Overview
The Irrigation Engineer Specialist will support the design, rehabilitation, expansion, and sustainable management of the Aweil Rice Irrigation Scheme. The role focuses on technical planning, design, supervision, and quality assurance of irrigation and water control infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the preparation of engineering drawings, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and detailed Scopes of Work (SoWs) and technical specifications for irrigation, construction work, irrigation equipment and construction machinery
- Support the preparation of tender documents and technical specifications for irrigation and construction works and participate in the technical evaluation of bids in accordance with FAO procurement procedures.
- Conduct field assessments and site surveys to evaluate the condition of irrigation and civil engineering infrastructure.
- Provide technical support on irrigation water management and agricultural production systems, with particular focus on rice cultivation.
- Support the integration of irrigation infrastructure with crop production activities.
- Advise on crop water requirements, irrigation scheduling, soil moisture management, and climate-smart agricultural practices.
- Support demonstration activities and farmer training on improved agronomic practices, water-efficient farming techniques, crop diversification, and sustainable irrigation management.
- Collaborate with agronomists, extension officers, and farmer groups.
- Support rehabilitation and development of agricultural land preparation systems, field canals, drainage systems, and on-farm water management structures.
- Provide technical guidance on irrigation requirements for rice and other strategic crops.
- Support the establishment and strengthening of farmer-based irrigation management systems and Water User Associations (WUAs).
- Supervise and monitor rehabilitation, refurbishment, and/or new construction works.
- Implement quality control and quality assurance measures.
- Provide technical guidance to contractors and site teams.
- Prepare technical progress reports, identify deviations from approved work plans, and propose cost-effective corrective measures.
- Certify completed works and prepare final completion certificates.
- Provide regular updates to the Engineering Unit and Operations Unit.
- Carry out any additional tasks related to the consultancy to enhance sustainable development, operational effectiveness, and the overall outcomes of the Engineering Unit’s projects.
- Perform any other related duties as may be requested by the supervisor.
Required Experience
- At least 7 years of relevant experience in irrigation and civil engineering infrastructure projects, including canals, diversion structures and water distribution systems.
- Experience working in multi-cultural teams and complex emergency contexts is an asset.
Qualifications
• Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Irrigation Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Agriculture Engineering or closely related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
