Agricultural/ Irrigation Engineer

Organizational Setting

FAO Representation in Sierra Leone implements an integrated food security programme, focusing on diversification of livelihoods, managing natural resources and building resilience. The office employs diverse team of experts locally, but also attracts the available technical experts from the region and the Head Quarters (HQ). FAO works in close partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, farmers and other stakeholders, supporting plans and policies that affect the food and nutrition security in the country; our work is part of the corporate commitment to support countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, especially SDG 2 on Zero Hunger.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone and assisted by the FAOR in charge of Programme, the Agricultural/Irrigation Engineer in close collaboration with MAF and counterpart authorities/staff, other FAO personnel, will carry out the following tasks:

Technical Focus

The Agricultural/Irrigation Engineer should work with the objective of assuring efficient, smooth and timely implementation of the project and the timely achievement of the project outputs as per FAO standard and donor requirements. Provide programmatic and technical expertise needed to manage the project across the eights district. He/she is also responsible for the submission of high-quality project reports in a timely and coordinated manner among the two agencies.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Supervise identification, assessment and selection of suitable inland valley swamps for development/rehabilitation. • Carry out inventory of inland valley swamp for establishment of IVs data bank. • Lead in the classification of swamps in terms of presence of surface water/perenniality (PI, P2 and P3) for the implementation of the Inland Valley Swamp (IVS) component, • Prepare suitable designs of IVS water control infrastructures • Work with MAFS to supervise the conduct of soil, topographic, hydrologic and hydrometric socio-cultural surveys for design purposes, • Develop technical specifically for all assignments related to the IVS implementation including the development of ToRs for the engagement of service providers, • Prepare and submit reports - IVS inventorization , hydrologic and hydrometric, soils and topographic surveys • Work with MAFS to supervise the conduct of boundary, soil, topographic survey and production of area, soil, spot height and contour maps • Work with MAFS to supervise IVS implementation (development/rehabilitation)- • Work with the FAO M&E and FSRP M&E to evaluate the progress of civil works and the quality of the final infrastructure in terms of functionality and sustainability; • Assess the capacities/performance of the service providers/contractors and IVS communities • Analyze if the IVS associations are functional with good technical knowledge as well as management/institutional structure and provide recommendations to strengthen their capacities • Prepare designs, bill of quantities, engineer’s estimates, and guides the bidding process for the award of contracts, • Assist in resolving land tenure issues, community and youth labour, and building the capacity of IVS/FBOs/ABCs, • Technically supervise, and monitor the implementation of the contracts of Service Providers, evaluate work accomplished (quality and quantity), and recommend payment of installments • provide a final evaluation certificate (of completion) of each rehabilitated IVS site for the community • Serve as the technical officer to produce monthly/quarterly/ progress report for the IVS/Cash for component, • Participate in the training of implementing partners on IVs implementation and on farm water management for IVS-FBOs • Any other duties as may be requested by your supervisor

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• A Master degree in Agricultural Engineering/Soil and Water /Irrigation from a recognized institution or equivalent. • Adequate Experience in agricultural development with at least 5yrs focus on inland valley swamp development, rural development and livelihoods field activities. • Excellent working knowledge of English (level C). • National of Sierra Leone.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/ Functional Skills:

• Ability to supervise, manage and support to field activities of the project. • Ability to manage trainings and capacity building programme of the project. • Relevant experience/ exposure, skills and knowledge in results-based approach/management. • Experience in managing of livelihood development programme. • Ability to communicate with different stakeholders. • Different types of report writing skills. • Computer skill (Microsoft office, Photoshop). • Good report writing skills. • Experience with the UN agencies in similar position is added advantage. • Good experience with the MAFS Engineering IVS development structures. • Experience in conducting trainings related to IVS utilization and management.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• 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 additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.