Consultant – Soil Science

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

This consultancy will contribute to the delivery of the Soil Water Management and Crop Nutrition (SWMCN) subprogramme's activities, mainly through projects on Land Management for Climate-Smart Agriculture and Water Management. The consultant will provide technical expertise to project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of SWMCN's, and building and implementation of public-private sector partnerships.  She/he will prepare newsletters and update databases and briefing notes.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Identify new opportunities for partnership with potential extra budgetary resources in the area of soil and water management and crop nutrition and provide technical expertise to developing partnerships related to soil science and climate smart related matters;
• Provide technical input and editorial review of soil science and climate smart related reports and publications;
• Provide technical input to Land Management for Climate-Smart Agricultural project design, implementation and evaluation up to closure of soil science and climate smart related projects in line with results-based management approaches.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required -

Skills and Expertise

•    Soil and Water Management

•    Creating Visibility for the Organization

•    Project Management

Language

•    English

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree - University degree in social sciences or management
• Experience in project management specifically within the UN System
• Experience in working on climate change issues specifically with respect to climate smart agricultural practices using nuclear and isotopic techniques
• Experience in funding proposals and reports related to Funding agencies and Donor countries i.e. PUI
• Experience in partnership building
• Experience in building relevant strategic partnerships and alliances with key stakeholders and partners and recommend opportunities for collaboration
• Experience in capacity-building measures in programme/project design and implementation.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of €230, 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.