Fertilizer Laboratory Expert Consultant - IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency.

These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.

Responsibilities

The Fertilizer Laboratory Expert will be responsible for:

• Support the EnGRAIS team in developing criteria for reference laboratories;
• Assist in the selection of the reference laboratories;
• Develop a plan and budget to upgrade the selected laboratories;
• Provide technical support to implement plan including but not limited to equipment acquisition and capacity building;
• Support developing a business model for sustainability including the role of the laboratories in proficiency testing and inter-laboratory assessments for West Africa.

The Fertilizer Laboratory Expert will provide the following deliverables:

• Selection Criteria for reference laboratories to meet;
• Workplan and budget to upgrade the selected laboratories;
• Business model for the reference laboratories to ensure the sustainability of their role in West Africa including the framework of an interlaboratory assessment program.

Requirements

The Fertilizer Laboratory Expert should meet the following qualifications:

• Degree in Chemistry, Soil Science, Agronomy, or related fields;
• At least 5 years of experience working in or managing laboratories involved in fertilizer testing and analysis;
• Experience with international laboratory accreditation processes (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025);
• Proven track record in capacity building and technical training for laboratory staff;
• Prior experience working on Laboratory assessment in West Africa or developing countries is desirable;
• In-depth knowledge of setting up laboratory structures, procuring fertilizer analytical equipment as well as managing a laboratory;
• Familiarity with relevant international standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency in English or French.

Reporting and Work Relationships

The Team Leader for Fertilizer Policy and Regulation Systems is responsible for supervising the consultant's work, including reviewing progress reports, providing feedback and guidance, and evaluating the consultant's performance.

Location

This is an international recruitment with a duty station based at any of the IFDC offices in West Africa.