The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is hiring a Soil Fertility Consultant to provide technical expertise in assessing, improving, and managing soil fertility to enhance sustainable agricultural productivity. You will support the design and implementation of soil nutrient management strategies, promote balanced fertilizer use, and strengthen the capacity of farmers and stakeholders through training and advisory services.
What You'll Do
- Develop and recommend sustainable, climate-resilient soil management practices and fertilizer use methodologies tailored to local conditions and crop requirements.
- Establish, coordinate, and monitor field trials and demonstration plots to test the efficiency of different fertilizer treatments and management practices.
- Promote Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), combining fertilizers with bio/organic amendments like compost, manure, and biofertilizers, alongside improved germplasm.
- Organize and conduct workshops, seminars, and field demonstrations for farmers and extension agents on best practices for soil fertility, health, water conservation, soil testing, and balanced fertilization.
- Identify constraints related to soil health, such as nutrient depletion, erosion, or pH imbalance.
- Document field observations, results, and success stories, and prepare technical reports and policy recommendations for stakeholders and donors.
- Support the creation of nutrient and nutrient budget maps, integrating field data with digital soil mapping processes and potentially using remote sensing data.
- Evaluate the impact of different soil management practices on crop performance and soil health over time.
- Follow up with collaborating governmental and non-governmental organizations, communities, and ICARDA for the implementation of projects, including “Fertilize Right: Bolstering fertilizer use efficiency” activities.
- Draft, review, and evaluate quarterly, semi-annual, annual, and other technical reports, brochures, and presentations for finalization by the Project Lead.
- Draft manuscripts in partnership with partners and ICARDA project members, targeting Fertilize Right project cropping systems (Cotton-Wheat, Rice-Wheat, Maize-Wheat, Rainfed-Wheat) for publication.
- Perform any other task assigned by the supervisor, including data compilation and creation of technical guides.
What We're Looking For
- A Master's or PhD in Soil Science or Agronomy.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in soil fertility research, land management, or agricultural development projects.
- Proven track record in designing and managing field trials and soil sampling campaigns.
- Knowledge in statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, or STATA) and GIS software (e.g., QGIS or ArcGIS) for soil mapping.
Nice to Have
- Experience with modeling tools like APSIM is desirable.
Technical Stack
- Statistical Analysis: R, SPSS, STATA
- GIS: QGIS, ArcGIS
- Modeling: APSIM
Team & Environment
You will report to the Scientist – Seed System Specialist/Country Coordinator - Pakistan.
Work Mode
This is a local-country position based in Islamabad, Pakistan.
