Agriculture Specialist (Technology)

Job Overview

The Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program (MWSIP) – Stage II Project, through its Commercial Agriculture Development (CAD) component, is inviting applications from qualified Sri Lankan citizens for the position of Agriculture Specialist (Technology). This is a contract-based opportunity within the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in Anuradhapura, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation.

The selected specialist will play a key role in improving agricultural productivity by providing technical expertise in crop production, soil management, irrigation, pest management, and sustainable farming practices.

Job Category: Government Jobs

Position Details

Position: Agriculture Specialist (Technology)

Organization: Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program (MWSIP) – Stage II Project

Project: Commercial Agriculture Development (CAD)

Employment Type: Contract Basis (One-year renewable contract)

Location: Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Anuradhapura

Category: Category C

Vacancies: 01 Post

Organization Overview

The Commercial Agriculture Development (CAD) Project is implemented under the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program (MWSIP) – Stage II Project. Supported by IFAD and ADB, the programme focuses on strengthening Sri Lanka’s commercial agriculture sector through modern farming technologies, improved irrigation systems, sustainable agricultural practices, and farmer capacity development.

Job Profile

The Agriculture Specialist (Technology) will assist the Deputy Project Director (Agriculture) and the Head of the Project Implementation Unit in planning, implementing, and managing commercial agriculture development activities.

The specialist will provide expert guidance on:

• Crop production
• Soil management
• Irrigation practices
• Pest and disease management
• Crop health improvement
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Field research and data analysis
• Farmer training and capacity development
• Agricultural productivity and sustainability improvement

The position primarily focuses on crop production and soil management.

Qualifications & Experience

Applicants should satisfy one of the following qualification pathways:

Option 1

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.
• Associate Membership or an equivalent professional qualification from a recognized professional body.
• Minimum 10 years of managerial experience in the relevant field.

Option 2

• Corporate Membership or an equivalent professional qualification from a recognized professional body.
• Minimum 8 years of managerial experience in the relevant field.

Option 3

• Class I Officer of a Government All-Island Service or an equivalent position in the relevant field.
• Associate Membership or an equivalent professional qualification from a recognized professional body.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a Class I position or equivalent.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Deputy Project Director (Agriculture) and Head of PIU in project implementation.
• Provide expert advice on crop production technologies.
• Guide farmers on sustainable agricultural practices.
• Improve crop yield through scientific farming techniques.
• Advise on soil fertility and irrigation management.
• Recommend Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.
• Conduct field research and technical assessments.
• Collect and analyse agricultural data.
• Deliver technical training programmes for farmers and stakeholders.
• Promote profitable and environmentally sustainable agriculture.

These responsibilities are outlined in the official job profile for the position.

Required Skills

• Commercial agriculture expertise
• Crop production management
• Soil science knowledge
• Irrigation management
• Pest and disease management
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Agricultural research and data analysis
• Farmer training and extension services
• Leadership and project coordination
• Report writing
• Stakeholder engagement
• Communication and presentation skills
• Computer literacy
• English language proficiency

Salary & Benefits

Salary Scale

• Category C: Rs. 305,000 – Rs. 325,000

Additional benefits include:

• Government-approved allowances.
• Opportunity to work on an internationally funded agricultural development programme.
• Annual contract renewal based on satisfactory performance and project requirements.

General Requirements

Applicants should:

• Be below 64 years of age.
• Possess good English language proficiency.
• Have computer literacy.
• Be familiar with Government regulations.
• Experience in foreign-funded projects will be considered an added advantage.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Educational and professional qualification details
• Relevant work experience
• Contact details of two non-related referees

Applications can be submitted by registered post or via email.

Email: recruitment.mwsip2@gmail.com

Postal Address:

Project Director
Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program – Stage II Project
(Human Resources Division)
No. 493/1/1,
T.B. Jayah Mawatha,
Colombo 10.

Please indicate “Agriculture Specialist (Technology)” on the top left-hand corner of the envelope.

Application Closing Date: 10 August 2026.

Important Notes

• Employment is on a one-year contract, renewable based on project requirements and performance.
• Government and Semi-Government employees should submit applications through their respective Heads of Departments.
• Copies of educational and professional certificates must be attached.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be called for interviews.
• Selection will be strictly based on qualifications, experience, and merit.
• Incomplete applications or attempts to influence the recruitment process will result in disqualification.

Source :

Download Job Details