Water Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO aims 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. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and manage natural resources sustainably. In Pakistan, FAO is actively involved in addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters and economic policies affecting the agriculture sector, providing analytical support to the government, and developing systems for monitoring food security and agricultural statistics.

Job Overview:
The Water Management Specialist position is crucial for the successful implementation of the Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Program (RBWRP), funded by the European Union. This role requires a professional with strong analytical and quantitative skills to support water management initiatives in Balochistan. The specialist will work closely with provincial teams to ensure timely delivery of water management activities, conduct mapping of water management schemes, and prepare technical briefs on water-related challenges. The position also involves liaising with project partners and coordinating FAO's water interventions in target districts, thereby contributing to the overall goal of enhancing food security and sustainable resource management in Pakistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Water Management Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: providing technical support to provincial teams regarding water management; conducting monthly mapping of water management schemes; reviewing existing sectoral policies and preparing briefs on water-related challenges; assisting in the preparation of technical briefs and manuals for rainwater harvesting; organizing data collection on water resources; liaising with project partners; developing Terms of Reference for water assessment studies; facilitating training workshops on water auditing and climate change; leading the implementation of the Ground Water Management School; and performing any other tasks assigned by the supervisor. This comprehensive set of responsibilities emphasizes the importance of collaboration, technical expertise, and proactive engagement in water management initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in water resources management, hydraulic/irrigation engineering, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of eight years of relevant experience in the study, design, and implementation of water management schemes is required. This includes experience with irrigation canals, rain and flood water harvesting, and groundwater management. Candidates should also have a working knowledge of English and the local languages of Balochistan, as well as being a national of Pakistan. The role demands strong technical skills, analytical capabilities, and the ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as water resources management, hydraulic or irrigation engineering. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address complex water management issues effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of relevant experience in the field of water management. This experience should encompass the study, design, and implementation of various water management schemes, including infrastructure related to irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater management. Experience in field positions and working in diverse locations is desirable, as it demonstrates the ability to adapt to different environments and challenges.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is proficiency in English, along with the local languages of Balochistan. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and project partners. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of communities and organizations.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the SB4 SC8 level, indicating a specific seniority and responsibility within the FAO structure. The contract duration and specific compensation details are not mentioned in the job posting. It is important to note that FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must also meet medical fitness requirements and any necessary residency or visa requirements. The FAO emphasizes the importance of higher educational qualifications being obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database.