Consultant for Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor Technology

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which was established in 195

• The IAEA is an international organization that works to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. It operates in over 170 countries and has a mission to enhance global peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through the use of nuclear science and technology. The organization employs thousands of professionals and experts across various fields, including nuclear science, engineering, and policy, and it collaborates with numerous member states and international organizations to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor Technology is focused on providing specialized technical expertise for the implementation of Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor (CRNS) technology within the Soil mapping for resilient agrifood systems (SoilFER) project. This project aims to enhance agricultural practices and food security in several countries, including Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, and Zambia. The consultant will be responsible for CRNS data processing, applications in agricultural water management, and national capacity building. The role requires the generation of essential country-scale data to inform national soil information and decision support systems, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and resilience against climate change. The consultant will also be involved in developing training materials and delivering training sessions to local staff and partners, ensuring that the implementation of CRNS technology aligns with project needs and quality standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a range of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Developing and implementing procedures for CRNS data processing and its application in agricultural water management.
• Integrating CRNS technology with other soil monitoring and mapping systems.
• Preparing comprehensive training materials on CRNS data utilization and prediction services.
• Delivering in-country training sessions for national staff and local partners on CRNS data utilization and prediction services, including facilitating the translation of materials into local languages.
• Providing technical input on project implementation across the five participating countries, ensuring that all CRNS technical execution aligns with project needs and quality standards.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to ensure effective communication and support for the project objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include a university degree (bachelor) in agricultural or soil sciences, or a related discipline, with a background in nuclear techniques for soil moisture monitoring and mapping. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of two years of experience in relevant fields, particularly with proven experience in CRNS data processing for area-wide soil moisture monitoring, supported by scientific publications. Good skills in data analysis and modeling using programming languages such as 'R' are essential, along with experience in applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) for data analysis in soil or water monitoring, which would be considered an asset. Excellent oral and written command of English is mandatory, and knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree (bachelor) in agricultural or soil sciences, or a related discipline. This educational background is crucial as it provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of soil and water management, as well as the application of nuclear techniques in these areas.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience. This experience should include proven expertise in Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor (CRNS) data processing for soil moisture monitoring, as well as familiarity with data analysis and modeling techniques. Experience in applying AI for data analysis in soil or water monitoring is also beneficial, as it demonstrates the ability to leverage advanced technologies for improved agricultural practices.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with excellent oral and written communication skills required. Knowledge of additional official IAEA languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish, is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of training and capacity-building efforts.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy offers a daily fee of up to a maximum of €150, which is determined based on the consultant's qualifications and experience. If duty travel is required as part of the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs will be provided. It is important to note that health coverage and pension fund responsibilities lie with the consultant. The position may involve working closely with international teams and stakeholders, emphasizing the need for strong collaboration and communication skills.