Irrigation Engineer

Organizational Setting

The key mission of the FAO Representation in Somalia, which is led by FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist and support the national government to develop policies, strategies and programme aimed at accelerating the Implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the area of FAO's global mandate and Strategic Objectives. More specifically, FAO's response aims to address national needs and priorities in achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, developing agricultural, fishery and forestry sectors, and ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources and respond to recurrent emergencies. The current portfolio of activities of the FAO Representation in Somalia includes a wide scope of technical support interventions ranging from policy support through livestock and crop production, to natural resource management, Nutrition, value chain, food security analysis and water and land information management. FAO is also implementing several emergency, resilience-building, and development interventions, with the support of its five field offices and close to 400 staff in partnership with the Federal and State line ministries.

Reporting Lines

The position is under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Somalia, the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Adviser for JOSP in collaboration with Head of Programmes, and the technical guidance of FAO Resilience Coordinator and the Agriculture and Infrastructure Unit.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for design and implementation of the irrigation rehabilitation and development work under programme.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Irrigation Engineering Project Management: Lead and manage large barrage/weir/dam projects, overseeing the assessment, topography survey, planning, design, and supervision of irrigation works, while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. • Assessment and Reporting: Assess the current condition of barrages, prepare detailed assessment reports, and develop action plans for needed mechanical work and improvements. • Design and Documentation: Create detailed design specifications and technical documentation for mechanical projects, including canal intakes. • Supervision and Quality Assurance: Supervise the construction of mechanical works in the barrage, inlet and outlet canals, reservoir, and outlet canal works adjoining the reservoir, ensuring adherence to specified design and quality standards. • Production of detailed operational, technical, and cost analysis for irrigation works: In accordance with the topography, soil and hydrology surveys, proposing some irrigation option with a matrix comparing advantages and disadvantages of each of these options. • Propose the necessary rehabilitation of existing irrigation schemes if needed. • Technical Expertise: Provide expert technical guidance on irrigation engineering matters, offering solutions for complex challenges. • Design Sketches: Develop preliminary design sketches and review technical drawings prepared by draughtsmen for repair and construction purposes. Develop detailed design of irrigation and drainage networks for selected irrigation method. • Construction Coordination: Collaborate with contractors, engineers, and project teams to ensure efficient construction coordination. • Local capacity building: Support development of knowledge products i.e., the development of operation and maintenance guidelines for irrigation and drainage installations. She/he will also prepare a farmer training programme on irrigation and water management for beneficiaries on the project. • Report and Documentation: Prepare detailed reports and documentation for project records and compliance purposes.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in irrigation engineering, agricultural and bio system engineering or a related field is required. • At least 5 years of relevant experience in planning, design, construction, and maintenance of irrigation projects. • Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian for COF.REG. Working knowledge of English (level C) for PSA.SBS.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proficiency in irrigation engineering, including hydraulic modelling and design. • Strong knowledge of agricultural and crop science. • Effective project management skills. • Problem-solving and analytical abilities. • Excellent communication and presentation skills. • Knowledge of environmental and safety regulations and compliance. • Experience in design and cost estimation of irrigation projects, water conveyance infrastructures and water control structures. • Experience in supervision of irrigation infrastructure projects. • Competence in water related CAD software. • Experience in procurement/tendering process. • Experience in project management with UN, private or public sector and the international organizations. • Demonstrated experience in implementation of projects in developing countries specifically sub-Saharan Africa and under challenging operational context. • Work experience in more than one location or area of work. • Experience in carrying out similar activities in post conflict states will be an added advantage. • Good in quality report writing using both excel and word. • Wide experience in the study, design, and implementation of irrigation infrastructure development projects.