Somalia: Consulting opportunity for Soil Scientist - Aburin Dryland Research and Extension Centre

Invitation for Applications

Country: Somaliland Project Holder : Ministry of Agriculture Project : Maroodijeh Upper Catchment Conservation Project Fund : Somaliland Development Fund IFA Title : Consulting opportunity for Soil Scientist - Aburin Dryland Research and Extension Centre IFA No. : P209

The Somaliland Development Fund (SDF) is a 4 - year fund designed to support the Government of Somaliland (GoSL) filling a critical gap supporting projects that are fully aligned to the National Development Plan (NDP). SDF is currently funded by the Department for International Development (DFID), the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), Norwegian Embassy and the Netherlands. The SDF has allocated funding for implementation of the Maroodijeh Upper Catchment Soil and Water Conservation Project in Somaliland implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA). As a part of its objectives, the project seeks to re-establish and make Aburin Dryland Research and Extension Centre functional as a centre of excellence in adaptive dryland agricultural research. The MoA therefore intends to use a part of the funding for engage the services of a Soil Scientistto design research and training programmes for land restoration including field research and synthesis of knowledge in soil and water management, soil fertility and soil conservation for the Station for a period of 1 year.

The Somaliland Development Fund Secretariat now invites applications from qualified Soil Scientist for this assignment.

Required Qualifications/Skills

Qualifications and skills

* At least a Master’s Degree in Soil Science, Soil Biogeochemistry, Pedology, or other related fields;

* Demonstrated excellent command of spoken and written English; and

* Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills.

General professional experience

* Minimum of 8 years' experience in working in a functional dryland research station or Training Institution as a Senior Researcher; and

Specific professional experience

* At least 5 years demonstrated experience in conducting soil science and especially soil and water conservation of fertility restoration related research;

* Experience in use GIS, landscape or ecosystem services models and knowledge-based inference mapping tools;

* Evidence of ability to develop and deliver hands on soil training to agriculturalists; and

* Experience in writing scientific reports and publications.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send their applications (cover letter and CV) to the Somaliland Development Fund Secretariat through e-mail jobs@sdf-secretariat.org. Candidates should indicate in their cover letter how they fit the criteria outlined in the advert. All applications must be received by 2 December 2015 at 1600hrs East African Standard Time. Full Terms of Reference can be requested via email from SDF recruitment consultant at l.vocks@europeansolutions.nl. Applicants should clearly indicate the position they are applying for in the email subject line.

Any attempt by a candidate to influence the outcome of the recruitment process in any way which can be interpreted as canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification from being considered for the this position.

This Consultancy is open to Somaliland National Only.

Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply