agricultural practices, technologies, and systems as they are applied across diverse geographies and cultures.
• Understanding of international development principles and practices to support agriculture in developing countries.
• Strong analytical and research skills to study agricultural trends, identify areas for improvement, and evaluate the impacts of agricultural interventions.
• Good problem-solving skills to identify, analyze and solve complex issues related to agricultural development.
• Communication skills to effectively articulate complex agricultural concepts to a variety of audiences, from farmers to policy makers, in clear and accessible language.
• Interpersonal and relationship-building skills to work effectively with diverse groups of people, including farmers, agricultural organizations, government officials and researchers.
• Project management skills to plan, coordinate and monitor agricultural development projects from inception to completion.
• Ability to adapt to different cultural contexts, working conditions and climates, given the international nature of the role.
• Awareness of and commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and principles, given the environmental impacts of agriculture.

 

International Agricultural Development Specialist Experience Requirements

International Agricultural Development Specialists generally need to have a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, or related field, and gain significant theoretical and practical experience during their studies.

Some candidates may gain experience through internships or part-time roles in international agriculture, rural development, or sustainable farming organizations.

These professionals can also acquire on-the-job experience in roles such as Agroecologist, Agricultural Consultant, Rural Development Specialist, or other roles related to agriculture and development.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience may have worked on projects involving improving agricultural productivity, managing resources, and promoting sustainable farming practices in developing countries.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often seen as experts in their field and may have developed technical skills in areas like irrigation systems, pest management, and soil science.

They may also have experience working with international organizations, governments, and NGOs on agricultural development projects.

Individuals with over 10 years of experience usually have a solid background in leading large-scale agricultural development projects and often hold managerial or leadership roles.

These professionals have a deep understanding of the complexities of international agricultural development and are capable of shaping strategies for sustainable farming and rural development.

 

International Agricultural Development Specialist Education and Training Requirements

International Agricultural Development Specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, international development, environmental science, or a related field.

They also need a solid understanding of agronomy, farming techniques, and agricultural economics.

Familiarity with international agricultural policies, sustainable farming practices, and food security issues is essential.

Further specialization may be needed, and this is often achieved through a master’s degree in agricultural development, international relations, or environmental policy.

Many positions also require experience working in a developing country or with international development projects.

Additional qualifications could include proficiency in a foreign language, particularly those spoken in developing countries.

Some candidates may pursue certification or training courses in areas like project management, conflict resolution, and climate change adaptation, which can improve their skills and knowledge.

Having a master’s degree and/or certification may also suggest a candidate’s leadership potential and dedication to ongoing learning.

 

International Agricultural Development Specialist Salary Expectations

An International Agricultural Development Specialist can expect an average salary of $67,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary widely based on the specialist’s experience, education, location, and the organization they work for.

Those with extensive experience and high levels of responsibility in their roles may earn considerably more.

 

International Agricultural Development Specialist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an International Agricultural Development Specialist need?

An International Agricultural Development Specialist typically requires a master’s degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, rural development, or a related field.

Experience in international agricultural development projects is also crucial.

Fluency in multiple languages can be beneficial as the role often involves working with international teams.

 

What skills does an International Agricultural Development Specialist need?

Critical skills for this role include excellent communication and cultural awareness as the specialist will be working with diverse populations.

They should have strong project management skills for overseeing agricultural development initiatives.

Additionally, having a deep understanding of agricultural practices, environmental sustainability, and rural development strategies is essential.

 

What are the daily duties of an International Agricultural Development Specialist?

On a typical day, an International Agricultural Development Specialist may analyze agricultural data, liaise with international partners, and develop agricultural project proposals.

They might spend time researching new agricultural practices and technologies, as well as assessing the impact of ongoing projects.

Regular travel to project sites may also be part of their duties.

 

What qualities make a good International Agricultural Development Specialist?

A successful International Agricultural Development Specialist has a deep passion for agriculture and rural development.

They should be adaptable and resilient, as working in different cultural contexts and remote locations can present challenges.

Strong leadership skills, the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, and a strategic mindset are also important qualities.

 

Is international travel a significant part of this role?

Yes, International Agricultural Development Specialists often travel extensively to manage and monitor development projects in various countries.

They may spend time in rural and remote locations, liaising with local communities, government officials, and other stakeholders.

The frequency of travel may vary depending on the specific project and organization.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we unraveled the intricate details of what it really means to be an International Agricultural Development Specialist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about planting seeds and harvesting crops.

It’s about cultivating the future of global food security and sustainability, one crop at a time.

With our definitive International Agricultural Development Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to start your journey.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting impeccable job listings or refining your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every seed planted contributes to the bigger picture of global food security.

Let’s cultivate that future. Together.

How to Become an International Agricultural Development Specialist (Complete Guide)

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