National Project Personnel - Irrigation and Rural Development Specialist

Organizational Setting

This position is located in FAO Pakistan, based in Quetta. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, help to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The following position is at SB4 SC8 level.

Pakistan has been experiencing frequent natural disasters and non-coherent economic policies which has affected the overall economy specifically the agriculture sector and livelihood of the people. Outbreak of pandemic and locust attack have damaged agriculture crops and affected the food supply chain in Pakistan. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is supporting the Government of Pakistan at national and provincial levels through different analytical policy reports on food supply chain, food forecast livestock, forestry, fisheries and climate change. Similarly, a web-based data management system is under development for agriculture, food security and nutrition statistics in Pakistan. Through this system, support Government of Pakistan in monitoring food prices and supply chain through live dashboards will enable better planning and policy making.

There is currently a team of agronomists, statisticians, economists and policy analysts working on different components to strengthen the food supply chain and enhance the food security in Pakistan. FAO Pakistan seeks a qualified professional with a strong analytical and quantitative capacity to contribute in the “Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Program (RBWRP)” funded by EU. This experience will provide wide scope of work as outlined below:

Reporting Lines

The Irrigation and Rural Development Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, direct supervision of the Senior Project Officer and in close coordination with concerned FAO colleagues.

Technical Focus

Ensure timely delivery of all activities related to irrigation and rural development (design, BOQs and specifications) in the (RBWRP).

Tasks and responsibilities

The Irrigation and Rural Infrastructure Specialist will be responsible for the following actions:

• Provide technical support to field teams on rural infrastructure and water management related interventions in different FAO programmes in Balochistan;
• Prepare, Review and validate technical designs, specifications, and BOQs of rainwater harvesting, livestock shelters and other infrastructures works;
• Guide (field teams) irrigation engineers and assist international experts based in provincial offices in preparation of detailed project work plan, procurement plan for infrastructure interventions;
• Review progress towards the work plan and the stated objectives on quarterly basis
• Monitor field activities, carryout spot checks to ensure quality of infrastructure works
• Guide and assist in developing and strengthening the capacity of water user organizations in consultation with the relevant government departments, local authorities and project partners
• Provide technical support to field engineers and preparation of work/tools specifications;
• Draft Standard Operating Procedures for rehabilitation of infrastructure, and design, construction supervision;
• Perform other related duties, as assigned by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Civil, Agriculture Engineering or Irrigation Engineering;
• 08 years’ of relevant experience;
• Working knowledge of English and local languages of Balochistan;
• National of Pakistan

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Technical experience in designing (with use of design software) and implementation of irrigation channels, pressurized (High Efficiency) irrigation systems including Crop Water Requirements, rain water harvesting, animal shelters and other hydraulic and rural infrastructure;
• Vast experience in groundwater/pumping irrigation, climate smart irrigation, solar irrigation systems, etc.
• Experience working in establishment of Water Users Associations and training;
• Technical analytical skills and proposal formulation for various related schemes;
• Good experience in Quality Assurance and Quality Control of related infrastructure works;
• Experience working with BOQs, validation and monitoring of different infrastructures.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
• Ability to operate effectively in a team, contributing positively to team operations and working relationships.
• Knowledge of United Nations and International Organizations’ administrative policies and procedures.
• Excellent drafting skills and analytical mind
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research
• Demonstrated fluency in written and spoken English
• Excellent interpersonal skills and to work in a team-oriented multi-cultural environment
• Willingness to travel
• Ability to work independently, with initiative and minimal supervision
• Good knowledge of common administrative and financial rules and regulations
• Good knowledge of communication and documentation standards
• Display initiative and take responsibility for achieving agreed outputs within set deadlines and closely follow-up until successful outputs are achieved.
• Continue to seek new, innovative and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work assigned.
• Identify and recommend remedial measures to address problems in systems design or implementation

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed against the requirements listed above.

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. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required. Vaccination status will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.