Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAcontributes 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. The Programme Management Unit (PMof the FAOSaudi Technical Cooperation Programme (20192025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWand its sister agencies. Within the framework of the UTF Technical Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (Mocovering the period 20192025 signed on February 13, 2019 between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represented by MoEWA, and FAO, the UTF project “UTF/SAU/054/SAU: Enhancing National Capacities for Irrigation Management” has been approved by the FAO and Saudi Irrigation Organization (SI. The Project, developed jointly by SIO and FAO focuses directly on supporting the 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.
The Project “Enhancing National Capacities for Irrigation Management” has been developed jointly by SIO and FAO to strengthen the capacity of SIO to improve irrigation efficiency among smallscale farmers. The Project is expected to achieve the Outcome “Uptodate irrigation information and knowledge products developed to enhance irrigation management”, and in turn contributing towards achieving the national development goal of improving irrigation efficiency and ensuring sustainable use of water resources in the Kingdom. This Project is consistent with the national development goals, fits within the Saudi Vision 2030, contributes directly to the achievement of the Strategic Objectives of the Saudi Irrigation Organization Strategy 2030, and directly supports the implementation of the Strategic Programme 4 (SP4): “Organizational development and capacity improvement” and its initiatives. The Project is implemented by FAO in full collaboration and partnership with the Saudi Irrigation Organization.
This Call for Expression of Interest aims to identify Irrigation Specialists

Reporting Lines

The Specialists will report to the Project’s Technical Advisor, work in close cooperation with the Senior Water Resources Management Officer at FAOSNG, and under the overall guidance of the FAO Programme Director in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Technical Focus

Supporting the implementation of related activities under the different outputs in accordance with workplan through the provision of expertise in relevant technical areas to support project implementation.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Specialists will carry out the following tasks:
•    Collect, analyze and document data and information relating to irrigation systems, technologies and practices for different types of water sources and farming system in the targeted regions, report strengths, identify gaps and opportunities.
•    Examine, describe, and categorize the primary agricultural systems, irrigation systems and technologies, practices, study current irrigation systems efficiency enabling environment, and water usage that are currently used in the targeted regions.
•    Conduct field measurements “when needed” (based on the request of project technical tea.
•    Contribute to the development of cropspecific irrigation plans by providing data on factors like water requirements, soil moisture levels, and climate conditions.
•    Provide input to facilitate the balancing of water resource availability and demand across different regions.
•    Contribute to stakeholder mapping and analysis for irrigation, drainage, and their management systems, as well as for various farming systems in the targeted regions.
•    Support for developing and implementing a method to assess the efficiency of the irrigation systems, technologies, and practices currently used by Saudi farmers.
•    Contribute to the preparation of the irrigation performance assessment, Saudi irrigation code, and full master plan as will be agreed upon by the team leader.
•    Contribute to organization of workshops and working sessions with stakeholder for the validation of results.
•    Conduct training sessions and capacitybuilding workshops for local farmers, water managers, and stakeholders to enhance their understanding of efficient irrigation systems, technologies, and best practices.
•    Conduct other tasks when needed.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in irrigation management, irrigation engineering, data management, water law, water resources, agricultureeconomics, management or any related subjects. Knowledge of irrigation systems, technologies, and best practices.
•    Five years of relevant experience in technical cooperationrelated activities, policy analysis, and advice relating to water resources/irrigation management, as well as monitoring and evaluation.
•    Working knowledge (full proficiency – level of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in more than one region and particularly in field positions with the ability to provide technical and advisory services.
•    International work experience in technical cooperation projects including familiarity with results frameworks, project work planning and budgeting.
•    Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to convey and present sensitive issues/positions.
•    Analytical skills and the ability to write clear and concise reports is considered a strong asset.
•    Proficiency in English is essential and familiarity with Arabic language is desirable.
•    Experience working with v irrigation and water resources and familiarity with water resources sector in Saudi Arabia or NENA region is desirable.

Selection Criteria

•    An intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spaniswill be an added advantage.