National Irrigation Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is the specialized agency of the United Nations for food, nutrition, agriculture, and forestry. FAO’s global vision is for a world free from hunger and malnutrition where food and agriculture contribute to improving the living standards of all, especially the poorest, in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner. Achieving food security for all is at the heart of FAO's efforts – to make sure people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active and healthy lives.

The mission of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is to work to eradicate hunger and promote global food security together with balanced and complete nutrition. Our mandate is to raise levels of nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy.

Our three main goals are the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition; the elimination of poverty and the driving forward of economic and social progress for all; and, the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources, including land, water, air, climate and genetic resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

The FAO Ethiopia, assist the Government of Ethiopia to develop policies, programs, and projects to achieve food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors and use their environmental and natural resources sustainably.

Ethiopia hosts one of the highest numbers of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) globally. The Federal Government of Ethiopia (GoE) is exerting efforts to advance solutions for internal displacement, including through establishing the Durable Solutions Initiative (DSI) designed to provide a principled operational framework for durable solutions and shape multi-sectoral and collective programs to return, relocate, and locally integrate IDPs. Somali and Oromia regions, particularly Oromia Region bordering areas with Somali Region, present priority geographic areas for DSI in general. DSI Ethiopia, in consideration of the socio-political dynamics between the two regions, socio-economic grievances, and security environment, is prioritizing progressive resolutions of the complex displacement situations in these regions.

In light of the complexity and the dimensions of displacement situations in Somali and Oromia regions, FAO, IOM, and UN-HABITAT designed a joint project entitled Strengthening Resilience of Disaster Affected Communities through Durable Solutions in Oromia and Somali Regions of Ethiopia. The plan is to employ durable solutions that enhance IDPs' and host communities’ capacities to move towards recovery and resilience with a particular focus on the Fafan and Shabelle zones of the Somali Region, and the East and West Hararge zones of the Oromia Region.

Among others, FAO will support small-scale irrigation agriculture to enable targeted displacement-affected communities to increase crop production and productivity, and income as well as expands local economic growth. Specifically, it focuses on rehabilitation, expansion, and new construction of irrigation schemes.

It is under this context, FAO Ethiopia is seeking to recruit one irrigation specialist to perform the below-mentioned tasks based in Addis Ababa.

Reporting Lines

The National Irrigation Specialist works under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Ethiopia (FAOR), technical supervision of the DRM Program Manager & DRM/Resilience Officer, and direct supervision of the FAO Field Coordinators in Oromia and Somali Regions.

Technical Focus

The National Irrigation Specialist focuses on the supervision, inspection and monitoring of rehabilitation, and construction of irrigation scheme works in the project areas.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide overall technical support and plays a leading role in irrigation system construction and/or rehabilitation including canals, drainages, dams and diversions and flood controls as outlined in the detailed implementation plan and drawings; • Monitor the progress of construction and rehabilitation of irrigation scheme and ensuring that they are being carried out according to work schedule; • Provide overall technical and organizational support for irrigation water management and irrigation practices of crops cultivated by beneficiaries; • Monitor water levels in reservoirs and other sources of water; • Work with contractors and service providers to the elaboration/revision/modification of the plans and the designs of irrigation systems; • Inspect and ensuring all the irrigation works are carried out according to approved drawings and quality specifications; • Contribute to the training and mentoring regarding the use of water in the irrigation system, irrigation practice and technologies for government staff and beneficiaries; • Contribute to the establishment of water user groups (associations) and Farmer/ agro-pastoral Field Schools; and development group/association bylaws; • Collect information disaggregated by sex and age composition of targeted households and their family on project activities impact, performance and achievements and success factors and constraints for reporting, sharing, and learning; • Prepare monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports highlighting any constraints to project implementation and possible solutions to the FAO; • Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• The candidate should be a national of Ethiopia • MSc degree in irrigation engineering, or a related field from a recognized institution. • At least 7 years of experience in irrigation scheme designs and construction supervision of which at least 3 years experience as a senior expert or water management level. • Working knowledge (level C) of spoken and written English. • Working knowledge of Ethiopian languages is a strong asset

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Relevant experience in providing support to irrigation projects in Ethiopia; • Good understanding of national irrigation and drainage management challenges and opportunities; • Significant experience in irrigation projects design and implementation; • Knowledge of issues related to irrigation water use, water use efficiency and management, water application methods and technologies; • Organization and planning skills; • Training delivery and presentation skills; • Technical report writing skills.

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.