Participatory Irrigation Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to combat hunger and improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. FAO's mission is to eradicate hunger and ensure food security for all, providing high-quality technical and policy expertise to its member countries. The organization operates in numerous countries, including Myanmar, where it addresses immediate humanitarian needs and long-term development challenges. FAO's operations are guided by its Strategic Framework 2022–2031, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, ecosystem restoration, and resilience against climate change and conflict. FAO collaborates with national and international NGOs, civil society organizations, and community-based organizations to ensure effective program delivery and local engagement.

Job Overview:
The Participatory Irrigation Management Specialist will lead the assessment, rehabilitation, and sustainable management of flood-affected small-scale community irrigation infrastructure. This role requires technical expertise in irrigation engineering and water management, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and participatory approaches. The incumbent will work closely with local communities, Water User Groups, and project stakeholders to identify rehabilitation priorities, develop resilient technical designs, and oversee implementation. The position aims to ensure that rehabilitation activities are technically sound, climate-resilient, and aligned with local capacities and needs, ultimately contributing to improved agricultural water availability and livelihood recovery in vulnerable communities across Myanmar.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Participatory Irrigation Management Specialist include reviewing flood impact assessment reports, conducting detailed field assessments, and identifying specific failures in small-scale community agricultural infrastructure. The specialist will provide strategic input on technical, environmental, governance, and social aspects of the project, ensuring that rehabilitation follows participatory and climate-resilient modalities. They will design and implement a mixed-methods assessment framework for baseline surveys, lead the identification and prioritization of irrigation infrastructure for rehabilitation, and develop detailed technical designs and cost estimates. Additionally, the specialist will document restoration processes, provide technical advice on implementation arrangements, conduct post-rehabilitation assessments, and lead training initiatives for farmers on sustainable operation and maintenance practices. They will also cooperate with various stakeholders to promote synergies between irrigation water availability and overall livelihood recovery.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Civil Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, Water Resources Management, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field that combines engineering expertise with participatory natural resource management and community development. A minimum of 7 years of practical experience in the assessment, design, operation, and maintenance of small-scale irrigation systems is required, with at least 5 years focused on participatory irrigation management and community-driven development initiatives. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English and be Myanmar nationals.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Civil Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, Water Resources Management, or Agricultural Engineering. This educational foundation should combine technical engineering skills with knowledge of participatory natural resource management and community development practices.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of practical experience in the field, specifically in the assessment, design, operation, and maintenance of small-scale irrigation systems. Within this timeframe, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience focusing on participatory irrigation management, community-driven development, or community-based disaster risk reduction initiatives, particularly in flood-prone environments.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in the Myanmar language is also required, as it is essential for effective communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must have higher educational qualifications recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. This position may involve working in complex and evolving contexts, requiring adaptability and a commitment to community engagement.