National Soil Fertility and Management Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the 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 country level. 

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: 

•    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
•    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
•    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
•    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
•    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

FAO is implementing the project ‘Soil mapping for resilient agrifood systems in Central America and sub-Saharan Africa (SoilFER) project in Ghana’ – GCP/GLO/1127/USA. The project aligns with FAO’s Programme Priority Areas BP1: innovation for sustainable agriculture production; BP5 ‘Digital agriculture and BE 1: Climate change mitigation and adapted agrifood system, and contribute to SDGs 2.1, 2.4 and 5B.

The position is in the FAO Country Office of Ghana.

Reporting Lines

The National Soil Fertility and Management Specialist will report to the FAO Representative in Ghana, as well as to the project management team in FAO headquarters (HQ), which is hosted in the NSL.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will oversee soil fertility analysis, development of nutrient maps, while giving recommendations tailored to local conditions and crop needs. This role also includes processing and validating soil data, coordinating field teams, and contributing to soil maps and suitability assessments.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    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 (Soil Information and Data) 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 Global Soil Doctors Programme, including working with national promoters and developing relevant educational documents.
•    Establish a National Soil Partnership (NSP) with all relevant stakeholders and clarify the roles of the partners through the organization of launching events and workshops.
•    Coordinate fertilizer quality analysis activities and capacity building training 
•    Perform any other duties as assigned by FAO Representative.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  
  
•    Advanced University Degree in Agricultural Science, Soil Science, Crop Science, Agricultural Economics or any related field.
•    A Minimum of five (5) years working experience in sustainable soil management, soil fertility management and/or establishment of field trials including nutrient trials. 
•    Working knowledge (Level C) of English 
•    National of the Republic of Ghana

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Adequate evidence of technical understanding of soil sampling procedures and providing recommendations to farmers in tropical conditions. 
•    Adequate knowledge of soil analysis
•    Experience in providing technical advice and support to smallholders on sustainable soil management practices 
•    Experience in multi-stakeholder consultation and decision making processes.
•    Experience in working with international organisations.
•    Good writing, presentation and communication
•    Familiarity with Sustainable 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. 
•    Experience with Decision Support Tools (DST) for farmers

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION