Consultant – Project Implementation on Combat Soil Salinity

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's Major Programme 2, \"Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection\". This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Major Programme's objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes. 

The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture assists Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA in using nuclear techniques and related technologies to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Joint Centre consists of five Sections, each with an associated laboratory (located in Seibersdorf, 45 km south-east of Vienna), in the areas of: animal production and health; plant breeding and genetics; insect pest control; soil and water management and crop nutrition; and food safety and control. 

The Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section and Laboratory assist Member States in developing improved soil and water management practices for sustainable intensification of agricultural production systems, the conservation of natural resources and the effective use of external inputs through applied and adaptive research and development activities, technology transfer and capacity building.

Main Purpose

To provide technical expertise for the day-to-day activities for the extra-budgetary Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on Developing Climate Smart Agricultural Practices to Combat Soil Salinity implemented by the Soil Water Management and Crop Nutrition (SWMCN) Subprogramme. The end result will be the timely implementation of CRP activities, coordination and organization of the regular meetings with the CRP participants, and monitoring of the CRP progress.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Provide editorial review of all project reports from the CRP;

Provide technical input to project implementation, and monitoring of CRP progress in line with results-based management approaches;

Create database, and provide regular updates of the database for the experimental work across all countries, ensuring timely upload of data;

Develop and prepare success stories, brochures and guidelines for knowledge dissemination;

Provide technical expertise for meetings, renewal of CRP contracts, field procurement and transfer of  consumables and equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Soil and Water Management

Qualifications and Experience

Advanced university degree (masters) in soil science, environmental sciences or related disciplines.

Minimum five years of work experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Experience in project management and project budgeting specifically within the UN System;
- Experience in database management;
- Experience in capacity-building measures in program/project implementation; 
- Project Management qualification and experience (desired);
- Clear communication skills (written and verbal) in English;
- Experience in liaising with key stakeholders and key relationship management;
- Experience in project progress reporting;
- Experience in developing brochures and guidelines for knowledge dissemination;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office database, Adobe suite.

Good knowledge of oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) an asset.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a 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. Health coverage and pension fund are the responsibility of the incumbent.