Technical Lead for CAWLN Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The Central Asia Water–Land Nexus (CAWLN) Programme is a significant initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) under its eighth replenishment cycle (GEF-8). The program aims to enhance transboundary cooperation and Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins. The CAWLN Coordination Project, which supports sustainable results under the Water–Land Nexus Program, provides essential services such as programme-level coordination, knowledge management, environmental and social safeguards support, Earth Observation (EO) harmonization, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) services to all child projects under the CAWLN Programme. This umbrella programme and its child projects are set to be implemented across five countries in the Central Asian sub-region: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable development and effective resource management in these regions, ensuring that local communities benefit from improved water and land management practices.

Job Overview:
The primary objective of this position is to provide technical leadership and strategic guidance for the effective implementation and management of the CAWLN program. The incumbent will serve as the Secretary to the Program Steering Committee (PrSC), ensuring that the daily technical implementation, coordination, and supervision of the program are carried out efficiently. This role requires a deep understanding of the socio-economic and agro-ecological contexts of the region, as well as the ability to tailor workshops, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing events accordingly. The Technical Lead will also be responsible for ensuring that all child projects align with the overarching program objectives and comply with donor requirements and reporting guidelines. This position is crucial for maintaining the technical quality of reporting on program activities and achievements, as well as for fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including government counterparts and FAO Country Offices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Technical Lead include providing technical guidance for program work planning, supervising technical consultants, and ensuring quality assurance and technical coherence across all program activities and outputs. The incumbent will lead the organization of workshops, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing events, ensuring they are contextually relevant. As Secretary to the PrSC, the Technical Lead will provide strategic advice on program implementation, oversee technical content for PrSC review, ensure timely follow-up on action points, and coordinate communication between the Project Management Unit (PMU) and the PrSC. Additionally, the Technical Lead will ensure that all seven child projects align with program objectives and comply with donor requirements. The role also involves maintaining close coordination with responsible officers and government counterparts on technical matters, contributing to capacity building within the PMU, and providing additional technical and program implementation support as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in fields such as International Relations, Political Science, International Development, Public Policy, Environmental Policy, Water Resources Management, or a related area. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in program management and technical advisory roles, preferably within the Central Asia region, is required. Candidates should also demonstrate strong expertise in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and financial management in the context of sustainable natural resource management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as International Relations, Political Science, International Development, Public Policy, Environmental Policy, or Water Resources Management. For those with a bachelor's degree, it is essential to have two additional years of relevant professional experience to qualify for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in program management and technical advisory roles, ideally with a focus on the Central Asia region. Experience in managing teams and working with multi-stakeholder platforms is crucial, as is familiarity with transboundary water management issues and the complexities of policy coordination across national borders. Experience in serving as a secretary or providing secretariat support to steering committees or similar decision-making bodies is also desirable.

Languages:
A working knowledge (Level C) of English and Russian is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the multicultural and multidisciplinary environment of the program.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The role is full-time and may involve collaboration with international partners and stakeholders. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that requires adaptability and a commitment to sustainable development goals. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.