• Organization: FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
• Location: Kenya
• Grade: Consultancy – Consultant – Contractors Agreement
• Occupational Groups:
  • Biology and Chemistry
  • Agriculture and Forestry
• Closing Date: 2025-05-22

Technical focus

The National Soil Fertility and Management Specialist will undertake the day-to-day implementation of and follow-ups on Programme/project activities at the national level.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Soil Fertility and Management Specialist will perform the following key functions\:

•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 in line with the Decision Support Tool, 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.

•Implement the activities of the Soil Doctor Programme,

•Coordinate fertilizer quality analysis activities and capacity building training.

•Perform any other duties as assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, Soil Science, Crop Science, Agricultural Economics or any related fields.

•A minimum of three (8) years of progressive work experience in sustainable soil management, soil fertility building and/or establishment of field trials is required.

•Working knowledge (level C) of English and Kiswahili

•Must be a National of Kenya or resident in the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

•Results Focus

•Teamwork

•Communication

•Building Effective Relationships

•Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•Familiarity with soil fertility management practices.

•Experience in conducting soil fertility analysis.

•Experience in setting up and managing field trials i.e. both at on-station and farm levels.

Selection Criteria

•Prior experience working with National Public Agricultural Research organizations, International Agricultural Research Centres, and similar work affiliated with FAO or any other UN agency.

•An Advanced Degree from a recognized university in the same fields is an added advantage.

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

For more details apply here