In Vietnam, soil health is facing many issues related to the limited amount of land available for agricultural production (around 11.5 million hectares) that makes the agricultural land area per capita to be 0,11ha/person, which is among the lowest in the world. Soils in Vietnam are also limited in quality. Agricultural soils are mainly located in sloping regions that causes strong soil erosion leading to runoff and leaching of nutrients and cations. Soil layers are thin due to soil erosion, and soil texture is sandy to sandy loam. Vietnam soils are generally low in nutrients, with little organic matter and acidic caused by strong erosion in many areas. Soils are prone to drought and easily eroded. In areas with low flooded terrain, the soil is usually quite acidic and the groundwater level is close to the soil surface, causing gleyic layer with high levels of toxic substances which can adversely affect crop growth and development. In intensive farming regions, over cultivation often results in nutrient mining and depletion and diffuse pollution due to the use of agrochemicals. Vietnam therefore also has to face soil degradation due to unsustainable agricultural management practices. Unbalance chemical fertilizer use in many regions, especially in intensive cultivation, can be a source of soil and water pollution. Moreover, overuse of pesticides in agricultural production also contributes to soil pollution and seriously affects human and environmental health. In addition, the fast development of the economy, modernization–urbanization, and high population growth act as drivers of land-use change (e.g., deforestation, forest degradation, and shortening of fallow periods in shifting cultivation in the uplands; and more intensified agriculture in the lowlands) and land grabbing and soil sealing that can impact directly to soil’s and land ecosystem’s functions and services. Although the main degradation processes affecting Vietnam’s soils are well known, no detailed analysis of the state of Vietnam’s soils has been conducted and there is no monitoring system in place to examine how management practices are affecting soil health or the positive impact that some interventions to improve agricultural sustainability and climate change adaptation and mitigation may be having. The lack of updated information on soil resources is indeed a significant barrier to sustainable soil management. This has emerged as a significant limitation to planning processes as well as international commitments to conventions and agreements. Recognizing the problem, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has planned to design a new program to promote national soil health management. It is expected that the new national soil health management plan will be suitable for the new development context, in which Vietnam’s agricultural sector has deeply integrated into the international market but has to face many threats from climate change and the risk of technical barriers. It is also expected that a new soil health management system will be in line with international frameworks and contribute to increasing the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international market. The “Healthy Soil – Healthy Plants – Healthy People” approach is considered a suitable approach because it allows to comprehensively address the cycle of nutrient, food quality and safety through ecosystems and human health. Furthermore, adopting a soil health approach will also enhance the reputation and value of the commodity in the international market.

As requested by the Government of Viet Nam, FAO is providing support to soil policy development, addressing fundamental challenges through a systemic approach for management of soil health in the context of climate change and global trade integration; integration of plant health, plant nutrition, food security quality and nutrition; integration of social protection and inclusive growth (e.g. pro-poor, woman and youth empowerment and inclusiveness); comply with and contribute to environment protection, ecosystem and biodiversity conservation; and attribute to increased competitiveness of Vietnamese agriculture in domestic and global markets.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision by the FAO Representative, and Assistant of FAO Representative (Programme) and overall technical supervision by the Land Management Officer in FAO-RAP and in collaboration with the National Project Coordinator, the incumbent will work to ensure the timely provision of a scoping study on soil health policies and strategies in Vietnam.

Technical Focus

The Soil Health Specialist will carry out the scoping study on soil health related policies, strategies and regulations in Vietnam. The study will provide a basis for developing a realistic, feasible, and effective National Soil Heath Strategy (NSHS) 2023-2030 by analysing existing soil-related policies and regulations such as land law, environment protection law, and national technical regulation on soil quality, etc.; national technical capacities; and cooperation issues.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of existing soil health-related policies, strategies, and regulations, with a focus on their implementation strategies, progress, and, if available, their impact on the ground. The analysis should encompass an evaluation of socio-economic and political barriers that may be affecting the implementation of identified policies, strategies, and regulations. The findings will serve as a baseline for identifying potential policy gaps, persistent soil health issues, and other considerations, enabling the formulation of interventions to be incorporated into the concept note for the development of the National Soil Health Strategy of Vietnam.
• Evaluate the national technical capacities in soil health management by assessing the technologies and infrastructure for soil monitoring and management at research institutions, laboratories, and among technical personnel.
• Conduct a stakeholder analysis by identifying key stakeholders engaged in soil management, including government agencies, NGOs, farmers, and extension services. Assess their capacities and strategies related to soil management and health.
• Compile and analyze soil health strategies and frameworks from other countries to identify best practices and lessons learned that can inform the formulation of Vietnam’s National Soil Health Strategy.
• Write a concept note for the development of the National Soil Health Strategy (NSHS) of Vietnam, highlighting the main issues concerning soil health management at strategic level. The document should define the scope, guiding principles and structure of the NSHS, and provide recommendations for its further development.
• Write a policy brief summarizing the key findings of the scoping study, emphasizing existing policy gaps, barriers, and recommended actions for improvement in Vietnam’s soil health management. Incorporate insights from international experiences to provide context and guidance for effective strategies.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree preferably in Soil Science, Environmental Policy, Land Management, Agronomy or related field is required
• Minimum 8 years of experience in soil management issues in Vietnam
• Working knowledge of English and Vietnamese.
• National of Viet Nam or resident in the country with a valid work permit.
• Prior experience in working on projects on the soil/land topic is an asset
• Previous successful involvement in policy/ strategy review and/or formulation is an asset