International Fertilizer Development Soil Fertility Expert Jobs

IFDC seeks to recruit a Soil Fertility Expert to be based in Accra, Ghana or Nairobi, Kenya and reports to the Deputy Director, Field Research, based in Nairobi. Working closely with project Chiefs of Parties, Team Leaders and technical staff, the Soil Fertility Expert will support the projects’ productivity objectives of sustainable and profitable increases in agricultural productivity and product quality in the developing world, while safeguarding the natural resource base on which many small-scale producers depend.

This work focuses on the introduction and use of best agricultural practices, with specific attention to integrated soil fertility management (ISFM), defined as a set of soil fertility management practices adapted to local conditions that will maximize agronomic use efficiency of nutrients and improve crop productivity.

Such practices include the use of balanced mineral fertilizer, soil amendments (lime, rock phosphate, organic inputs), improved germplasm, agro-forestry and the use of rotations or intercropping with legumes. As many IFDC programs also have a strong agribusiness component, the Soil Fertility Expert will stimulate demand for technical interventions in the context of a market driven value chain approach concept.

The Soil Fertility Expert will also contribute to IFDC’s research agenda and publications related to fertilizer technology and market development.

Responsibilities