The IAEA is hiring a Consultant for the SoilFER project based in Seibersdorf, Austria. Lead technical implementation of soil spectroscopy in Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, and Zambia.
Job Title: Consultant – SoilFER Soil Spectroscopy
| Organization | International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) |
| Department | NAFA-Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Laboratory |
| Location | Seibersdorf, Austria (IAEA Laboratories) |
| Contract Type | Special Service Agreement (SSA) – 12 Months |
| Daily Fee | Up to €250 (Based on experience) |
| Application Deadline | 7 February 2026 |
Strategic Context
The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture is currently implementing the “Soil mapping for resilient agrifood systems” (SoilFER) project. This initiative aims to enhance agricultural resilience and food security by providing evidence-based soil management practices to Member States.
We are seeking a specialized Consultant to provide technical expertise and coordination for the SoilFER project. Based at our laboratories in Seibersdorf, you will focus specifically on the deployment of Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy (MIRS) and Visible-Near Infrared Spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS) technologies. Your work will directly support national projects in Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, and Zambia.
Core Mandate
The Consultant will serve as the technical lead for spectroscopy implementation within the SoilFER framework. Your primary objective is to ensure high-quality data generation and its effective integration into national soil information systems.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Coordination and Implementation
- Coordinate the technical deployment of MIRS, Vis-NIRS, and Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor (CRNS) technologies across the five partner countries.
- Liaise directly with project partners and stakeholders to ensure implementation timelines are met and technical standards are upheld.
- Execute expert field missions to partner countries to provide on-site quality assurance and technical support.
Data Analysis and Systems Integration
- Provide expert support for spectral modelling, prediction services, and the development of national spectral libraries.
- Advise on the integration of spectroscopic and CRNS data into broader decision-support platforms and soil information systems.
- Ensure data processing workflows are consistent and scientifically robust across all project sites.
Capacity Building
- Design and deliver scientific training programs for national staff on the use of soil sensing technologies.
- Facilitate knowledge transfer regarding soil fertility parameters and their measurement using nuclear and isotopic techniques.
Candidate Profile
This role requires a combination of advanced scientific knowledge in soil sensing and practical project management experience.
Essential Qualifications
- Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s) in agricultural sciences, soil sciences, or a related discipline.
- Scientific Expertise: A minimum of five years of practical experience in soil spectral modelling and soil sensing (MIRS/Vis-NIRS). This experience must be backed by a strong publication record.
- Technical Knowledge: Solid theoretical understanding of soil fertility parameters and infrared spectroscopy applications for soil monitoring.
- Project Management: Proven experience coordinating multi-stakeholder activities, particularly in diverse cultural contexts.
- Languages: Excellent oral and written command of English.
Desirable Assets
- Field experience in one of the target countries (Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, or Zambia).
- Experience applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to soil or water monitoring data analysis.
- Proficiency in Spanish is a strong asset for coordination with Latin American partners.
Remuneration and Logistics
- Fee: The consultancy offers a daily fee of up to €250, determined by qualifications and experience.
- Travel: Duty travel costs and Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) are provided for required missions.
- Health/Pension: The incumbent is responsible for their own health coverage and pension arrangements.
How to Apply
Closing Date: 7 February 2026 (3:59 AM)
Interested candidates must submit their application via the IAEA Taleo recruitment portal.
The IAEA is committed to gender equality and encourages applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries.