Soil Survey 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 lead the design, planning and execution of all soil sample collection activities on the project, 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 (at NSL), the National Soil Survey Consultant will lead the design, planning and implementation process of the planned country-wide soil survey, on the Soil mapping for resilient agrifood systems in Central America and sub-Saharan Africa (SoilFER) project in Zambia. Furthermore, the National Soil Survey Consultant will be responsible for ensuring the quality and accuracy of the soil survey data collection, working closely with local partners and communities, and liaising with the project team to ensure timely delivery of survey outputs. National Soil Surveys Consultant 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 Survey Specialist will undertake the following tasks on the assigned project; • 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 information. • Evaluate, analyze and present soil analysis methods, facilitate fieldwork and collection of representative soil profiles, develop and conduct training programs. • Assist in ensuring the quality and accuracy of soil survey data collection, including soil samples and associated metadata, through rigorous quality control and quality assurance measures. • Collaborate with local partners and communities, including extensionists, agro-dealers, and farmers, to facilitate the collection of soil survey data and ensure their participation in the survey process. • Liaise with the project team to ensure timely delivery of survey outputs, including data, maps, and reports, and contribute to the development of decision support tools and applications based on the survey data. • Provide technical support and capacity building to local staff, extensionists, and other partners on advanced soil survey techniques and methodologies. • Perform any other duties as assigned in the Representation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University Degree in Agricultural Science, Soil Science, Crop Science, Agricultural Economics or any related field. • At least 5 years of experience in designing and conducting soil surveys. • Working knowledge of English and the official language of the country • A Zambian national

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Considerable experience in collecting and testing soil samples. • Familiarity with advanced soil survey techniques and methodologies. • Experience in assessing and evaluating methods of soil samples collection and personnel technical capacities

Selection Criteria

• Prior experience working with FAO or any UN agency will be considered an advantage

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.