Organizational Setting The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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. FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the countryย level.ย The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. Specifically, FAO Country Offices:ย โข advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAOโs mandate. โข provide technical assistance and deliver core services.ย โข assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation.ย โข position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; andย โข ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.ย ย The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Kenya.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Kenya, and the direct supervision of the Programme Manager for Resilient Livelihoods and Climate Change.ย
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.ย
Tasks and responsibilities The National Soil Fertility and Management Specialist will perform the following key functions: โข Conduct soil fertility analysis and support the development of nutrient and nutrient budget maps, using both field data and auxiliary data. โข 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. โข Establish and coordinate field trials to test the effectiveness of different fertilizer treatments and management practices and monitor and evaluate the results. โข Work closely with the National Consultant (Digital Soil Mapping) to integrate the soil fertility data and maps into the digital soil mapping process. โข Collaborate with the Soil Analysis (Labs) Consultant to ensure the accuracy and quality of the soil fertility data and analysis. โข Provide technical support and advice to local extension agents and farmers on soil fertility management practices and fertilizer use. โข Implement the activities of the Soil Doctor Programme,ย โข Coordinate fertilizer quality analysis activities and capacity building training. โข Perform any other duties as assigned. CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING Minimum Requirements โข A minimum of a bachelorโs degree in Agricultural Science, Soil Science, Crop Science, Agricultural Economics or any related fields.ย โข 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.ย โข Working knowledge (level C) of English and Kiswahili โข Must be a National of Kenya or resident in the country with a valid work permit. FAO Core Competencies โข Results Focus โข Teamwork โข Communication โข Building Effective Relationships โข Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement Technical/Functional Skills โข Familiarity with soil fertility management practices. โข Experience in conducting soil fertility analysis.ย โข Experience in setting up and managing field trials i.e. both at on-station and farm levels.ย Selection Criteria โข Prior experience working with National Public Agricultural Research organizations, International Agricultural Research Centres, and similar work affiliated with FAO or any other UN agency. โข An Advanced Degree from a recognized university in the same fields is an added advantage.