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 country 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 ย ย advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAOโs mandate.
โข ย ย provide technical assistance and deliver core services.ย
โข ย ย assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation.ย
โข ย ย position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; andย
โข ย ย ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management. ย ย
The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Kenya.
Reporting Line
Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Kenya, and the direct supervision of the Programme Manager for Resilient Livelihoods and Climate Change. The National Soil Laboratories 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 Laboratories Specialist will perform the following key functions:
โข ย ย Oversee the processing of soil samples for wet and dry chemistry analysis in Kenya.
โข ย ย Collaborate with project partners and laboratories to ensure accurate and timely soil analysis results.
โข ย ย Support quality assurance and quality control measures for soil analysis processes, including the establishment of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
โข ย ย Support the organization of capacity-building activities, such as workshops and trainings, to enhance national capacities in soil analysis and data management.
โข ย ย Support the implementation of laboratory equipment procurement activities of the project.
โข ย ย Track progress and assess the quality of soil analysis and harmonization activities.
โข ย ย Facilitate the establishment of national soil laboratory network in Kenya.ย
โข ย ย Provide input to project monitoring and reporting frameworks to ensure the effective implementation of soil analysis and harmonization efforts.
โข ย ย Perform any other duties as assigned by FAOR.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย A minimum of a bachelorโs degree in Agricultural Science, Soil Science, Crop Science, Agricultural Economics or any related fields.ย
โข ย ย A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive work experience in soil analysis [i.e. wet and dry chemistry] in public or private agricultural laboratories is required.ย
โข ย ย Working knowledge (level C) of English and Kiswahili
โข ย ย Must be a National of Kenya
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โข ย ย Experience in managing soil laboratory operationsย
โข ย ย Experience in soil sample analyses or statistical analysis in an agricultural laboratory
โข ย ย Experience in developing advisory/recommendations to sample analysisย
โข ย ย Adequate evidence of technical understanding of the soil sampling procedures and providing recommendations to farmers in tropical conditions
Selection criteria
โข ย ย 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 ย ย An Advanced Degree from a recognized university in the same fields is an added advantage.