Consultant - SoilFER Soil Spectroscopy

This is a re-opening of the consultancy advertisement. Already submitted applications are still under consideration.

There is no need to re-apply.

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

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide dedicated, technical expertise to coordinate the technical support and
capacity building efforts of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Agriculture, with a particular emphasis
on Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy (MIRS) and Visible-Near Infrared Spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS) technologies within the "Soil
mapping for resilient agrifood systems" (SoiIFER) project. This project facilitates support across Ghana, Guatemala,
Honduras, Kenya, and Zambia. The consultant will ensure the quality implementation of country-scale data and its
integration into national soil information and decision support systems.

The SoilFER project aims to enhance agricultural practices, resilience, and food security in participating countries. The
Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Agriculture provides key technical support, including guidance on
integrating MIRS, Vis-NIRS, and Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor (CRNS) technologies. This work provides evidence-based
management practices to help smallholder farmers adapt to climate change and improve long-term agricultural
resilience as outlined in the agreed objectives with Member States.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Coordinate the technical implementation, training activities, and data management with partners in Ghana,
  Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, and Zambia on the efficient and consistent use of MIRS, Vis-NIRS, and Cosmic
  Ray Neutron Sensor (eRNS)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 CRNSinto 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition

Qualifications and Experience

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

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.