Agricultural/Irrigation Engineer

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 has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization 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. FAO collaborates with various partners, including UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, to implement programs that improve nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women, youth, and children.

Job Overview:
The Agricultural/Irrigation Engineer position is crucial for the implementation of the Joint United Nations Nutrition Programme (UNN) in Sierra Leone, which focuses on enhancing food security and nutrition through climate-resilient agricultural practices. The engineer will provide technical leadership in the design, development, rehabilitation, and supervision of inland valley swamp (IVS) infrastructure. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government ministries, local authorities, and community groups, to ensure that irrigation systems are sustainable, efficient, and compliant with FAO standards. The engineer will be responsible for ensuring that the IVS interventions contribute to improved agricultural productivity and resilience against climate change, thereby supporting national priorities such as the Feed Salone Strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agricultural/Irrigation Engineer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading the identification and assessment of suitable IVS sites; conducting soil and land suitability assessments, topographic and hydrological surveys, and socio-economic assessments; establishing and maintaining an IVS database; developing technical designs for IVS water control infrastructure; preparing engineering drawings, bills of quantities, technical specifications, cost estimates, and implementation schedules; supervising detailed surveys and ensuring the production of accurate maps and technical documentation; overseeing IVS development and rehabilitation works; ensuring compliance with approved designs and quality standards; monitoring contractor performance; verifying the quality of materials and workmanship; supporting procurement processes; reviewing contractor deliverables; certifying completed works; resolving land tenure issues; facilitating engagement with farmer-based organizations; building capacity among beneficiaries; monitoring the sustainability of IVS systems; preparing technical reports; and providing recommendations for long-term management of IVS systems.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, Soil and Water Engineering, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in irrigation, water management, or rural infrastructure development is required. Proven experience in IVS development or similar irrigation systems is essential, along with a working knowledge of English at Level C. Candidates must be nationals of Sierra Leone.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Agricultural Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, or Soil and Water Engineering. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of irrigation systems and their design, development, and management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in the fields of irrigation, water management, or rural infrastructure development. Experience specifically related to IVS development or similar irrigation systems is highly desirable. Familiarity with UN or donor-funded infrastructure projects and community-based irrigation schemes will be advantageous.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at Level C is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

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.