About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representation in Sri Lanka is seeking a National Expert on Soil Science and Soil Surveying under project TCP/SRL/4105. The consultant will provide technical leadership to support the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management Centre in updating Sri Lanka’s Agro-Ecological Zone map and database, developing a Soil Profile Information System, and preparing digital crop suitability maps and advisories for major crops.
Salary and benefits
- Non-staff Personal Services Agreement (PSA) consultancy contract for 36 WAE (When Actually Employed) days.
- Opportunity to lead key soil science and agricultural planning initiatives with FAO in Sri Lanka.
Who can apply?
- Postgraduate diploma in Soil Surveying or a closely related discipline.
- Minimum 10 years of professional experience in soil surveying, land suitability assessment, soil mapping, agro-ecological zoning, crop zoning, or natural resources management.
- Working knowledge of English (C1 level).
- Working knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil.
- Must be a national of Sri Lanka or a resident of Sri Lanka holding a valid work permit.
Required documents
- Completed online candidate profile in the FAO recruitment portal.
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile.
- UN-accredited external language proficiency certificates or FAO official language examination results (if applicable).
When to apply
- Job posted date: September 1, 2026.
- Closure date: September 15, 2026, at 9:59:00 PM (or 11:59:00 PM depending on device timezone settings).
- Applicants are advised to submit applications well before the closing date.
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment portal at Jobs at FAO and create or log in to your account.
- Complete your online profile thoroughly, ensuring accuracy in employment history, academic qualifications, and language capabilities.
- Attach your letter of motivation to the online profile.
- Submit your application through the official FAO recruitment system before the deadline.
Additional information
- FAO does not charge any application or processing fees at any recruitment stage.
- Appointment is subject to medical fitness clearance, visa/residency requirements, and security background checks.
- Only applications submitted via the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered.
- For inquiries or technical support, contact Careers@fao.org or use the client support portal at https://fao.service-now.com/csp.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Sri Lankan nationals or residents with valid work permits
- Soil science experts with 10+ years of professional experience
- Candidates proficient in English and either Sinhala or Tamil
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a short-term consultancy of only 36 WAE days
- Requires a postgraduate diploma in soil surveying or a related field
- Applicants must ensure their online profile is fully updated before the deadline
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This consultancy provides a focused opportunity to lead significant agricultural planning initiatives in Sri Lanka. It is well-suited for a senior expert looking to apply their long-term experience to specific, high-impact projects like updating agro-ecological maps and soil information systems.
Our take
Experienced soil scientists and land management experts in Sri Lanka should consider this for a high-level, short-term contribution. It is less suitable for those seeking long-term employment or those without the required 10 years of experience.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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