Back Soil Scientist

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Land Resources Division (LRD) provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories on all aspects of agriculture and forestry. This includes plant protection, conservation, plant genetic resources, animal health and production, agroforestry, biosecurity and trade facilitation, and sustainable systems for agriculture, forestry and land management. This work has two objectives: improved food and nutritional security, and resilient communities. The division’s services are provided through seven technical/thematic teams: Animal Health and Production; Plant Health; Biosecurity and Trade Facilitation; Forest and Agriculture Diversification; Crop Production and Extension; Genetic Resources; and Forests and Trees.

The role – Soil Scientist is responsible to provide strategic and expert advice in relation to soil health and agronomy to LRD Pillars and to the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). The position holder will work closely with the Sustainable Agriculture Programme and the Research and Development Advisor and other LRD Pillars in ensuring soil health activities are integrated across programmes and take active part in consultation and mobilization of key stakeholders to implement programmes that will contribute to improved soil health and farming systems in the PICTs.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Scientific and technical advice on soil health – provide scientific and technical advice and formulation of research strategies and activities to address soil health and crop nutrition issues in countries
• Technical advice on agronomy** – provide technical advice on the responses of crops to soil management practices such as fertilization, crop rotation, compost, organic, cover crops, and waste control
• Strategic and policy advice – ensuring research results are adopted and scaled through appropriate adoption pathways such as participatory research, advocacy, awareness and other relevant learning routes and information and knowledge platforms
• Resource mobilisation – working with LRD Teams and stakeholders in building strategic partnerships to support resource mobilisation and implementation of activities in countries
• People management – coordinate management of direct reporting staff in the team to achieve work plan deliverables

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the job description provided.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in soil science or agronomy

Knowledge and experience

• At least 10 years of relevant work experience
• Knowledge of the agriculture soils in the Pacific region, particularly atolls
• Leadership and management experience, including performance management
• Knowledge of field plot designs and experimental procedures
• Research and analysis experience with in-depth knowledge in the agriculture sector

Essential skills

• Ability to analyse and interpret research results
• Ability to identify and diagnose field-plant-soil causal problems and appropriate symptoms
• Excellent coordination and negotiation skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Report writing, planning and organising
• Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines without supervision
• Advocacy skills with demonstrated initiative and ability to think laterally to identify innovative solutions

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Interpersonal skills with ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment

Salary, terms and conditions

Approximate Start Date – July 2020

Contract Duration – Three years

Remuneration – The Soil Scientist is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2020 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,015‒3,769 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 8,986–11,233 (USD 4,161–5,202; EUR 3,709–4,636). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for international employees based in Fiji – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,353–3,025 per month. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and 30 days of sick leave per annum, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Equal opportunity – SPC is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment is based entirely on merit; in cases where two short-listed candidates are judged to be of equal rank by the selection committee, preference will be given to Pacific Island nationals.

Child protection – SPC is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. SPC’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Police clearance – Successful candidates will be required to provide a police clearance certificate.