Consultant - SoilFER Soil Spectroscopy

Consultant - SoilFER Soil Spectroscopy | IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency

Consultant - SoilFER Soil Spectroscopy

IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency Lusaka, Guatemala City, Accra International International Consultant - Internationally recruited Contractors Agreement level Speaks Chinese, Arabic, English, French, Russian, Spanish

Application deadline: February 06, 2026

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Summary by Impactpool

The consultant will provide technical expertise to support the SoilFER project, focusing on Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy (MIRS) and Visible-Near Infrared Spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS) technologies. This role involves coordinating technical implementation, training, and data management across several countries, including Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, and Zambia. The consultant will ensure the quality of data integration into national soil information systems and provide on-site support for effective project execution. The aim is to enhance agricultural practices and resilience in participating countries.

Candidate Requirements:

Advanced degree in agricultural or soil sciences

5+ years of experience in soil spectral modelling and infrared spectroscopy

Understanding of soil fertility parameters

Project management experience

Experience in scientific training

Willingness to travel

Field experience in project countries is an asset

Experience with AI in soil monitoring is an asset

Fluency in English and Spanish is an asset

This is a re-opening of the consultancy advertisement. Already submitted applications are still under consideration.

There is no need to re-apply.

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's Major Programme 2, "Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection". This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Major Programme's objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes. 

The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture assists Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA in using nuclear techniques and related technologies to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Joint Centre consists of five Sections, each with an associated laboratory (located in Seibersdorf, 45 km south-east of Vienna), in the areas of: animal production and health; plant breeding and genetics; insect pest control; soil and water management and crop nutrition; and food safety and control.  

The Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section and Laboratory assist Member States in developing improved soil and water management practices for sustainable intensification of agricultural production systems, the conservation of natural resources and the effective use of external inputs through applied and adaptive research and development activities, technology transfer and capacity building

 

Main Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide dedicated, technical expertise to coordinate the technical support and capacity building efforts of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Agriculture, with a particular emphasis on Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy (MIRS) and Visible-Near Infrared Spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS) technologies within the "Soil mapping for resilient agrifood systems" (SoiIFER) project. This project facilitates support across Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, and Zambia. The consultant will ensure the quality implementation of country-scale data and its integration into national soil information and decision support systems.

The SoilFER project aims to enhance agricultural practices, resilience, and food security in participating countries. The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Agriculture provides key technical support, including guidance on integrating MIRS, Vis-NIRS, and Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor (CRNS) technologies. This work provides evidence-based management practices to help smallholder farmers adapt to climate change and improve long-term agricultural resilience as outlined in the agreed objectives with Member States.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Coordinate the technical implementation, training activities, and data management with partners in Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, and Zambia on the efficient and consistent use of MIRS, Vis-NIRS, and Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor (eRNS)technologies for soil monitoring and mapping.

Liaise with project partners and other stakeholders, to ensure timely and effective project implementation.

Provide technical expertise and support for analysis and data processing related to MIRS and Vis-NIRS, including spectral modelling, prediction services, and national spectral library development.

Provide technical advice on the integration of all data produced by MIRS, Vis-NIRS, and CRNSinto larger soil information systems and decision-making platforms.

Execute expert field missions to Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, and Zambia to provide on-site technical support and quality assurance for MIRS and Vis-NIRS implementation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition

Qualifications and Experience

Advanced university degree (masters) in agricultural or soil sciences or a related discipline with a background in infrared spectroscopy for soil property monitoring. 

Strong theoretical background and at least five years of publication-backed practical experience in soil spectral modelling, soil sensing, and the use of infrared spectroscopy (MIRS/Vis-NIRS) for soil property monitoring or mapping.

Solid understanding of soil fertility parameters and their measurement.

Project management experience, including coordinating multi-stakeholder activities in diverse cultural contexts.

Experience in designing and delivering scientific training.

Willingness to travel to project countries.

Field experience in at least one of the project countries: Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, or Zambia would be an asset.

Experience applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to soil or water monitoring and mapping data analysis would be an asset.

Excellent oral and written command of English and excellent oral and written command of Spanish would be an asset. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French and Russian) is an asset. 

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 250, based on qualifications and experience. In case duty travel is required within the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs are provided. Health coverage and pension fund are the responsibility of the incumbent.

 

 

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

Summary by Impactpool

The consultant will provide technical expertise to support the SoilFER project, focusing on Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy (MIRS) and Visible-Near Infrared Spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS) technologies. This role involves coordinating technical implementation, training, and data management across several countries, including Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, and Zambia. The consultant will ensure the quality of data integration into national soil information systems and provide on-site support for effective project execution. The aim is to enhance agricultural practices and resilience in participating countries.

Candidate Requirements:

Advanced degree in agricultural or soil sciences

5+ years of experience in soil spectral modelling and infrared spectroscopy

Understanding of soil fertility parameters

Project management experience

Experience in scientific training

Willingness to travel

Field experience in project countries is an asset

Experience with AI in soil monitoring is an asset

Fluency in English and Spanish is an asset

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