Agricultural Water Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, facilitating partnerships and delivering technical assistance while adhering to international standards of accountability.

Job Overview:
The Agricultural Water Management Specialist will play a crucial role in evaluating and optimizing water use for agricultural practices in Liberia, particularly focusing on irrigation systems. This position involves conducting feasibility studies for proposed irrigation projects, assessing the viability and funding needs for rehabilitating dams in Foya, Lofa County, aimed at supporting local rice farmers. The specialist will analyze crop water requirements, seasonal demand, and irrigation scheduling to promote sustainable agricultural practices. The role is integral to enhancing food security and agricultural productivity in alignment with Liberia's National Agriculture Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The specialist will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative in Liberia and will be responsible for providing technical support to the government, ensuring that the irrigation systems are effective, affordable, and sustainable.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agricultural Water Management Specialist will be responsible for a comprehensive set of tasks, including: evaluating crop water requirements and irrigation scheduling to optimize water use efficiency; conducting crop water demand analysis and calculating annual water demand for proposed farming sites; carrying out onsite assessments to promote water conservation and pollution control; reviewing proposed designs to address waterlogging and drainage issues; assessing alternatives for water harvesting and storage mechanisms; analyzing existing water resource management plans in the context of climate change; validating technical workability and budgetary requirements of proposals; conducting soil permeability tests; and developing comprehensive plans for improving irrigation and groundwater management. The specialist will also investigate the potential use of groundwater as a source for irrigation and ensure that all assessments align with sustainable agricultural practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following qualifications: for consultants, an advanced university degree in agriculture engineering, irrigation engineering, water resource management, or a related field from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO is required. Consultants with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. For Personal Services Agreements (PSAs), a university degree in the same fields is required. Additionally, candidates must have at least five years of relevant experience in agricultural water or water resource management and a working knowledge of English. FAO core competencies include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in agriculture engineering, irrigation engineering, water resource management, groundwater management, sustainable water management, water governance, rural water supply, or a related field. The degree must be from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. For candidates with a bachelor's degree, additional professional experience is necessary to meet the minimum requirements.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the field of agricultural water management or water resource management. This experience should include practical knowledge of conducting assessments, analyzing water requirements, and developing sustainable agricultural practices. The ability to work collaboratively in a team and communicate effectively is also essential.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if relevant to the local context or the FAO's operational areas.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve a contract duration that aligns with the project timelines. The role is focused on providing technical assistance to the government of Liberia and may involve international collaboration. Compensation and benefits will be determined based on FAO's policies and the candidate's qualifications and experience.