Soil Fertility 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 oversee soil fertility analysis and support the development of 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 Fertility Consultant will oversee soil fertility analysis and support the development of nutrient and nutrient budget maps, using both field data and auxiliary data, on the Soil mapping for resilient agrifood systems in Central America and sub-Saharan Africa (SoilFER) project in Zambia. Furthermore, the National Soil Fertility Consultant will be responsible for support the development of a methodology for fertilizer recommendations, taking into account the local soil conditions, crop requirements, and nutrient management practices. National Soil Fertility Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the AFAOR-P, the National Project Coordinator and the SoilFER Overall Project Manager at FAO-HQ.

Technical Focus

Oversee soil fertility analysis and support the development of nutrient and nutrient budget maps, using both field data and auxiliary data. The incumbent will also support the development of a methodology for fertilizer recommendations, taking into account the local soil conditions, crop requirements, and nutrient management practices. In addition, he/she will establish and coordinate field trials to test the effectiveness of different fertilizer treatments and management practices, as well as monitor and evaluate the results.

Tasks and Responsibilities

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

• 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 the methodology for fertilizer recommendations, taking into account the 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 and monitor and evaluate the results.
• Work closely with the National Consultant (Digital Soil Mapping) to integrate the 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 the soil fertility data and analysis.
• Provide technical support and advice to local extension agents and farmers on soil fertility management practices and fertilizer use.
• Perform any other duties as assigned in the Representation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University Degree in Agricultural/Soil Science, Crop Science, or any related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in soil analysis [ie. wet and/or dry chemistry].
• Working knowledge of English [ie. spoken and written]
• A Zambian national

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

• Familiarity with soil fertility management practices.
• Experience in conducting soil fertility analysis.
• Experience in setting up and managing field trials.
• Prior experience working with FAO or any UN agency will be an added advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION