Irrigation Engineer

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Organizational Setting

The primary objective of FAO Country Offices, led by the FAO Country Representative, is to support governments in formulating policies, programmes, and projects aimed at achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, and promoting sustainable development in the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors. This includes the sustainable management and utilization of natural and environmental resources.

Within this framework, the Irrigation Engineer Specialist will support the design, rehabilitation, expansion, and sustainable management of the Aweil Rice Irrigation Scheme in Aweil. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Infrastructure Engineer and the overall guidance of the FAO Country Representative in South Sudan. The role focuses on technical planning, design, supervision, and quality assurance of irrigation and water control infrastructure to enhance rice production and water use efficiency.

Reporting Lines

The Irrigation Engineer works under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for South Sudan and the direct supervision of the Infrastructure Engineer.

Technical focus

The role focuses of technical planning, design, supervision and quality assurance of irrigation and water control infrastructure to enhance rice production and water use efficiency.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the preparation of engineering drawings, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and detailed Scopes of Work (SoWs) and technical specifications for irrigation, construction work, irrigation equipment and construction machinery
• Support the preparation of tender documents and technical specifications for irrigation and construction works and participate in the technical evaluation of bids in accordance with FAO procurement procedures.
• Conduct field assessments and site surveys to evaluate the condition of irrigation and civil engineering infrastructure, including canals, water control structures, pumping systems, drainage networks, embankments, access roads, and other associated facilities within the Country
• Provide technical support on irrigation water management and agricultural production systems, with particular focus on rice cultivation and other priority crops under the Aweil Rice Scheme.
• Support the integration of irrigation infrastructure with crop production activities to improve agricultural productivity, food security, and sustainable land and water use practices.
• Advise on crop water requirements, irrigation scheduling, soil moisture management, and climate-smart agricultural practices suitable for local conditions.
• Support demonstration activities and farmer training on improved agronomic practices, water-efficient farming techniques, crop diversification, and sustainable irrigation management.
• Collaborate with agronomists, extension officers, and farmer groups to ensure effective linkage between irrigation development and crop production objectives.
• Support rehabilitation and development of agricultural land preparation systems, field canals, drainage systems, and on-farm water management structures to improve crop yields and productivity.
• Provide technical guidance on irrigation requirements for rice and other strategic crops, including land leveling, water distribution efficiency, and seasonal water allocation planning.
• Support the establishment and strengthening of farmer-based irrigation management systems and Water User Associations (WUAs) to enhance sustainable operation and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure.
• Supervise and monitor rehabilitation, refurbishment, and/or new construction works ensuring adherence to approved designs, technical standards, timelines, and budgets.
• Implement quality control and quality assurance measures to ensure compliance with engineering best practices, environmental safeguards, and FAO standards.
• Provide technical guidance to contractors and site teams on engineering methodologies, canal alignment, flow regulation, erosion control, and water distribution efficiency.
• Prepare technical progress reports, identify deviations from approved work plans, and propose cost-effective corrective measures to ensure timely completion of works.
• Certify completed works and prepare final completion certificates confirming satisfactory implementation in line with contractual obligations.
• Provide regular updates to the Engineering Unit and Operations Unit on implementation progress, constraints, risks, and lessons learned.
• Carry out any additional tasks related to the consultancy to enhance sustainable development, operational effectiveness, and the overall outcomes of the Engineering Unit’s projects.
• Perform any other related duties as may be requested by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Irrigation Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Agriculture Engineering or closely related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience in irrigation and civil engineering infrastructure projects, including canals, diversion structures and water distribution systems.
• Working knowledge of English (Level C).

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated experience and ability to conduct or verify field surveys for irrigation projects, including topographic and hydraulic assessments before, during, and after construction.
• Experience in preparing irrigation completion reports, irrigation plans, and documentation specific to irrigation and water management infrastructure.
• Skilled in the preparation of Bills of Quantities (BoQs), technical specifications, and detailed engineering drawings for irrigation and canal-related works.
• Proven experience in contract management for civil works, particularly in irrigation system installation, canal construction, and related infrastructure.
• Ability to assess construction works on-site and produce timely, accurate technical reports on progress, quality, and compliance.
• Experience in the technical evaluation of bids for irrigation and civil works contracts.
• Capable of representing FAO in meetings with local authorities, particularly at the state and project-site levels, on issues related to irrigation and infrastructure development.
• Experience working in multi-cultural teams and complex emergency contexts is an asset.
• Experience in AutoCAD/ARCHICAD and MS office
• Limited knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

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