National Project Coordinator

Organizational Setting

In Vietnam, soil health is facing many issues related to the limited amount of land available for agricultural production (around 11.5 million hectares) that makes the agricultural land area per capita to be 0,11ha/person, which is among the lowest in the world. Soils in Vietnam are also limited in quality. Agricultural soils are mainly located in sloping regions that causes strong soil erosion leading to runoff and leaching of nutrients and cations. Soil layers are thin due to soil erosion, and soil texture is sandy to sandy loam. Vietnam soils are generally low in nutrients, with little organic matter and acidic caused by strong erosion in many areas. Soils are prone to drought and easily eroded. In areas with low flooded terrain, the soil is usually quite acidic and the groundwater level is close to the soil surface, causing gleyic layer with high levels of toxic substances which can adversely affect crop growth and development. In intensive farming regions, over cultivation often results in nutrient mining and depletion and diffuse pollution due to the use of agrochemicals. Vietnam therefore also has to face soil degradation due to unsustainable agricultural management practices. Unbalance chemical fertilizer use in many regions, especially in intensive cultivation, can be a source of soil and water pollution. Moreover, overuse of pesticides in agricultural production also contributes to soil pollution and seriously affects human and environmental health. In addition, the fast development of the economy, modernization–urbanization, and high population growth act as drivers of land-use change (e.g., deforestation, forest degradation, and shortening of fallow periods in shifting cultivation in the uplands; and more intensified agriculture in the lowlands) and land grabbing and soil sealing that can impact directly to soil's and land ecosystem's functions and services. Although the main degradation processes affecting Vietnam's soils are well known, no detailed analysis of the state of Vietnam's soils has been conducted and there is no monitoring system in place to examine how management practices are affecting soil health or the positive impact that some interventions to improve agricultural sustainability and climate change adaptation and mitigation may be having. The lack of updated information on soil resources is indeed a significant barrier to sustainable soil management. This has emerged as a significant limitation to planning processes as well as international commitments to conventions and agreements. Recognizing the problem, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has planned to design a new program to promote national soil health management. It is expected that the new national soil health management plan will be suitable for the new development context, in which Vietnam's agricultural sector has deeply integrated into the international market but has to face many threats from climate change and the risk of technical barriers. It is also expected that a new soil health management system will be in line with international frameworks and contribute to increasing the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international market. The "Healthy Soil - Healthy Plants - Healthy People" approach is considered a suitable approach because it allows to comprehensively address the cycle of nutrient, food quality and safety through ecosystems and human health. Furthermore, adopting a soil health approach will also enhance the reputation and value of the commodity in the international market.

As requested by the Government of Viet Nam, FAO is providing support to soil policy development, addressing fundamental challenges through a systemic approach for management of soil health in the context of climate change and global trade integration; integration of plant health, plant nutrition, food security quality and nutrition; integration of social protection and inclusive growth (e.g. pro-poor, woman and youth empowerment and inclusiveness); comply with and contribute to environment protection, ecosystem and biodiversity conservation; and attribute to increased competitiveness of Vietnamese agriculture in domestic and global markets..

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision by the FAO Representative, technical supervision by the Land Management Officer in FAO-RAP and day-to-day supervision by the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), the incumbent will work to ensure the timely implementation of the project, facilitating the communication between FAO and the implementing partners in the country.

Technical Focus

The National Project Coordinator will support the implementation and monitoring of project activities, as well as coordination with other consortium members.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the formulation, finalization and implementation of Letter of Agreements as deemed necessary; • Provide technical advice and support to national implementing partners on (i) assessing capacities and needs of agricultural extension service agents on soil management, (ii) developing a training program for agricultural extension agents on soil management and organizing the related training, (iii) developing a knowledge bank for farmers, and (iv) reviewing the curricula on soil of the Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA); • Support national implementing partners on the formulation of the National Soil Strategy of Vietnam and any other documents related to it. This includes the circular on soil in the land law and the land use strategy under development by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD); • Organize meetings and workshops as deemed necessary; and • Ensure the timely implementation of the relevant programmes and projects.

General duties and responsibilities: • The incumbent shall familiarize themselves with FAO corporate communications policy and operational guidelines to ensure mandatory coherence in all outputs; • The incumbent shall demonstrate a strong understanding of FAO style in drafting documentation, without the need for continuous correction and oversight; and • The incumbent will keep relevant Budget Holders and Lead Technical Officers informed of progresses with regular reporting and consultation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree preferably in Soil Science, Environmental Policy, Project Management or related field is required • Minimum 4 years of experience in project management and/or project support is required • Working knowledge of English and Vietnamese. • National of Viet Nam.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Prior experience in working on projects on the soil/land topic is an asset • Previous successful involvement in policy development is an asset

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.