Agricultural Engineer Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, was established in 1978 by the UN General Assembly. Its mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable urban development and to ensure adequate shelter for all. With a focus on urbanization and human settlement matters, UN-Habitat operates globally, providing technical expertise and support to various countries. The organization has been instrumental in addressing urban growth challenges and has developed a unique expertise in urban development processes over its forty years of operation. UN-Habitat collaborates with partners to formulate urban visions and implement the New Urban Agenda, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The organization has a significant presence in Egypt, where it has been active since 2005, providing technical support on urban and territorial development issues.

Job Overview:
The Agricultural Engineer Consultant will play a crucial role in ensuring the technical soundness of training content and field demonstrations related to modern irrigation and climate-smart agriculture. This position involves close coordination with contractors and stakeholders to validate the technical overview of the project, which aims to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Upper Egypt. The consultant will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Rural Community Field Schools (RCFS) and ensuring that the practices promoted are aligned with UN-Habitat's objectives. The consultant will also monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the training programs, providing evidence-based assessments and recommendations for improvement. This role is essential for supporting informed decision-making and ensuring the quality of project outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will provide technical oversight and quality assurance for the modernization of irrigation systems and the implementation of the Rural Community Field Schools (RCFS) in Qena, Assiut, and Sohag. Key responsibilities include conducting comprehensive technical reviews of curricula for the RCFS, ensuring alignment with UN-Habitat and FAO guidelines, and providing structured feedback for improvements. The consultant will also offer expert recommendations for the Training of Facilitators (ToF), ensuring that facilitators are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills. Additionally, the consultant will monitor and evaluate the performance of the RCFS, assessing farmer engagement and knowledge transfer. Detailed technical assessments will be prepared for project reports, documenting the quality of RCFS delivery and providing recommendations for scaling successful approaches. The consultant will also review and validate contractor analyses of water savings and productivity indicators, ensuring accuracy in reported results.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Agricultural Engineering or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted. A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in agricultural engineering or rural development is required, along with experience in implementing participatory farmer training programs such as Rural Communities Field Schools. Experience working with local government authorities is desirable, as is previous work experience with UN agencies or international development organizations in Upper Egypt.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Agricultural Engineering or a related field. A first-level university degree may be accepted in combination with additional qualifying work experience, demonstrating the flexibility of educational requirements based on practical experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in agricultural engineering or rural development. Candidates should have experience in implementing participatory training programs for farmers, particularly in rural settings. Familiarity with local government operations and previous experience with UN agencies or international organizations in Upper Egypt will be considered advantageous.

Languages:
The position requires proficiency in both English and Arabic. For English, candidates should have an intermediate level of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills (UN Level II). For Arabic, candidates should possess advanced skills in all areas (UN Level III), ensuring effective communication with local stakeholders and project participants.

Additional Notes:
The position is part-time and expected to last for 8 months. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Country Programme Manager based in Cairo, collaborating closely with UN-Habitat governance teams, field coordinators, and technical staff from the FAO and relevant government ministries. The role emphasizes technical oversight and quality assurance without involvement in logistical implementation. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable hiring procedure.