Soil and Water Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Land and Water Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is dedicated to enhancing agricultural productivity while promoting sustainable land, soil, and water resource management. Established to address the pressing challenges faced by member countries in optimizing the use of these vital resources, the division focuses on ensuring that agricultural demands are met sustainably. It operates globally, providing technical assistance and developing policies that promote equitable access to land and water resources, thereby enhancing productivity, livelihoods, and ecosystem services. The division's initiatives include the Soil Mapping for Resilient Agrifood Systems (SoilFER) project, which aims to empower stakeholders and improve soil management practices across various regions, particularly in Central America and sub-Saharan Africa. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and improving the governance of natural resources through collaboration with member nations.

Job Overview:
The Soil and Water Specialist position is designed to support the FAO’s Land and Water Division in implementing its soil-related portfolio. The role involves providing expertise in various technical areas, including project formulation and implementation, to assist member countries in enhancing their agricultural productivity sustainably. The specialist will engage in activities related to soil spectroscopy, laboratory analysis, and soil fertility management, contributing to the development of policies and best practices that align with the FAO's mission. The position requires a proactive approach to capacity building, empowering local stakeholders, and ensuring the effective use of soil and water resources. The specialist will also be involved in training sessions, developing training materials, and collaborating with national institutions to strengthen their capabilities in soil management and analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Soil and Water Specialist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the implementation of the Global Soil Laboratory Network’s initiative on soil spectroscopy; providing technical support for developing calibration models based on existing soil spectral libraries; overseeing soil sample processing for wet and dry chemistry analysis; collaborating with project partners to ensure timely and accurate soil analysis results; developing quality assurance measures for soil analysis processes; participating in capacity-building activities to enhance national capacities in soil analysis; supporting laboratory equipment procurement; tracking progress and assessing the quality of soil analysis; contributing to project monitoring and reporting frameworks; establishing relationships with project stakeholders; facilitating collaboration among project partners; identifying locally adapted soil management practices; promoting the adoption of these practices; supporting the establishment of field trials; and contributing to the development of national decision support systems for soil management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: for consultants, a Master’s level degree in soil science, agriculture, environmental sciences, or a related field with specialization in soil science from a recognized institution is required. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with two years of relevant experience may be considered equivalent in certain circumstances. For PSA roles, a university degree in soil science or a related field is necessary. Additionally, candidates must possess a working knowledge (Level C) of one of the FAO languages. Experience requirements vary by category, with one to four years of relevant experience for category C, five to nine years for category B, and at least ten years for category A, all related to sustainable soil management and laboratory analyses.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s level degree in soil science, agriculture, environmental sciences, or a related field with a specialization in soil science. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience may also be considered. The educational qualifications must be from institutions recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU) or UNESCO, ensuring that the candidates have a solid foundation in the necessary scientific principles and practices related to soil and water management.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position varies by category. For category C, candidates should have one to four years of relevant experience, while category B requires five to nine years, and category A necessitates at least ten years of experience. This experience should be directly related to sustainable soil management, soil fertility, laboratory analyses, and soil information and data management. Candidates with experience working in multiple locations or areas, particularly in field positions, will be viewed favorably, as will those with a background in formulating and implementing projects related to sustainable soil management.

Languages:
A working knowledge (Level C) of one of the FAO languages is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across different regions.

Additional Notes:
This position is a home-based contract that may require travel for field missions as necessary. The role is designed to support the implementation of various projects across seven beneficiary countries, including Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, Mozambique, Tunisia, and Zambia. Candidates will be assessed based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to contribute effectively to the FAO’s mission of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving the governance of natural resources.