National Soil Fertility and Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, facilitating partnerships and resources to deliver technical assistance and develop capacities while adhering to international standards of accountability.

Job Overview:
The National Soil Fertility and Management Specialist will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation and follow-up of Programme/project activities at the national level. This role involves conducting soil fertility analysis, developing nutrient and nutrient budget maps, and supporting the establishment of fertilizer recommendations tailored to local soil conditions and crop requirements. The specialist will coordinate field trials to evaluate different fertilizer treatments and management practices, ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of results. Collaboration with various consultants and local extension agents is essential to provide technical support and advice on soil fertility management practices. The position also includes implementing the Soil Doctor Programme and coordinating fertilizer quality analysis activities, contributing to the overall goal of enhancing sustainable soil management in Kenya.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Soil Fertility and Management Specialist will perform the following key functions:

• Conduct soil fertility analysis and support the development of nutrient and nutrient budget maps using both field data and auxiliary data.
• Support the development of methodology for fertilizer recommendations in line with the Decision Support Tool, considering local soil conditions, crop requirements, and nutrient management practices.
• Establish and coordinate field trials to test the effectiveness of different fertilizer treatments and management practices, monitoring and evaluating the results.
• Work closely with the National Consultant (Digital Soil Mapping) to integrate soil fertility data and maps into the digital soil mapping process.
• Collaborate with the Soil Analysis (Labs) Consultant to ensure the accuracy and quality of soil fertility data and analysis.
• Provide technical support and advice to local extension agents and farmers on soil fertility management practices and fertilizer use.
• Implement activities of the Soil Doctor Programme.
• Coordinate fertilizer quality analysis activities and capacity-building training.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, Soil Science, Crop Science, Agricultural Economics, or related fields. Additionally, a minimum of eight years of progressive work experience in sustainable soil management, soil fertility building, and/or establishment of field trials is required. Candidates must also have a working knowledge (level C) of English and Kiswahili, and must be a National of Kenya or a resident in the country with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Agricultural Science, Soil Science, Crop Science, or Agricultural Economics. An advanced degree from a recognized university in these fields is considered an added advantage.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of progressive work experience in sustainable soil management, soil fertility building, and/or establishment of field trials. Candidates should have experience in conducting soil fertility analysis and managing field trials at both on-station and farm levels.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (level C) of English and Kiswahili. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is open to nationals or residents with a valid work permit. The role is full-time and involves collaboration with various stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Candidates will be assessed against FAO's core competencies, which include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.