Food and Agriculture Organization Vacancy for Agriculture Engineer

Closure Date: 29/Jan/2025, 4:44:00 AM
Organizational Unit: FANEP – FAO Representation in Nepal
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location: Nepal-Kathmandu
Duration: 60 days spread over 6 months
Post Number: N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

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)

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

•  To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
•  Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
•  Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
•  Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
•  Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
•  Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
•  Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

To Apply Visit: jobs.fao.org