Soil Specialists (3 profiles)

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Land and Water Division (NSL) focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting the sustainable use of land, soil, and water resources. It assists Member countries in addressing challenges related to resource management, ensuring productive and efficient use for present and future demands while maintaining long-term sustainability. The division provides technical assistance in areas like irrigation, soil and water conservation, and drought mitigation, promoting equitable access to natural resources. The Soil Mapping for Resilient Agrifood Systems (SoilFER) project is a key initiative.

Job Purpose

This role supports the development and effective implementation of FAO’s soil-related portfolio by providing expertise in technical areas. The specialist will contribute to project formulation and implementation, offering crucial support to Member countries in advancing sustainable soil management practices. The objective is to leverage specialized knowledge to enhance agricultural productivity and resource sustainability, aligning with FAO's broader goals for resilient agrifood systems and improved livelihoods.

Responsibilities

The Soil Specialist will undertake diverse tasks depending on their specialization. For Soil Spectroscopy and Proximal Sensing, responsibilities include supporting the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN-Spec) initiative, developing calibration models for soil properties using spectral libraries, and contributing to capacity development programs. For Soil Laboratories, duties involve overseeing sample processing, ensuring accurate analysis, implementing quality assurance, supporting national laboratories and LIMS, and contributing to GLOSOLAN activities. For Soil and Fertilizer Management, tasks include identifying and promoting locally adapted practices, developing integrated soil fertility management strategies, supporting field trials, contributing to decision support systems, and enhancing national capacities for fertilizer analysis and policy.

Work Experience

Relevant experience is required, with the extent varying by consultant category: one to four years for category C, five to nine years for category B, and at least ten years for category A. This experience should be relevant to sustainable soil management, soil fertility, laboratory analyses, and soil information and data management.

Skills

Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Demonstrated experience working with Member countries on soil-related normative and technical matters is essential. Ability to deliver results within deadlines is crucial. Experience in soil laboratory functioning, sample analysis, statistical analysis, or sustainable soil management in developing countries, particularly concerning climate change adaptation and sustainable agriculture, is highly valued. Experience in project formulation, report preparation, and capacity development materials is also beneficial.

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