Section Head, Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition

Job Posting Organization:
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. Established in 1957, the IAEA has a mission to enhance global peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through the application of nuclear science and technology. The organization operates in over 170 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees. The IAEA's work encompasses various areas, including nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, as well as the application of nuclear techniques in fields such as health, agriculture, and environmental protection.

Job Overview:
The Section Head for Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition (SWMCN) will play a pivotal role in leading a multidisciplinary team within the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture. This position is crucial for ensuring that the SWMCN Section and its Laboratory effectively contribute to the development of improved soil, water, and crop nutrient management techniques. The Section Head will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the SWMCN subprogramme, which aims to enhance sustainable agricultural production systems that are resilient to climate change. The role requires a combination of leadership, technical expertise, and strategic planning to ensure that the activities align with the IAEA's objectives and meet the needs of Member States. The Section Head will also be involved in capacity building, technical support, and policy advice, making this position integral to the IAEA's mission in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Section Head will manage the Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section, providing leadership and guidance to staff while establishing and monitoring performance standards. Responsibilities include ensuring coordination and transparency in all activities, contributing to the strategic direction of the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme, and leading the development and validation of nuclear techniques for soil and water management. The Section Head will also ensure the visibility and impact of the subprogramme's activities, generate scientific and technical input for policy development, and evaluate technical cooperation projects. Additionally, the role involves fostering collaboration with internal and external stakeholders and mobilizing resources for the subprogramme.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree or an Advanced University Degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, or related disciplines, with a proven background in the use of nuclear techniques in soil, agricultural water, and crop nutrient management. A PhD in a relevant area is considered a strong asset. The position requires a minimum of ten years of working experience in research and development related to soil-plant-water interactions, with a focus on sustainable agricultural production systems. Experience in leading teams, managing human and financial resources, and program planning is essential, particularly in high-quality R&D activities. Knowledge of policy development for soil-plant-water management strategies is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's Degree or an Advanced University Degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field. A PhD in the aforementioned areas would be advantageous, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and research capability in the application of nuclear techniques for agricultural purposes.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least ten years of relevant experience in research and development, particularly in the areas of soil-plant-water interactions that influence soil quality and agricultural productivity. This experience should encompass both national and international settings, highlighting the candidate's ability to work in diverse environments. Additionally, the candidate should have a proven track record in leading functional teams and managing resources effectively, as well as experience in program planning and budgeting, especially in R&D activities related to soil science.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and Member States.

Additional Notes:
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package, including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $101,540, along with a variable post adjustment and various benefits such as dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, and relocation expenses. Staff members are entitled to six weeks of annual leave, home leave travel, and are covered by a pension plan and health insurance. The IAEA is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries. The appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report, and staff members may be assigned to any location as per the IAEA's rotation policy.