National Specialist on Soil Analysis

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Position Title: National Specialist on Soil Analysis
Location: Baku
Country: Azerbaijan
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 194 member countries and the European Union, with its headquarters in Rome, Italy. The organization operates in over 130 countries, providing technical assistance and expertise to help countries develop sustainable agricultural practices, improve food security, and enhance rural development. The FAO Azerbaijan Partnership and Liaison Office works closely with the government and its agencies to address critical issues related to food security, agriculture, and natural resource management, contributing to the sustainable development of agri-food systems in Azerbaijan.

Job Overview:
The National Specialist on Soil Analysis will play a crucial role in supporting the FAO's initiatives in Azerbaijan by providing technical expertise in soil sample analysis. This position requires close collaboration with both national and international soil experts to ensure the generation of accurate data that is essential for effective soil mapping and modeling. The Specialist will be responsible for training laboratory staff on the proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment, overseeing quality assurance processes, and integrating analytical results into broader soil management strategies. This role is vital for enhancing the capacity of local laboratories and ensuring that soil analysis contributes effectively to agricultural development and environmental sustainability in Azerbaijan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the ASA regional soil laboratory staff in the analysis of collected soil samples, ensuring that the work is conducted in coordination with national and international soil experts.
• Training soil laboratory staff on the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment for soil analysis, thereby enhancing their technical skills and operational efficiency.
• Coordinating soil analysis activities with national and international consultants and project partners, ensuring that accurate data is supplied for the development of soil maps and modeling of soil properties.
• Ensuring quality assurance and control of analysis results to maintain high standards of accuracy and reliability.
• Interpreting measurements and generated analytical data to provide insights that inform agricultural practices and policy decisions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in agricultural sciences, soil science, or a related field, with a specific focus on spatial data analyses, data science, and geostatistics. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in digital soil mapping, environmental modeling, and spatial data analyses is required. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong working knowledge of English at level C, and must be either nationals of Azerbaijan or residents of the country with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in agricultural sciences, soil science, or a closely related field. The focus should be on areas such as spatial data analyses, data science, and geostatistics, which are critical for the effective execution of soil analysis and mapping tasks.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in digital soil mapping, environmental modeling, and spatial data analyses. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the incumbent can effectively contribute to the technical aspects of soil analysis and collaborate with various stakeholders in the field.

Languages:
A strong working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is necessary for effective communication and collaboration with international partners and stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the FAO's operational needs.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies and international organizations. The role may also entail some travel within Azerbaijan to support field activities and engage with local partners. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards, and the organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.