Iraq: National Specialist in Integrated Water Management/Irrigation

Nov 29, 2019 | Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN
View Original

FAO's office for Iraq is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing countrywide food, agriculture and rural development priorities under Iraq CPF 2018-2022. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant Ministries at country level. The post is located in Erbil (with visits to Baghdad), Iraq.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Iraq, guidance from the Senior Resilience Team Leader (both in Baghdad), the direct supervision of the International Water Management/ Irrigation Consultant, and in close consultation with relevant colleagues, the National Specialist (Water Management and Irrigation) will assist with the implementation of water management and distribution of water efficient irrigation equipment and training in Nineveh.

 

Technical Focus 

Implementation support and monitoring of project operations in food security, agriculture, rural development, natural resource management and agro-processing, as well as strategic and policy work, with a focus on rehabilitation of water infrastructure, water resources management, irrigation, drainage and farm water management.

Tasks and responsibilities 

  • Assist International Water Management/ Irrigation Consultant and project managers in the FAO-Office with the implementation and management of irrigation-related projects in Iraq; 
  • Maintain good communication with the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Ministry of Water Resources (MOWR) and related parties to facilitate the implementation of the project activities efficiently;
  • Ensure effective liaising with the relevant government counterparts and other actors like NGOs that are active in the relevant fields and in implementation and supervision of project activities day to day; 
  • Actively participate in the identification of beneficiaries according to project “selection criteria”, verify that all the members of the beneficiaries’ selection committees are involved in the selection process, make sure that beneficiaries list are compiled according to FAO standards and formats, guarantee the identification process is transparent, neutral and fair;
  • Maintain a complete and up-to-date record of inputs delivery and distribution;
  • Assist in the preparation of specifications for the agricultural inputs, supplies and equipment envisaged in the project activities and assist in the work plan and plan of operation preparation;
  • Establish and train Water User Associations, and liaise with MoWR and other stakeholders;
  • Participate in and contribute to training activities;
  • Assist and implement appropriate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms of field activities for the smooth implementation of the project activities including evaluation of the impact of the project intervention and follow-up on the performance of the projects;
  • Visit sites of project implementation sites as required;
  • Prepare a report at the end of the completion of the project on the overall implementation of project/s activities, including constraints, achievements, lessons learned and recommendations for future work;
  • Participate on behalf of FAO to the meeting as appointed by FAOR and International Agronomist Consultant and report the outcome of such meetings with recommendation on actions to be taken;  
  • Carry out any other additional tasks required to ensure the smooth running of the project.

Minimum Requirements

  • University degree in water resources management, irrigation, agronomy or related disciplines;
  • At least five years professional experience, with specific experience in project implementation and demonstrated professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
  • Working knowledge of English. Limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages: Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Spanish and/or French. Knowledge of Arabic would be an asset.
  • National of Iraq.

FAO Core Competencies

  • Results Focus
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Building Effective Relationships
  • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

  • Ability to operate effectively under pressure, rapidly perform situations assessments and respond quickly and affectedly as required;
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license;
  • Possess computer skills with good working knowledge of database creation, PowerPoint production, word processing & spread sheet applications;
  • Prove of participation in one or more of the following advanced courses; First Aid, Mine Awareness, Defensive Driving, Self Defence, Fire Fighting, Hostage Survival and/or Anti-hijacking measures;
  • Organized, and able to work independently and for long hours (sometimes unscheduled);
  • Excellent communications skill, both orally and in writing; 
  • Ability to work under pressure and to carry out several tasks in a timely fashion and under tight deadlines with minimum supervision;

Courtesy, tact and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.