Irrigation Engineer (SC11)

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 International Irrigation Engineer for JOSP in collaboration with CTA, 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. S/he will plan, design and manage the construction, ensure operation and maintenance of irrigation projects to distribute water to agricultural lands.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide effective field level leadership, coordination and facilitation of technical inputs, management support and technical inputs on irrigation components of the project.
• Liaise with local authorities at State and District authorities on all aspects of project coordination and implementation.
• Provide effective team leadership for the implementing agencies, communities, and farmers.
• Support the project in adhering to all environmental and social safeguarding requirements and documentation by advising the local authorities.
• Develop annual work plans related to the different project outputs and outcomes in collaboration with JOSP team and partners.
• Ensure the operational and technical supervision of irrigation activities as per FAO guidelines.
• Review contractual implementation documents (Letters of Agreement, contracts) of the project prepared by Project team.
• Supervise quality control of Letters of Agreement and Letters of Understanding with programme/project implementing partners.
• Liaise with FAO Operations Unit regarding operational and logistics requirements of the planned interventions.
• Contribute to and/or prepare Inception Report, Monthly, Quarterly and Annual progress reports as per the project documents and signed agreements.
• Lead, organize and participate in meetings with partners and government counterparts at local level, as required for successful operation and implementation of the project.
• Ensure appropriate visibility during project activities recognizing the donor and other partners.
• Develop and maintain regular contacts and partnerships with local and international organizations, stakeholders, civil society and other humanitarian and development actors.
• Coordinate engineering team with technical support regarding the irrigation development in Somalia.
• Support the Assessment of soil/land and water suitability and availability in proposed irrigation project areas.
• Analyse existing data and information from site/project surveys, conduct research and identify potential structural and environmental problems.
• Planning/organizing/Undertaking feasibility studies and preliminary investigations on proposed irrigation project areas.
• Work with engineering team on designing and prepare BoQs for selected irrigation projects.
• Conduct other relevant project tasks as required by FAO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Irrigation engineering or other relevant discipline from a reputable institution.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience with bachelor’s degree or 4 years of working experience with master’s degree in planning, design, construction, and maintenance of irrigation projects.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Somali.
• National of Somalia.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proficiency in the study, design, and implementation of irrigation infrastructure development projects.
• Knowledge of environmental and safety regulations and compliance.
• Experience in procurement/tendering process.
• Conversant with the principles and working methods of project cycle management.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION