Overview

Provide technical expertise to coordinate technical support and capacity building efforts for the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Agriculture, focusing on Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy (MIRS) and Visible-Near Infrared Spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS) technologies within the "Soilmapping for resilient agrifood systems" (SoiIFER) project.

Tasks Summary

• Coordinate technical implementation, training activities, and data management with partners in Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, and Zambia on the use of MIRS, Vis-NIRS, and CRNS technologies for soil monitoring and mapping.
• Liaise with project partners and other stakeholders to ensure timely and effective project implementation.
• Provide technical expertise and support for analysis and data processing related to MIRS and Vis-NIRS, including spectral modelling, prediction services, and national spectral library development.
• Provide technical advice on the integration of all data produced by MIRS, Vis-NIRS, and CRNS into larger soil information systems and decision-making platforms.
• Execute expert field missions to Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, and Zambia to provide on-site technical support and quality assurance for MIRS and Vis-NIRS implementation.

Experience Requirements

• Strong theoretical background and at least five years of publication-backed practical experience in soil spectral modelling, soil sensing, and the use of infrared spectroscopy (MIRS/Vis-NIRS) for soil property monitoring or mapping.
• Solid understanding of soil fertility parameters and their measurement.
• Project management experience, including coordinating multi-stakeholder activities in diverse cultural contexts.
• Experience in designing and delivering scientific training.
• Willingness to travel to project countries.
• Field experience in at least one of the project countries: Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, or Zambia would be an asset.
• Experience applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to soil or water monitoring and mapping data analysis would be an asset.

Qualification Requirements

Advanced university degree (masters) in agricultural or soil sciences or a related discipline with a background in infrared spectroscopy for soil property monitoring.

Other Details

Languages Required:

Languages Preferred: • Excellent oral and written command of English and excellent oral and written command of Spanish would be an asset. • Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French and Russian) is an asset.

Contract Duration: 12

Work Modality:

Remuneration: • Daily fee of up to a maximum of € 250, based on qualifications and experience. • In case duty travel is required within the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs are provided.