IC - Practical irrigation guide for small farms

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and disaster resilience, and has a workforce of over 17,000 employees worldwide. UNDP's mission is to empower lives and build resilient nations, and it aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Job Overview:
The position involves developing a comprehensive, practical, and user-friendly Irrigation System Guide specifically designed for micro to small farms. This guide aims to support farmers, extension officers, and agricultural planners in the design, selection, and management of efficient irrigation systems that are suitable for small-scale agricultural production. The contractor will be expected to work for a total of 20 days over a period of 2 months, engaging with various stakeholders to ensure that the guide meets the needs of the target audience. The role requires a strong understanding of agricultural practices and irrigation systems, as well as the ability to communicate complex information in an accessible manner. The contractor will also need to integrate gender-responsive and inclusive design principles into the guide, ensuring that it is applicable to a diverse range of users.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities for this position include:

• Conducting a thorough assessment of existing irrigation practices among micro to small farms in the region.
• Collaborating with farmers, extension officers, and agricultural planners to gather insights and feedback on their irrigation needs and challenges.
• Developing a detailed outline for the Irrigation System Guide, ensuring it covers all necessary topics such as system design, selection criteria, and management practices.
• Writing and compiling the guide, ensuring that it is user-friendly and accessible to the target audience.
• Integrating gender-responsive and inclusive design principles throughout the guide.
• Organizing workshops or consultations to present the guide and gather further feedback from stakeholders.
• Documenting the process and results of consultations and workshops.
• Providing recommendations for future irrigation practices and policies based on the findings from the project.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Irrigation and Water Management, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in water infrastructure design or community-based water supply systems.
• Proven experience in developing technical manuals or guides for smallholder agriculture.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate gender-responsive and inclusive design principles into agricultural practices.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and management skills, with experience in coordinating with national stakeholders and expert teams.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, in English.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Irrigation and Water Management, or Civil Engineering. Advanced degrees or certifications in these areas may be considered an asset, as they demonstrate a deeper understanding of the subject matter and enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in relevant fields, particularly in water infrastructure design or community-based water supply systems. Experience working in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) or similar contexts is highly desirable, as it indicates familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities present in these regions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as clear communication skills are essential for this role. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an Individual Contractor (IC) role, with a contract duration of 20 days of actual work spread over a period of 2 months. The position is not full-time, and the contractor will need to manage their time effectively to meet the project deadlines. The role involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government, private, and non-governmental sectors, and requires strong interpersonal and networking skills. Compensation details are not specified in the job ad, but candidates are encouraged to submit their proposals directly through the UNDP Quantum system by the indicated deadline.