Integrated Soil Fertility Management Specialist-020243, IAEA, Austria
JOB DETAIL
ABOUT THE COMPANY:
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) promotes the peaceful use of nuclear technology while ensuring that nuclear materials are not diverted for weapons purposes. It provides expertise and support for nuclear energy development, safety, and security, and conducts rigorous inspections to verify compliance with non-proliferation agreements. By fostering international cooperation and advancing nuclear science, the IAEA aims to enhance global stability and address critical challenges in energy and health.
JOB SUMMARY
As a member of a team led by the Head of the Soil and Water Management & Crop Nutrition Section, the Integrated Soil Fertility Management Specialist contributes to the results-based sub-programme relating to the development of improved nutrient, soil quality and agricultural water management practices for the proper utilization and application of nutrients, protection of agricultural and natural resources and the environment, antimicrobial resistance, (AMR) and enhancing sustainable intensification of agricultural production systems through the use of nuclear and related techniques.
Role
The Integrated Soil Fertility Management Specialist is: (1) a technical officer and research coordinator, ensuring the efficient and effective development, implementation and dissemination of research, training and scientific and technical knowledge, and assisting in the evaluation and implementation of technical cooperation projects for the IAEA and FAO in the area of soil and water management practices for improving soil fertility and nutrient use efficiency; (2) a technical expert, planning and conducting technical meetings and project review missions, and; (3) a facilitator, working with Member States to meet their national and regional agricultural development objectives.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Contribute technical expertise to the implementation of coordinated research projects related to integrated soil fertility, nutrient and agricultural water management, including the evaluation of research contracts and agreement proposals, monitoring the progress of projects, the organization of meetings and the publication of results.
Prepare guidance and review documents and working with isotopic and nuclear techniques relating to the improvement of soil fertility, nutrient and agricultural water management practices and strategies for enhancing agricultural resource use efficiency and improving farmer’s resilience to the impacts of climate change and variability.
Assist and contribute, as technical officer, to the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme through planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of technical cooperation projects.
Plan, organize and conduct scientific and advisory meetings, participate in technical missions, and represent the IAEA at international meetings and conferences.
Develop novel initiatives and relevant cross-cutting activities, through collaboration with colleagues in the Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory, and national, regional and international organizations, including UN bodies.
Perform other activities as directed by the Section Head in support of the implementation of the Soil and Water Management & Crop Nutrition sub-programme.
Competencies and Expertise
Core Competencies(Competency Framework)
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
| Planning and Organizing | Plans and organizes his/her own work in support of achieving the team or Section’s priorities.
Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans. |
| Communication | Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner.
Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions. |
| Achieving Results | Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Division’s programme. Evaluates his/her results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned. |
| Teamwork | Actively contributes to achieving team results.
Supports team decisions. |
Functional Competencies
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
| Judgement/decision making | Consults with supervisor/manager and takes decisions in full compliance with the Agency’s regulations and rules.
Makes decisions reflecting best practice and professional theories and standards. |
| Partnership building | Identifies and builds partnerships. Develops and maintains long lasting partnerships to strengthen relationships. Delivers programmatic outputs and acquires resources in support of Agency goals. |
| Technical/scientific credibility | Ensures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods.
Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable. |
Required Expertise
| Function | Name | Expertise Description |
|---|---|---|
| Soil Science | Integrated Soil Fertility | Isotopic techniques in Integrated Soil Fertility Management. |
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills
Master’s Degree – Advanced university degree in soil sciences or related disciplines.
Other – PhD would be an asset.
Minimum seven years of directly relevant experience.
Proven track record in high-quality research related to soil science, agronomy or related disciplines using nuclear and isotopic techniques as one of research tools,
In-depth knowledge of the principles and practices of the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in soil fertility, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), nutrient and agricultural water management practices to enhance agricultural resource use efficiency and crop water use efficiency.
Awareness of relevant FAO and IAEA mechanisms and procedures, including Coordinated Research Projects and Technical Cooperation Projects highly desirable.
Ability to formulate and guide research projects and programmes and to mobilize extra-budgetary research and development funding.
Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.
Remuneration
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $77326 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 38431*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; Other benefits include 6 weeks’ annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/professional-staff/conditions
General Information
- The IAEA’s paramount consideration in the recruitment of staff member is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
- Staff Members shall be selected without any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on a person’s race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin or other similar shared characteristic or trait.
- The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to promoting a diverse workforce.
Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged.
- Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority.
The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity.
- The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
Evaluation process
- The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement.
Applicants must provide complete and accurate information.
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
- Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Appointment information
- Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
- Staff members may be assigned to any location.
- Candidates appointed to posts in the Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.
- The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above.
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