National Project Implementation Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The project is implemented in FAO Office based in Liberia.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of FAO Representative in Liberia and direct technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer and National Project Coordinator, with technical support of the Head Quarter Technical Officer.

Technical Focus:

The incumbent will be working on both logistical and project deliverables associated with a TCP project which seeks to support the Government of Liberia (Ministry of Agriculture) to build competencies around soils sampling, analysis and reporting.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The Incumbent will be responsible for the following tasks:

Facilitate procurement activities required to begin capacity development (20 Days)

• With assistance from the International Consultant - Expert on soils analysis (Soils Analysis) Review the needs and prepare a list of consumables and equipment required by the Fendell campus soils laboratory for the upcoming training activities,
• Review equipment requirements and compile list required for the establishment of the soils laboratory at the Ministry of Agriculture Project Management Unit,
• Working closely with the procurement office of FAO, split the required equipment and consumables into a local and international purchase requests,
• In cooperation with the sub-regional task force member and the LTO prepare technical specifications for the local and international purchase requests,
• Assist the FAO procurement office to launch the international tender for the procurement of soil laboratory equipment,
• Assist the FAO procurement office to launch the local tender for the procurement of equipment.

Work plan activities 1

• Activity 1.1 Procurement of equipment and supplies
• Activity 1.2 Training of staff
  1. Collate disparate soils data available in Liberia and prepare a sampling frame for the pilot inventory (10 Days)
  2. Participate in compilation, validations and harmonization of existing soil legacy data,
  3. Working with the MoA and the LTO, prepare a suitable soils inventory sampling frame for the pilot inventory taking care to align the sampling frame to ongoing monitoring activities.

Work Plan Activities 2

Activity 2.1 Assess and improve technical capacity and skills of government staff on soil data management

Prepare a soil inventory and training work plan (15 Days)

• In cooperation with the LTO, task force members and the International soil survey consultant (Field Methods & Mapping) participate in the definition of methodology of Soil Survey paying close attention to the relevant FAO supported activities such as the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) and the International Network of Soil Information Institutions (INSII),
• Lead the validation of this methodology with relevant Government institutions in Liberia (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry Development Authority, Liberia Land Authority, Ministry of Mines and Energy) as well as other stakeholders,
• In cooperation with the International soil survey consultant (Field Methods & Mapping) MoA as well as the FAO Liberia office, prepare and implement a 1 week training program covering the chosen soil inventory methods,
• Following the completion of the sampling frame for the pilot soil survey prepare a work plan for the implementation of the enumeration activities.

Activity 2.2 Capacity building and development of a work plan and methodology for complementary soil survey

• Perform any other duties assigned

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Soil Science, environmental science or related field
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in soil science, environmental science, agriculture, forestry or demonstrated experience in similar field.
• Fluent in English. Working knowledge of French would be an advantage
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Candidates should be nationals of Liberia.

FAO Core Competencies

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