National Specialist on Soil Analysis

Provide technical support in soil sample analysis and train laboratory staff.

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FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Monday 21 Apr 2025 at 21:59 UTC

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Overview

Provide technical support in soil sample analysis and train laboratory staff.

You have:

  • Advanced university degree in agricultural sciences, soil science or related field and focus on spatial data analyses, data science, geostatistics, digital soil mapping
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in digital soil mapping, environmental modelling, spatial data analyses
  • Working knowledge (level C) of English
  • National of Azerbaijan or resident of the country with valid work permit

Organizational Setting

FAO Azerbaijan Partnership and Liaison Office, in close cooperation with the government and its in-line Ministries/Agencies, contributes to the sustainable agri-food systems, and supports the government with addressing issues food security, agriculture and rural development, natural resource management in the country. FAO’s technical assistance, provided mainly through projects, includes institution building, development of knowledge and competencies, and exchange of experience among FAO member countries.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Azerbaijan, the programmatic guidance and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative, and the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), the National Specialist on Soil Analysis will work in close coordination with the National Project Coordinator and project team (national and international consultants). The incumbent will be responsible for delivering the following activities.

Technical Focus

The National Specialist on Soil Analysis will provide technical support in soil sample analysis, ensuring accurate data generation in coordination with national and international soil experts. The Specialist will also train laboratory staff on equipment use and maintenance, oversee quality assurance and control processes, and support the integration of analytical results into soil mapping and modeling activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the ASA regional soil laboratory staff in analysis of collected soil samples, in coordination with national and international soil experts • Train soil laboratory staff on the use and maintenance of laboratory equipment for soil analysis • Coordinate soil analysis activities with the national and international consultants and project partners responsible for development of soil maps to ensure supply of accurate data for modeling of soil properties and mapping. • Ensure quality assurance and control of analysis results • Interpret measurements and generated analytical data

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agricultural sciences, soil science or related field and focus on spatial data analyses, data science, geostatistics, digital soil mapping • Minimum 5 years of experience in digital soil mapping, environmental modelling, spatial data analyses • Working knowledge (level C) of English • National of Azerbaijan or resident of the country with valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners developing effective working relationships • Experience with UN system is considered an asset

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time when you successfully trained a team on new laboratory equipment? This question helps the interviewer assess your training abilities and knowledge transfer. Focus on the training process, challenges encountered, and how you overcame them.
How do you ensure quality control in laboratory analysis? The interviewer wants to understand your approach to maintaining high standards in work. Pro members can see the explanation.
What methods do you use for interpreting soil analysis data? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Tell us about a project where you had to collaborate with international soil experts. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach problem-solving when unexpected issues arise in your work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org