Irrigation Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims 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. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. The organization is involved in various projects globally, including the Food Security Response in Northern Ghana, which aims to support vulnerable populations affected by food insecurity and climate change.

Job Overview:
The Irrigation Engineer position is crucial for the successful implementation of the Food Security Response project in Northern Ghana, which aims to enhance food security and resilience among smallholder farmers. The engineer will provide technical assistance in conducting geophysical and hydrological surveys to assess the feasibility of constructing small-scale irrigation facilities. This role involves not only the technical aspects of irrigation system design and installation but also the management of project activities related to irrigation. The engineer will work closely with various stakeholders, including local farmers, to ensure that the irrigation facilities meet the needs of the community and contribute to increased agricultural productivity. The position requires a strong understanding of sustainable agricultural practices and the ability to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Irrigation Engineer will undertake a variety of tasks, including supervising geological surveys and feasibility studies for selected sites, developing bills of quantities for tenders, and contributing to the selection of service providers for the construction of solar-powered irrigation facilities. The engineer will also participate in the construction and installation of these facilities, contribute to the formation of water users associations, and organize training sessions for these associations. Monitoring the progress of irrigation-related activities and preparing progress reports for submission to FAO are also key responsibilities. Additionally, the engineer may be required to perform other duties as necessary to support the project's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Irrigation/Drainage Engineering, Technology, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in the design, construction, and management of irrigation systems is required. Candidates should also have a working knowledge of English and be nationals of Ghana. The FAO core competencies include a focus on results, teamwork, effective communication, building relationships, and knowledge sharing. Technical skills required for this position include extensive knowledge of solar-powered irrigation systems, project management experience, and proficiency in computer programs such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Irrigation/Drainage Engineering, Technology, or Civil Engineering is essential for this position. The FAO emphasizes the importance of higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of demonstrated experience in the design, construction, and management of irrigation systems. Experience in geological surveys for irrigation facility construction and project management is highly valued. Familiarity with the specific challenges and conditions of northern Ghana will be considered an advantage.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve full-time work, and the appointment is subject to security clearances. For further employment opportunities, candidates are encouraged to visit the FAO employment website.