
Regional Senior Survey & Design Specialist
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to defeating hunger and improving nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. In Afghanistan, FAO is focused on enhancing agricultural livelihoods and local ecosystems across all 34 provinces, aiming to boost local production of nutritious foods and cash incomes while safeguarding critical agricultural development gains achieved over the past decades. The organization is committed to providing a combination of humanitarian and basic needs assistance to farmers and herders through various projects and programs, as outlined in the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan for 2023-2027.
Job Overview:
The Regional Senior Survey & Design Specialist will play a crucial role in the implementation of irrigation activities in Afghanistan. This position requires a blend of technical expertise and project management skills to ensure the effective execution of water resource and irrigation projects. The incumbent will be responsible for preparing technical proposals, conducting surveys, and designing irrigation rehabilitation works. They will also oversee the preparation of technical specifications and Bills of Quantities for procurement actions, ensuring that all activities align with the organization's objectives and standards. The role involves close collaboration with various stakeholders, including implementing partners, local authorities, and FAO staff, to facilitate smooth project execution and adherence to safeguarding requirements. Additionally, the specialist will monitor project progress, conduct training sessions, and report on the status of implementation, making this position integral to the success of FAO's initiatives in the region.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Senior Survey & Design Specialist include assisting the WRI Team Leader in implementing water resource and irrigation activities, preparing technical proposals for irrigation rehabilitation and riverbank protection works, conducting technical surveys, and providing cost estimates. The specialist will prepare technical specifications and Bills of Quantities for procurement, review payment certificates for contractors, and supervise construction activities to ensure quality control and timely completion. Coordination with implementing partners is essential for validating work quantification and ensuring adherence to safeguarding requirements. The specialist will monitor beneficiary selection for cash for work programs, liaise with other agencies and local authorities, conduct training for FAO staff and water user groups, and report on project progress while addressing any potential issues that may arise.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Masters) or a university degree (Bachelor) in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or related fields. A minimum of five years of professional experience in water resources and irrigation engineering is required for those with an advanced degree, while candidates with a university degree must have at least six years of relevant experience. At least two years of experience in a UN or International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) setting is desirable. Candidates must also demonstrate a strong working knowledge of English and local languages (Pashto and/or Dari), and must be nationals or residents of Afghanistan with a valid work permit.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree (Masters) or a university degree (Bachelor) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU) or UNESCO in relevant fields such as Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, or Agricultural Engineering. It is essential that the educational qualifications are obtained from accredited institutions, as recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in water resources and irrigation engineering for candidates with an advanced degree, or six years for those with a university degree. At least two years of experience in a UN or INGO context is preferred, indicating a familiarity with international standards and practices in project implementation and management.
Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (level C) of English and proficiency in local languages, specifically Pashto and/or Dari. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication with local stakeholders and for the successful execution of projects in the region.
Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should be aware that the appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. The position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates are encouraged to visit the FAO employment website for additional opportunities.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to defeating hunger and improving nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. In Afghanistan, FAO is focused on enhancing agricultural livelihoods and local ecosystems across all 34 provinces, aiming to boost local production of nutritious foods and cash incomes while safeguarding critical agricultural development gains achieved over the past decades. The organization is committed to providing a combination of humanitarian and basic needs assistance to farmers and herders through various projects and programs, as outlined in the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan for 2023-2027.
Job Overview:
The Regional Senior Survey & Design Specialist will play a crucial role in the implementation of irrigation activities in Afghanistan. This position requires a blend of technical expertise and project management skills to ensure the effective execution of water resource and irrigation projects. The incumbent will be responsible for preparing technical proposals, conducting surveys, and designing irrigation rehabilitation works. They will also oversee the preparation of technical specifications and Bills of Quantities for procurement actions, ensuring that all activities align with the organization's objectives and standards. The role involves close collaboration with various stakeholders, including implementing partners, local authorities, and FAO staff, to facilitate smooth project execution and adherence to safeguarding requirements. Additionally, the specialist will monitor project progress, conduct training sessions, and report on the status of implementation, making this position integral to the success of FAO's initiatives in the region.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Senior Survey & Design Specialist include assisting the WRI Team Leader in implementing water resource and irrigation activities, preparing technical proposals for irrigation rehabilitation and riverbank protection works, conducting technical surveys, and providing cost estimates. The specialist will prepare technical specifications and Bills of Quantities for procurement, review payment certificates for contractors, and supervise construction activities to ensure quality control and timely completion. Coordination with implementing partners is essential for validating work quantification and ensuring adherence to safeguarding requirements. The specialist will monitor beneficiary selection for cash for work programs, liaise with other agencies and local authorities, conduct training for FAO staff and water user groups, and report on project progress while addressing any potential issues that may arise.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Masters) or a university degree (Bachelor) in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or related fields. A minimum of five years of professional experience in water resources and irrigation engineering is required for those with an advanced degree, while candidates with a university degree must have at least six years of relevant experience. At least two years of experience in a UN or International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) setting is desirable. Candidates must also demonstrate a strong working knowledge of English and local languages (Pashto and/or Dari), and must be nationals or residents of Afghanistan with a valid work permit.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree (Masters) or a university degree (Bachelor) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU) or UNESCO in relevant fields such as Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, or Agricultural Engineering. It is essential that the educational qualifications are obtained from accredited institutions, as recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in water resources and irrigation engineering for candidates with an advanced degree, or six years for those with a university degree. At least two years of experience in a UN or INGO context is preferred, indicating a familiarity with international standards and practices in project implementation and management.
Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (level C) of English and proficiency in local languages, specifically Pashto and/or Dari. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication with local stakeholders and for the successful execution of projects in the region.
Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should be aware that the appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. The position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates are encouraged to visit the FAO employment website for additional opportunities.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.