Agricultural Water Demand and Irrigation Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is 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. In Vietnam, FAO has been active since 1978, with its Representation (Country Office) located in Hanoi, focusing on various agricultural and food security initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Agricultural Water Demand and Irrigation Expert will play a crucial role in conducting a rapid drought assessment in Vietnam, particularly focusing on the Central Highlands. This position aims to leverage international experiences and best practices in drought monitoring, forecasting, and integrated drought management to provide a comprehensive analysis of drought risks under the anticipated El Niño conditions of 202

• The expert will be responsible for integrating climate forecasting and drought risk analysis across sectors to generate evidence-based recommendations for resilient water resource management and climate adaptation. The findings will support national and provincial authorities in enhancing drought preparedness, protecting agricultural production, and safeguarding water security, ultimately contributing to the long-term resilience of Vietnam's economically and environmentally significant regions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agricultural Water Demand and Irrigation Expert will have a range of responsibilities, including: reviewing existing FAO drought assessments and relevant studies on irrigation development and agricultural water management; assessing current irrigation infrastructure and management practices; evaluating agricultural water demand for major cropping systems, particularly high-value crops like coffee and pepper; analyzing the implications of forecasted drought conditions on agricultural production and rural livelihoods; identifying vulnerabilities affecting agricultural water security; collaborating with team members to integrate agricultural water demand into the drought assessment; reviewing best practices in agricultural drought management and water-saving technologies; contributing to the final assessment report and providing technical input during stakeholder consultations and validation workshops.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (MSc or PhD) in Irrigation Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Agronomy, or a closely related discipline. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in irrigation, water resources planning, agricultural water management, or agricultural drought assessment is required, preferably with a focus on the Central Highlands. Candidates should also have a working knowledge of English and Vietnamese, and must be nationals of Vietnam or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, either a Master's or Doctorate, in fields such as Irrigation Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Agronomy, or other closely related disciplines. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively address the challenges associated with agricultural water demand and irrigation in the context of drought management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of relevant experience in areas such as irrigation, water resources planning, agricultural water management, or agricultural drought assessment. This experience should ideally include work in the Central Highlands, providing the candidate with a deep understanding of the local agricultural systems and water management practices. Experience working with government agencies, research institutions, and development partners is also highly valued, as it demonstrates the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.

Languages:
A working knowledge of both English and Vietnamese is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication with stakeholders, conducting assessments, and preparing reports. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they facilitate communication with diverse groups involved in agricultural water management and drought assessment.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be full-time and may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, and development partners. The role may also require participation in meetings and workshops, contributing to the development of practical recommendations for improving agricultural drought preparedness and water use efficiency. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.