Soil Information Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. The position is located in the FAO Representation in Lusaka, Zambia.

FAO in collaboration with the research department of the Ministry of Agriculture [ZARI] and the University of Zambia is implementing a 4-year project, titled, “Soil mapping for resilient agrifood systems in Central America and sub-Saharan Africa” (SoilFER). The project is funded by the government of the United States of America, and has 5 beneficiary countries [ie. Zambia, Kenya, Ghana, Honduras and Guatemala]. Therefore, the successful candidate will need to develop spatiotemporal national soil information and high-resolution nutrient maps, over the 4-year period, on an annually renewed and performance-based contract.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Country Representative, and the guidance of the Assistant FAOR - Programmes, in coordination with the project LTO and project Lead Technical Unit (NSL), the National Soil Information and Data Consultant will support the development of spatiotemporal national soil information, including high-resolution nutrient and nutrient budget maps, using advanced geospatial tools and software, on the Soil mapping for resilient agrifood systems in Central America and sub-Saharan Africa (SoilFER) project in Zambia. Furthermore, the consultant will be responsible for supporting the development of digital soil maps, based on soil survey data, and integrating soil data into decision support tools and applications for farmers and local institutions. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the AFAOR-P, the National Project Coordinator and the SoilFER Overall Project Manager at FAO-HQ.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Specifically, the Soil Information Specialist will undertake the following tasks on the assigned project;

• Supervise data collection, systematization and harmonization of soil maps and legacy data (in coordination with existing institutions and initiatives in Zambia). • Support the design and supervision of soil surveys and sampling at the national level, using advanced soil survey techniques and methodologies, to generate high-quality soil data and associated metadata, through rigorous quality control and quality assurance measures and in collaboration with the soil laboratory experts • Supporting the development of digital soil maps, based on soil survey data, and integrating soil data into decision support tools and applications for farmers and local institutions • Support the design and supervision of a soil monitoring system, including the selection of monitoring sites, to be implemented through the establishment of a national soil spectral library and estimation service • Support capacity development in digital soil mapping and modeling • Facilitate the organization of workshops on soil data with stakeholders and partners • Liaise with the project team to ensure timely delivery of survey outputs, including data, maps, scripts, reports and training sessions • Perform any other duties as assigned in the Representation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University Degree in Agricultural/Soil Science, Geographical Information Systems, Computer Science, or any related field. • At least 3 years of experience in digital mapping and analysis. • Working knowledge of English and the official language of the country • National of the country

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Familiarity with digital soil mapping or development of digital maps in general • Familiarity with use of GIS software and high-level programming languages like Python and R. • Familiarity with remote and proximal sensing technologies. • Familiarity with spatial and non-spatial data analysis, and data visualization

Selection Criteria

• Prior experience working with FAO or any UN agency.

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.