Organizational Setting

The primary objective of FAO Country Offices, led by the FAO Country Representative, is to support governments in formulating policies, programmes, and projects aimed at achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, and promoting sustainable development in the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors. This includes the sustainable management and utilization of natural and environmental resources.

Within this framework, the Irrigation Engineer will support the design, rehabilitation, expansion, and sustainable management of the Aweil Rice Irrigation Scheme in Aweil. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Engineering Unit and the overall guidance of the FAO Country Representative in South Sudan. The role focuses on technical planning, design, supervision, and quality assurance of irrigation and water control infrastructure to enhance rice production and water use efficiency.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support the design, rehabilitation, expansion, and sustainable management of the Aweil Rice Irrigation Scheme in Aweil.

Reporting Lines

The Irrigation Engineer works under the overall guidance of the FAO representative for South Sudan, the direct supervision of the Head of the Engineering Unit and in close collaboration with the Aweil Field Office.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide technical support on all water and civil engineering aspects related to the project, including canal systems, water intake structures, control gates, boreholes, drainage networks, embankments, access roads, and other associated civil and Water infrastructure in the country.
• Support the preparation of engineering drawings, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and detailed Scopes of Work 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, including canals, water control structures, pumping systems, drainage networks, embankments, access roads, and other associated facilities within the Country
• Supervise and monitor rehabilitation, refurbishment, and/or new construction works ensuring adherence to approved designs, technical standards, timelines, and budgets.
• Implement quality control and quality assurance measures to ensure compliance with engineering best practices, environmental safeguards, and FAO standards.
• Provide technical guidance to contractors and site teams on engineering methodologies, canal alignment, flow regulation, erosion control, and water distribution efficiency.
• Prepare technical progress reports, identify deviations from approved work plans, and propose cost-effective corrective measures to ensure timely completion of works.
• Certify completed works and prepare final completion certificates confirming satisfactory implementation in line with contractual obligations.
• Provide regular updates to the Engineering Unit and Operations Unit on implementation progress, constraints, risks, and lessons learned.
• 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 tasks required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University Degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Irrigation Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of Five Years (5) years of proven experience in the design and supervision of irrigation and civil engineering infrastructure projects, including canals, diversion structures, and water distribution systems.
o Experience in preparing construction completion reports, as-built drawings, and documentation specific to irrigation and water management infrastructure.
• Working knowledge of English. One local language is an advantage.
• National of South Sudan

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Skilled in the preparation of Bills of Quantities (BoQs), technical specifications, and detailed engineering drawings for irrigation and canal-related works.
• Ability to assess construction works on-site and produce timely, accurate technical reports on progress, quality, and compliance.
• Capable of representing FAO in meetings with local authorities, particularly at the state and project-site levels, on issues related to irrigation and infrastructure development.
• Experience in AutoCAD/ARCHICAD and MS office
• Demonstrated experience and ability to conduct or verify field surveys for irrigation projects, including topographic and hydraulic assessments before, during, and after construction.

Selection Criteria

• Experience working in multi-cultural teams and complex emergency contexts is an asset.
• Experience in contract management for civil work, particularly in irrigation system installation, canal construction , and related infrastructure.
• Experience in the technical evaluation of bids for irrigation and civil works contracts.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities 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.