National Expert on Drone-based Seeding, Plant Nutrient and Weed Management

Supports field validation of drone-based seeding, nutrient and weed-management protocols for Sri Lankan maize–mungbean systems. The role combines agronomic trials, multispectral data analysis and technical guidance to develop national standards and build capacity among agricultural stakeholders.

• Plan and manage field trials for drone-based seeding and crop management
• Prepare research and demonstration plots with partner institutions
• Develop field protocols and data-collection methods for drone applications
• Collect and analyse agronomic, operational and economic field data
• Interpret drone imagery to validate operational protocols
• Develop national technical guidelines for drone-based agriculture
• Support demonstrations and capacity-building for researchers and farmers

• Bachelor’s degree in Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, GIS, Agricultural Engineering, Precision Agriculture, Soil Science or a related discipline
• At least five years of professional experience in UAV-based remote sensing, including two years in agricultural or precision-agriculture applications
• Working knowledge of English
• Nationality of Sri Lanka or residence with a valid work permit

• Master’s degree or PhD
• GIS proficiency for georeferenced prescription maps
• Experience delivering technical training

• Remote Sensing
• Precision Agriculture
• Drone Operations
• Field Trial Management
• Image Processing
• Agronomic Data Analysis
• Nutrient Management
• Weed Management
• Technical Training

• QGIS
• ArcGIS
• DJI Terra
• Pix4Dfields
• Agisoft Metashape
• MicaSense Atlas

• Apply through the FAO recruitment portal with a completed profile and letter of motivation