Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.
Specifically, FAO Country Offices:
• advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
• provide technical assistance and deliver core services.
• assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation.
• position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation.
• ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.
The project \"Enhancing Agricultural Recovery and Resilience of Flood-Affected Households in Nepal\" that the National Consultant – Agriculture Engineer will support the implementation of agricultural recovery and resilience-building interventions in flood-affected communities. The Agriculture Engineer will play a key role in assessing agricultural infrastructure needs together with local authorities, Agricultural Knowledge Centers (AKC), and other stakeholders.
Reporting lines
Under the overall supervision of FAOR and the direct operational supervision of Emergency and Resilience Coordinator and supervision of the Provincial Field Coordinator, National Consultant – Agriculture Engineer will assist in the implementation of project interventions.
Technical focus
As an Agriculture Engineer, the incumbent will assess irrigation and agricultural infrastructure needs, design and oversee technical solutions, and provide guidance to farmers on irrigation systems. The consultant will monitor system effectiveness, assess water resource availability, recommend sustainable water practices, support climate-resilient and gender-responsive designs, assist with riverbank rehabilitation using bioengineering, and train farmers in water management.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Assist to assess agricultural infrastructure needs and align with project objectives.
• Conduct site assessments for the identification of small-scale irrigation schemes, water management systems, and agricultural infrastructure.
• Design technical solutions for irrigation systems, including plans for repair, rehabilitation, or new construction using local resources.
• Prepare technical designs and cost estimates for irrigation schemes, riverbank rehabilitation, and water management infrastructure.
• Provide technical guidance to farmers and farmers' groups on the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Supervise the installation and repair of irrigation systems, ensuring compliance with design specifications and local conditions.
• Ensure quality control for the construction of irrigation infrastructure, providing oversight during the implementation phase.
• Conduct technical evaluations of small-scale irrigation schemes to assess performance, sustainability, and potential improvements.
• Support the installation of shallow tube wells by providing technical advice and ensuring proper installation.
• Assess water resource availability and recommend sustainable water management practices for irrigation systems.
• Assist in the rehabilitation of riverbanks using bioengineering techniques and low-cost infrastructure solutions.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure irrigation and agricultural infrastructure is climate-resilient and meets gender-responsive practices.
• Train farmers and community groups on the maintenance and repair of irrigation systems and water management practices.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of irrigation systems and water management infrastructure in improving agricultural productivity.
• Provide technical support and backstopping to farmers and municipalities on water resource management and agricultural engineering techniques.
• Assist in the development of agricultural infrastructure guidelines for flood-affected areas, considering local conditions and climate resilience.
• Ensure compliance with environmental standards in the construction and maintenance of irrigation systems and other agricultural infrastructure.
• Assist in working with external experts and service providers to implement advanced agricultural engineering solutions when necessary.
• Prepare and submit monthly work plan and monthly progress report as per the format developed by the project.
• Undertake other project related tasks as assigned by Emergency and Resilience Coordinator and Provincial Project Coordinator.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Water Resource Management, or related field.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field (preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in agricultural engineering, with a focus on irrigation systems, water management, and agricultural infrastructure
• Working knowledge of English, Nepali and local language (Bhojpuri and Maithali).
• National of Nepal or resident in the country with a valid work permit.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Candidate should have a knowledge of computer skills (MS office package: word, excel and PowerPoint)
• Experience with similar internationally funded projects will be an added advantage.
• The ability to drive motorbike/ scooter with valid licence will be an added advantage having experience of working with multi-disciplinary team will have an advantage.
• Experience in managing agricultural infrastructure projects, including cost estimation, technical design, and monitoring.
• Proven track record of providing technical guidance and training to farmers and local communities.
• Experience working with international organizations or NGOs on agriculture or rural development projects (preferred).
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Proven ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies.
• Proven track record of advising and collaborating with government institutions, stakeholders, and local government.
Selection Criteria
• Extent of relevant technical experience in the areas related.
• Ability to manage and work with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Proven experience in the areas mentioned above.
• Strong work ethic, well-organized, result-focused, good team player and dynamic personality.
• Previous experience of working with UN agencies is an asset.
• Proven writing and reporting skills.
• Ability to operate under pressure and good interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record of leading and facilitating related trainings and collaborating with government institutions and RMs.
• Strong inter-personal skills to work with a diverse and large stakeholders and excellent oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of Computer skills in MS office package (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
This vacancy is archived.