Irrigation and Natural Resource Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, which supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, facilitating partnerships and delivering technical assistance while adhering to international standards of accountability.

Job Overview:
The Irrigation and Natural Resource Specialist will be located in the FAO Country Office in Syria and will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Syria. This position is crucial for providing technical and policy support on irrigation, water management, climate resilience, and sustainable natural resource management, all aimed at supporting the recovery of the agriculture sector. The specialist will be part of the Agriculture Policy Team (APT) and will engage in various activities that include conducting assessments, developing policy recommendations, and facilitating coordination with relevant institutions and stakeholders. The role requires a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Syria's water and agriculture sectors, and the specialist will be expected to contribute to climate-smart agriculture and resilience planning, as well as support the formulation of investment priorities in irrigation and natural resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Irrigation and Natural Resource Specialist include conducting assessments related to irrigation and natural resources, supporting the development of water and irrigation policy recommendations, contributing to climate-smart agriculture and resilience planning, and formulating irrigation and natural resource investment priorities. The specialist will facilitate coordination with relevant institutions and stakeholders, organize technical workshops and training sessions, conduct technical assessments of irrigation systems and water resources, and support the preparation of technical guidelines and policy recommendations. Additionally, the specialist will contribute to the development of sustainable irrigation and watershed management strategies, support the integration of climate resilience into sector planning, assist in identifying and preparing investment projects for agricultural investment plans, and participate in technical workshops and consultations. The role also involves supporting programmatic planning for FAO Syria’s irrigation portfolio as requested by the FAO Syria Country Office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in irrigation engineering, water resources management, natural resources management, agricultural engineering, or related fields. A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in irrigation systems and water management is required, along with familiarity with Syria’s water and agriculture sector challenges. Candidates must also have a working knowledge of English and Arabic (C1 level) and must be nationals of Syria.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in fields such as irrigation engineering, water resources management, natural resources management, agricultural engineering, or related disciplines. It is essential that the degree is obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in irrigation systems and water management. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the challenges faced in Syria's water and agriculture sectors, as well as experience in climate resilience and natural resource planning. Experience working with UN Agencies is preferable, and familiarity with FAO systems and standards is also advantageous.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of both English and Arabic, with a proficiency level of C1 in both languages. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the role.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should be aware that appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. For additional employment opportunities, candidates can visit the FAO employment website.