Pressurized Irrigation Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 194 member countries, two associate members, and one member organization, the European Union. The organization operates in over 130 countries worldwide, working to eradicate hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. FAO's mission is to help eliminate food insecurity and malnutrition, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable management of natural resources. In Pakistan, FAO is actively involved in addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters, economic instability, and agricultural vulnerabilities, particularly in the context of the ongoing pandemic and locust attacks that have severely impacted the agricultural sector and food supply chains.

Job Overview:
The Pressurized Irrigation Engineer position is crucial for the successful execution 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 enhance irrigation efficiency and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in Balochistan. The engineer will be responsible for designing and implementing advanced irrigation systems, ensuring that project activities meet international standards for rural infrastructure development. The position involves close collaboration with various stakeholders, including government officials, technical teams, and local communities, to ensure the effective management of water resources and improve food security in the region. The engineer will also be tasked with training local technical teams and monitoring the progress of construction works, ensuring adherence to safety and environmental standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Pressurized Irrigation Engineer will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: designing sustainable underground pipe conveyance irrigation systems and high-efficiency irrigation systems for communal and commercial schemes; preparing detailed Bills of Quantities (BoQ) and cost estimates; ensuring compliance with environmental and technical standards; providing training to Technical Working Group (TWG) members; conducting field visits to monitor construction quality; liaising with contractors and stakeholders; preparing technical specifications for irrigation components; and assisting in the preparation of progress reports. The engineer will also be responsible for integrating community inputs into project designs and ensuring that all schemes are supported by technical proposals. Regular meetings with contractors and stakeholders will be essential to address challenges and ensure project success.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in civil, agricultural, or irrigation engineering. A minimum of eight years of relevant experience in water management systems, particularly in pressurized irrigation systems, is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English and the local languages of Balochistan, and must be nationals of Pakistan. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships, as well as knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in civil, agricultural, or irrigation engineering. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of irrigation systems and water management, as well as for ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of relevant experience in the field of water management systems, with a specific focus on pressurized irrigation systems such as underground conveyance, drip, bubbler, and sprinkler irrigation. Candidates should have proven experience in designing similar systems, particularly in arid or semi-arid regions, and familiarity with local and international standards related to irrigation systems is highly desirable.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and the local languages of Balochistan. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and for the successful implementation of project activities.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. It is important to note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. This position is likely to be full-time and may involve working in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team environment.