National Specialist on Soil Surveys

National Specialist on Soil Surveys

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

March 9, 2025March 20, 2025BakuAzerbaijan
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The FAO Azerbaijan Partnership and Liaison Office collaborates closely with the government and its ministries to promote sustainable agri-food systems and address critical issues related to food security, agriculture, rural development, and natural resource management in Azerbaijan.

Job Overview:
The National Specialist on Soil Surveys will play a crucial role in leading the design and implementation of soil sampling, classification, and survey methodologies in Azerbaijan. This position requires a strong alignment with global standards and FAO guidelines. The incumbent will oversee the processing and validation of soil data, coordinate field teams, and contribute to the creation of GIS-based soil maps and suitability assessments for agricultural use. The role demands a high level of technical expertise in soil science and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including national project coordinators and international consultants. The specialist will be responsible for ensuring that all activities are conducted in accordance with established methodologies and that the results contribute to the overall goals of the FAO in Azerbaijan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Specialist on Soil Surveys include determining the methodology for sampling design, soil survey, and soil classification in collaboration with FAO Headquarters. The specialist will prepare a work plan for soil survey and sampling, conduct traditional soil classification during fieldwork and at the office, and oversee laboratory processing, analyses, review, and validation of soil samples collected during the survey. Additionally, the incumbent will evaluate and prepare soil profile data for the creation of a soil database, provide consultation on GIS-based methodology for soil sampling, validate digital soil map outputs, and participate in the preparation of soil suitability maps for selected agricultural crops. The specialist will also guide the implementation of training programs for fieldwork and laboratory analysis, conduct annual progress meetings with the team, and support laboratory training.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in agricultural sciences, soil science, or a related field with a focus on soil mapping, soil surveys, and soil classification. A minimum of 10 years of experience in soil surveys, soil classification, and soil mapping is required. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge (level C) of English and must be 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 soil mapping, soil surveys, and soil classification, which are critical for the successful execution of the responsibilities associated with this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in soil surveys, soil classification, and soil mapping. This extensive experience is essential to ensure that the incumbent can effectively lead the design and implementation of methodologies and contribute to the overall objectives of the FAO in Azerbaijan.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Azerbaijani is also essential, as the incumbent will be working closely with local stakeholders and government agencies. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve collaboration with international and national stakeholders. The role is critical for the FAO's mission in Azerbaijan, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and food security. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO standards, and the position may involve travel within the country for fieldwork and training purposes.
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