Reports to: Scientist – Seed System Specialist/Country Coordinator - Pakistan

Location: Islamabad, Pakistan

Purpose of the position

The purpose of the Soil Fertility Consultant is to provide technical expertise in assessing, improving, and managing soil fertility to enhance sustainable agricultural productivity. The consultant will support the design and implementation of soil nutrient management strategies, promote balanced and efficient use of fertilizers, and strengthen the capacity of farmers and stakeholders through training and advisory services. The consultant aims to improve soil health, optimize crop yields, and contribute to environmentally responsible and climate-resilient farming systems.

About ICARDA                                                                                                      

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR.  
ICARDA’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organization, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org.

Main responsibilities           

·       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 and effectiveness of different fertilizer treatments and management practices.

·       Promote Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), combining fertilizers with bio/organic amendments (compost, manure, biofertilizers) and improved germplasm.

·       Assist in organizing and conducting workshops, seminars, and field demonstrations for farmers and extension agents on best management practices for soil fertility and health, water conservation, soil testing, and balanced fertilization.

·       Identifying constraints and challenges 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/presentations, etc., for finalization by the Project Lead

·       Draft manuscript in partnership with partners, ICARDA project members, and in consultation with Project Lead targeting Fertilize Right project cropping systems, i.e., Cotton-Wheat, Rice-Wheat, Maize-Wheat, and Rainfed-Wheat for publication.

·       Any other task assigned by the supervisor includes data compilation, technical guides, and other reports.

Requirements

Education, qualifications, and experience

·       Master's or PhD in Soil Science, and 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, modeling like APSIM experience desirable.

Benefits

Terms of appointment, salary, and benefits

This is a local consultancy contract, and only Pakistani nationals may be eligible to apply for this consultancy engagement.
The successful candidate will be offered a 11-month consultancy contract on a full-time basis. The incumbent will be provided with an honorarium based on the contract deliverables.

Please be advised that ICARDA accepts applications only in English, as per the organization's standard communication language. Applications in other languages will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.