Consultancy - Soil Management Specialist
The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture(ICBA) is an international, non-profit agricultural research center established in 1999 through the visionary leadership of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ICBA is a unique applied agricultural research center in the world that is focused on marginal areas where an estimated 1.7 billion people live. It identifies, tests and introduces resource-efficient, climate-smart crops and technologies that are best suited to different regions affected by salinity, water scarcity and drought. Through its work, ICBA helps to improve food security and livelihoods for some of the poorest rural communities around the world. ICBA is an equal opportunity employer and appoints qualified staff regardless of race, creed, color, age, gender, religion or national origin. We demonstrate our commitment to each member of our team through a competitive benefits package designed to assist our employees to cover their needs and the needs of their immediate family members.
Job Summary
International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) seeks applications from suitable candidates to undertake a short-term consultancy assignment under ICBA’s Research on Natural Resources Management. The consultant is expected to conduct research for development activities in Karakalpakstan using approaches that combine the technical understanding of sustainable use of soil resources for food security and ecosystem services. He/she will develop and implement projects on better land management and land use planning, focusing on soil degradation, salinization, and loss of fertility. The overall focus of the research in Karakalpakstan is to support farmers and farming communities to practice more productive, resilient, profitable, and sustainably intensified production systems linked to markets in marginal environments.
Job Responsibilities
Develop improved systems of soil amendment, restoration, and fertility management essential to improve soil health and plant nutrients
Conduct soil surveys, sampling, lab analysis, and spatial data requirements
Determine optimal physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils
Conduct soil mapping and land use planning using GIS and remote sensing tools
Assess land suitability for agricultural production, land degradation, and other soil-related issues associated with natural and anthropogenic processes such as climate change and adaptation, land use for urban development, agricultural intensification/extensification, change in the state of ecosystems in cooperation with water and crop scientists
Summarize and communicate project activities to various audiences while contributing to annual and semiannual reports
Properly maintain and archive soil data records and maintain data archiving and backup systems
Prepare technical reports and guidelines and disseminate to targeted stakeholders
Prepare research papers to submit to peer-reviewed journals
Additional activities to support ICBA’s mission
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Ph.D. in soil sciences, nutrient management, or related fields
- At least three years of experience in soil management research; preferably with regional or international research experience
- Sound knowledge of methods and approaches for spatial analysis and assessment, as well as associated tools (GIS, remote sensing, statistics)
- Strong publication record
- Proven success in obtaining research grant funding from international donors
- Proven capacity to manage multidisciplinary and international research teams and projects
- Practical communication skills, with an emphasis on presenting and disseminating research information
- Fluency in written and spoken English, Uzbek, and Russian
Desirable
- A good track record of relevant scientific publications and experience working on improving agricultural water management practices and productivity in the Central Asia region
- Experience in developing and implementing research with multiple partners and multiple disciplines from both advanced research institutes and local research organizations
- Experience of working in and familiarity with water management and agricultural development issues in the CA region
- Supervisory experience
Post Date
26 يناير 2024
Status
Open
Vacancy Type
Consultancy
Closing Date
11 فبراير 2024
Location
Nukus, Karakalpakstan
Report To
Program Leader – SNRM and Head of Regional Office for ICBA-CAC
Job Number
NA
Duration of the assignment
One year