Agroforestry and Watershed Specialist

Organizational Setting

FAO Afghanistan is investing across all 34 provinces, in resilience reinforcing actions that focus on protecting agriculture livelihoods and local ecosystems, boosting local production of nutritious foods and cash-incomes, and safeguarding critical agriculture sectoral development gains achieved over the past couple of decades through revitalizing rural markets and economy. In 2024-2026, FAO will continue to implement emergency and longer-term, resilience-building projects and programmes in the context of the UN Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (UNSFA) and the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Afghanistan. S/he will work under the direct supervision of WRI Team Leader. WRI Team Leader, will be responsible for all day-to-day supervision, technical guidance, and performance evaluation.

Technical Focus

The Agroforestry and Watershed Specialist will provide relevant technical assistance and guidance for the efficient implementation of Water and Resilience Services.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Supervise the agroforestry, crop water, and watershed management aspects of the project in close coordination with senior WRI and regional teams. • Coordinate implementation of all activities related to watershed management among the team members. • Guide the regional agroforestry and watershed management team on the selection and verification of the most appropriate project sites for watershed management-related interventions. • Assess the performance of the selected sites and preparation of need assessment/diagnostic reports including hydrological assessment and water balance. • Assist the regional agroforestry, crop water, and watershed management team in the data collection and analysis of crop water requirements. • Collect and assess agro-climatic data from different stations throughout the country to identify the potential areas for the project interventions. • Provide recommendations and training to the project staff and communities for the improvement of water management practices. • Prepare a plan and follow up with the regional WRI team for agroforestry, crop water, and watershed management improvements in selected watersheds. • Keep progress tracking of the agroforestry and watershed activities and report to the Supervisor. • Provide required training to technical WRI team, Stakeholders, and local communities regarding agroforestry and watershed management and future operation and maintenance. • Develop training manuals on various aspects of agriculture water management including best agricultural practices that enhance water conservation and irrigation application efficiency. • Coordinate with other stakeholders including academic institutions, NGOs, and the private sector in providing sustainability and comprehensively disseminating the results. • Having extensive knowledge of Crop Water Requirements. • Perform other duties as assigned by the head of WRI and the FAOR.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master’s) or university degree (Bachelor’s) in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, Agriculture Engineering, or other related areas. • For advanced degrees at least five (5) years of professional experience in water resource, irrigation engineering, Agriculture, and Watershed Management/Bioengineering with UN and I/NGOs. • For a university degree at least seven (7) years of experience in water resource and irrigation engineering with UN and I/NGOs. • Working knowledge (level C) of English and the local languages (Pashto and/or Dari). • National of Afghanistan.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Sound knowledge of Technical, Agriculture, social, and environmental data collection for Agroforestry and Watershed Management. • Having the skill of training the project staff and communities for the improvement of water management practices. • Knowing to assist the regional agroforestry, crop water, and watershed management team in the data collection and analysis of crop water requirements. • Having experience in keeping progress tracking of the agroforestry and watershed activities and reporting to the Supervisor. • Having the skill to assess agro-climatic data from different stations throughout the country to identify the potential areas for the project interventions. • Having extensive knowledge of the selection of sites and preparation of need assessment/diagnostic reports including hydrological assessment and water balance • Carrying out the required training to the technical WRI team, Stakeholders, and local communities regarding agroforestry and watershed management and future operation and maintenance. • A competent team player who can create and lead Agroforestry and Watershed Assistant. • Excellent coordination and collaboration skills with other actors (UN, NGOs, Community Representative) • Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills and apply them in the working environment. • Must have worked in hardship areas. • Experience with the UN will be an added advantage. • Proficient in the use of standard office applications (e.g., Microsoft Office) and other productivity engineering tools

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• 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.