Consultant for 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. Established in 1957, the IAEA has a mission to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health, and prosperity throughout the world. The organization operates in over 170 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,500 employees. The IAEA's Major Programme 2 focuses on Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection, which includes various programs aimed at enhancing the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and manage environmental resources sustainably.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position is aimed at providing technical expertise and input to the Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory. The primary focus is on the development, testing, and application of in-situ drone-based sensing technologies for monitoring soil fertility, soil moisture dynamics, and crop-soil interactions in agricultural systems. The consultant will play a crucial role in strengthening the laboratory's capacity to integrate proximal sensing and nuclear/isotopic techniques, thereby improving the assessment of soil functions and resource use efficiency under field conditions. This role involves not only technical guidance but also the coordination of research and technical cooperation activities, as well as training and technology transfer to Member States.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key functions, including the pilot deployment of drone-based sensing technologies for monitoring soil moisture and soil fertility. This includes providing technical guidance on the selection, integration, and deployment of drone platforms and sensors, such as multispectral and thermal sensors, to monitor soil moisture status and vegetation performance. The consultant will design and implement at least one pilot field campaign, developing practical protocols for flight planning and environmental considerations. Additionally, the consultant will calibrate and interpret drone-derived indicators, establishing validation workflows that integrate soil sampling and laboratory analyses with proximal sensing approaches. The role also involves developing data processing workflows, knowledge transfer materials, and preparing a concise technical report summarizing the tested approaches and key lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (master's level) in agriculture, soil science, environmental science, or a related field. A minimum of five years of experience in agricultural research, particularly in drone-based environmental or agricultural monitoring, is required. This experience should include sensor integration, field deployment, and the acquisition of soil moisture and vegetation data. Practical experience in field experimentation and applied research, especially in soil and water management or land degradation monitoring, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of experience in geospatial data processing and interpretation, including image analysis and spatial assessment of soil fertility indicators. Familiarity with proximal soil sensing techniques and environmental radionuclide applications is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master's degree in agriculture, soil science, environmental science, or a closely related field. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the laboratory's objectives and the overall mission of the IAEA.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in agricultural research, specifically in areas related to drone-based environmental or agricultural monitoring. This experience should encompass sensor integration, field deployment, and the acquisition of soil moisture and vegetation data. Additionally, candidates should have practical experience in field experimentation and applied research, particularly in soil and water management or land degradation monitoring. A minimum of two years of experience in geospatial data processing and interpretation is also necessary, which includes skills in image analysis and spatial assessment of soil fertility indicators.

Languages:
A good command of English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy offers a daily fee of up to a maximum of €250, which is determined based on the candidate'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 incumbent, indicating that the position may not include comprehensive benefits typically associated with full-time employment.