Agronomic / Data Modelling Specialist – Italy

Aninver Development Partners SL (www.aninver.com) is looking for a Agronomic / Data Modelling Specialist for a ict, agriculture consultancy assignment financed by FAO in Italy.

Aninver Development Partners is currently preparing a competitive proposal for a prospective consultancy assignment funded by FAO in Italy. The initiative focuses on the design and development of models for a digital decision-support tool that provides evidence-based, site-specific fertilizer recommendations which are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. As part of our expert team, we are seeking a qualified Agronomic / Data Modelling Specialist to drive the technical modelling components of the project.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in developing sophisticated algorithms and parameters that integrate multi-source data—including soil, crop, climate, and fertilizer pricing—to generate precise agronomic guidance. This platform will ultimately support farmers, extension workers, national institutions, practitioners, and policymakers by integrating with established digital soil ecosystems and open data services to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Aninver is preparing a proposal for this assignment. The selected expert will be part of the proposed team; the engagement is conditional on the contract being awarded to Aninver. The full Terms of Reference for the position are shared with shortlisted candidates.

Objectives of the assignment

• Design and develop robust fertilizer recommendation models for the digital platform.
• Develop algorithms and parameters integrating multi-source data to generate evidence-based, site-specific fertilizer recommendations.
• Calculate optimal nutrient applications (N, P, K, and micronutrients), organic substitution rates, and split-application schedules.
• Conduct economic benefit analyses associated with fertilizer usage.
• Support field validation trials across pilot countries and contribute to capacity development initiatives.

Scope of work

• Develop algorithms and parameters integrating multi-source data including soil, crop, climate, and fertilizer pricing.
• Generate evidence-based, site-specific fertilizer recommendations and associated economic benefits.
• Contribute to the building of the web and mobile decision support platform.
• Integrate the platform with FAO’s digital ecosystem, relevant soil information systems, and open data services.
• Support field validation trials in pilot countries.
• Contribute to capacity development and training for farmers, extension workers, and policymakers.

Your role as Agronomic / Data Modelling Specialist

• Formulate and refine agronomic models and agricultural decision-support tools tailored to local and regional contexts.
• Integrate soil, crop, climate, and fertilizer price data into functional platform algorithms.
• Generate precise recommendations on fertilizer types, quantities, application timing, and methods.
• Perform economic benefit analyses and determine organic substitution rates and split-application schedules.
• Collaborate with software developers and digital strategy experts to ensure seamless model integration into web and mobile platforms.
• Provide technical agronomic support during field validation trials in pilot countries.

Requirements

• Education: Not stated
• At least five (5) years of experience in fertilizer recommendation systems, nutrient-budgeting models, agronomic models, or agricultural decision-support tools
• Languages: Fluent in English

Desirable

• Previous experience working on FAO-funded projects or similar international agricultural digital platforms.
• Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary teams for digital agricultural extension tools.

Assignment details

• Location: Italy
• Financed by: FAO
• Sector: Ict, agriculture
• Contract: individual consultancy (conditional on award)

About Aninver Development Partners

Aninver is an international development consulting firm headquartered in Spain. It supports governments, development banks, UN agencies and bilateral donors with feasibility studies, technical assistance, evaluations and capacity building across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Asia-Pacific, working with a network of international and national experts.

Why apply

• Join a multidisciplinary team on a FAO-financed project in Italy.
• Individual consultancy: flexible, output-based engagement with an experienced proposal team.
• Your CV stays in Aninver's expert network for future assignments that match your profile.

How to apply

Sign in (or create a free account) and upload your CV in English. Add your LinkedIn profile, indicative daily rate and availability to speed up the assessment. Aninver will contact the shortlisted candidates.

Frequently asked questions

Is the position confirmed? The engagement depends on the contract being awarded to Aninver. Shortlisted experts are included in the proposal with their consent.

Can I apply if I am not based in the country? Yes, unless the requirements say otherwise; relevant regional experience is an asset.

What happens with my CV? It is used to assess your fit for this and future positions and is not shared with third parties without your consent.