National Specialist on Soil Survey

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FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

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 Surveys will coordinate closely with the National project Coordinator, project team (national and international consultants). The incumbent will be responsible for delivering the following activities.

Technical Focus

The National Specialist on Soil Survey will lead the design and implementation of soil sampling, classification, and survey methodologies, ensuring alignment with global standards and FAO guidelines. The role will also involve overseeing the processing and validation of soil data, coordinating field teams, and contributing to the creation of GIS-based soil maps and suitability assessments for agricultural use.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Determine the methodology for sampling design, soil survey, and soil classification (e.g., World Reference Base) in collaboration with FAO Headquarters (Land and Water Division – NSL);
• Prepare work plan for soil survey and sampling;
• Conduct traditional soil classification during fieldwork and at the office;
• Oversee the laboratory processing, analyses, review, and validation of soil samples collected during the soil survey;
• Evaluate, validate, and prepare soil profile data for the creation of a soil batabase with support of the national incumbent on Digital Soil Mapping (DSM);
• Provide consultation on the GIS-based methodology for soil sampling in collaboration with the national consultant on DSM and FAO Headquarters;
• Validate the digital soil map outputs derived from soil properties on test sites;
• Participate in the preparation of soil suitability maps at national and regional levels for selected agricultural crops.
• Guide the implementation of training program for fieldwork and laboratory analysis, including training on surveying preselected areas and collecting representative soil profiles;
• Conduct annual progress meetings with the team;
• Support laboratory training;

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agricultural sciences, soil science or related field and focus soil mapping, soil surveys and soil classification
• Minimum 10 years of experience in soil surveys, soil classification and soil mapping
• 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

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact\: Careers@fao.org
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, 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.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

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