Organizational Setting
FAO Azerbaijan Partnership and Liaison Office, in close cooperation with the government and its in-line Ministries/Agencies, contributes to the sustainable agri-food systems, and supports the government with addressing issues food security, agriculture and rural development, natural resource management in the country. FAO’s technical assistance, provided mainly through projects, includes institution building, development of knowledge and competencies, and exchange of experience among FAO member countries.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Azerbaijan, the programmatic guidance and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative, and the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), the National Specialist on Soil Surveys will coordinate closely with the National project Coordinator, project team (national and international consultants). The incumbent will be responsible for delivering the following activities.
Technical Focus
The National Specialist on Soil Survey will lead the design and implementation of soil sampling, classification, and survey methodologies, ensuring alignment with global standards and FAO guidelines. The role will also involve overseeing the processing and validation of soil data, coordinating field teams, and contributing to the creation of GIS-based soil maps and suitability assessments for agricultural use.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Determine the methodology for sampling design, soil survey, and soil classification (e.g., World Reference Base) in collaboration with FAO Headquarters (Land and Water Division – NSL);
• Prepare work plan for soil survey and sampling;
• Conduct traditional soil classification during fieldwork and at the office;
• Oversee the laboratory processing, analyses, review, and validation of soil samples collected during the soil survey;
• Evaluate, validate, and prepare soil profile data for the creation of a soil batabase with support of the national incumbent on Digital Soil Mapping (DSM);
• Provide consultation on the GIS-based methodology for soil sampling in collaboration with the national consultant on DSM and FAO Headquarters;
• Validate the digital soil map outputs derived from soil properties on test sites;
• Participate in the preparation of soil suitability maps at national and regional levels for selected agricultural crops.
• Guide the implementation of training program for fieldwork and laboratory analysis, including training on surveying preselected areas and collecting representative soil profiles;
• Conduct annual progress meetings with the team;
• Support laboratory training;
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in agricultural sciences, soil science or related field and focus soil mapping, soil surveys and soil classification
• Minimum 10 years of experience in soil surveys, soil classification and soil mapping
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of Azerbaijan or resident of the country with valid work permit
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners developing effective working relationships
• Experience with UN system is considered an asset