Irrigation Officer

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Position Title: Irrigation Officer
Location: Choma
Country: Zambia
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger is a leading global organization dedicated to ending hunger. Established with the mission to innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach millions of people every year, Action Against Hunger operates in 55 countries with a workforce of approximately 8,990 dedicated staff members. The organization focuses on addressing the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies, striving to create a world free from hunger for everyone, for good. Action Against Hunger USA is part of the international network and manages operations in 8 countries, including Zambia, where it has been operational since 2021, implementing both development and humanitarian programs through a multi-sectoral strategy.

Job Overview:
The Irrigation Officer will play a crucial role in providing irrigation functions aimed at strengthening the livelihoods and resilience of smallholder farmers to climate change in Southern Province, Zambia. This position involves designing and implementing water-efficient irrigation systems, conducting feasibility studies on water management, and working closely with communities to promote safe water harvesting and watershed management practices. The officer will also be responsible for training farmers on water-efficient cultivation techniques, monitoring water levels, inspecting irrigation infrastructure, and managing pump stations. The overarching goal is to enhance agricultural resilience and improve household nutrition through effective irrigation practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Irrigation Officer include:

• Designing and implementing water-efficient irrigation systems tailored for small-scale farmers.
• Conducting feasibility studies to assess water management strategies for agricultural resilience and livestock.
• Collaborating with local communities to implement safe water harvesting and watershed management practices.
• Training farmers on techniques for water-efficient vegetable and fruit tree cultivation to enhance household nutrition.
• Strengthening community-led water governance structures to ensure sustainability of irrigation practices.
• Monitoring water levels and flow rates in canals and ditches to ensure optimal irrigation.
• Inspecting irrigation infrastructure, including pipes, pumps, valves, and sprinklers, for any damage or wear.
• Performing necessary repairs and maintenance on irrigation systems to ensure functionality.
• Managing pump stations and ensuring they operate effectively. 1
• Implementing water conservation strategies, including automated controls and monitoring systems. 1
• Educating farmers on efficient irrigation practices, focusing on proper timing and application rates. 1
• Analyzing water usage data to identify areas for improvement and optimize irrigation practices.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Irrigation Officer position include:

• A Bachelor’s degree in water resources management, Environmental Engineering, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Proven experience in integrated water resource management (IWRM) and climate adaptation strategies.
• Knowledge of nutrient-rich crop production techniques utilizing irrigation methods.
• Membership with a relevant professional body is preferred.
• Strong understanding of irrigation principles, hydraulics, and various water management techniques.
• Excellent report writing skills and familiarity with donor rules and regulations.
• Proven ability to work independently and under pressure, meeting tight deadlines.
• Capacity building and facilitation skills are essential for training farmers and community members.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as water resources management, Environmental Engineering, Agriculture, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of irrigation systems and water management practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in integrated water resource management and climate adaptation. Experience in designing and implementing irrigation systems, as well as working with communities on agricultural resilience projects, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the local context and challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Zambia will be an added advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in any local language is considered a valuable asset. The ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including farmers and community members, is essential for the success of the role.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 12 months, and the role is based in Choma, Zambia. The position may require working outside normal office hours and on weekends as necessary. The candidate must be prepared to travel to various operational areas, which may involve exposure to challenging living conditions and high-security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks. Action Against Hunger is committed to fostering a safe and respectful work environment, promoting gender equality, and preventing any form of abuse or harassment in the workplace. The organization provides equal employment opportunities and complies with all applicable laws governing non-discrimination in employment.