Technical Adviser (Irrigation Water Management)

Job Description

Technical Adviser (Irrigation Water Management)Primary Location: Saudi Arabia-Al HofufOrganizational SettingThe Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA) and its sister agencies. Within the framework of the Unilateral Trust Funds (UTF) Technical Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering the period 2019-2025 signed on 13 February 2019 between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represented by the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and FAO, the UTF project UTF/SAU/053/SAU: Promoting efficient irrigation and water productivity amongst farmers and have been approved by the FAO and Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO). The Project, developed jointly by SIO and FAO focuses directly on supporting implementation of the Saudi Irrigation Organization Corporate Strategy, which was developed within the context of the Saudi Vision 2030 and aims at strengthening the capacity of SIO to improve irrigation efficiency among small-scale farmers. The Project is expected to achieve the Outcome Increased adoption of innovative and efficient irrigation technologies and practices in target Saudi regions, and in turn contributing towards achieving the national development goal of improving irrigation efficiency and ensuring sustainable use of water resources in the Kingdom. The Technical Adviser (Irrigation Water Management) will have a national counterpart (National Professional Officer/Irrigation Management) and will be supported by a team of international and national consultants and experts who are technical specialists in the subject matters of the various outputs and activities. The position is located in the Saudi Irrigation Organization in Al-Hofuf, Eastern Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Reporting LinesThe Technical Adviser (Irrigation Water Management) reports to the Programme Coordinator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the overall guidance of the Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa.Technical FocusCapacity development and knowledge management for irrigation management.Key ResultsComprehensive technical and policy expertise to support technical cooperation-related programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.Key Functions* Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned technical cooperation-related programmes/projects; review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, liaises with relevant parties; identifies follow-up actions. * Coordinates technical cooperation activities and programme-related activities and reviews the assessments of issues and trends for their implementation and leads the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies.* Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analyses, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.* Contributes to consultative and other meetings, conferences, including proposals for agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.* Participates in activities such as structuring of training workshops, seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.* Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties.* Provides advice regarding the development of policies and strategies related to technical cooperation, as well as regional, sub regional and national protocols and guidelines for projects with specific domains related to FAOs work.Specific Functions* Leads conducting baseline and diagnostic assessment of the current status of irrigation technologies, practices, irrigation systems and management and corresponding indicators adopting internationally recognized methods and standards.* Leads identification, promotion, pilot testing and adoption of innovative technologies and practices to sustainably increase efficiency of irrigation, water productivity by farmers and management of irrigation systems.* Leads enhancement of the capacity of institutions, national cadre, farmers and public and private sector actors for efficient irrigation and management.* Leads development of demand driven and responsive partnerships to benefit Saudi Arabia from proven innovation and good practices in the south and north for efficient irrigation development.* Leads development and dissemination of information and knowledge products for evidence based irrigation efficiency and management.* Leads development, implementation and monitoring of the Project overall and annual work and expenditure plans.* Leads preparation of project progress reports and the terminal report identifying lessons learned, issues that require timely resolution as well as corrective actions and presents recommendations for improving performance.* Prepares the final report of work and drafts projects terminal report in accordance with the FAO standard format and in consultation with stakeholders. Performs other duties as required. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGMinimum Requirements* Advanced university degree in irrigation management, irrigation engineering, irrigation technologies, hydrology, water management or a related field.* Seven years of relevant experience in technical cooperation-related activities, policy analysis and advise relating water resources/irrigation management, and monitoring and evaluation of irrigation water policies and programmes.* Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of Arabic.Competencies* Results Focus* Team Work* Communication* Building effective relationships* Knowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional Skills* Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.* Relevance and extent of experience in technical cooperation related activities, policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes.* Extent and relevance of experience in working with intergovernmental bodies and multidisciplinary teams * Extent and relevance of experience in risk management.* Extent and relevance of knowledge of United Nations rules and operational procedures and the UN reform process.* Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of Arabic. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please note that all candidates should adhere toFAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________GENERAL INFORMATION FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required. Vaccination status will be ve

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