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: i) advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate; ii) provide technical assistance and deliver core services; iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; iv) position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The position is home-based with the possibility of travel to DPR Korea.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the direct supervision of the Deputy FAO Representative, technical guidance of Lead Technical Officer (LTO), in close coordination with the FAO DPRK team, the international consultant will perform the tasks described below.

Technical Focus

Provide technical expertise on irrigation and water management, design irrigation infrastructures and irrigation demonstration/water management under the FAO project TCP/DRK/4003.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Desk review on global best practices on modern irrigation management and prepare a report with recommended technologies and practices with a focus of irrigation management practices, water use efficiency and water productivity.
•    Review the baseline report prepared by the national project personnel and identify needs and gaps and assess the feasibility of installing new irrigation infrastructure.
•    Based on the needs and capacity development needs of the stakeholder, prepare training topics, training materials and guidelines for the technicians and the farmers in the selected farms on irrigation management and practices.
•    Design pilot demonstrations on innovative irrigation practices in the selected cooperative farms.
•    Act as a resource person in conducting training for the technicians and the farmers.
•    Prepare a final report and the end of assignment report.
•    Any other activities, as necessary.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in agriculture, irrigation/water management or other related fields.
•    Minimum five years of practical experience in irrigation and water management.
•    Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Knowledge and experience on water and irrigation management
•    Field experience in designing irrigation infrastructure and demonstration
•    Capacity to prepare training materials and guidelines on water and irrigation management
•    Ability to writing reports
•    Ability to communicate effectively and act as a trainer
•    Computer literacy with spreadsheets, databases and electronic programmes
•    Excellent communication (both written and oral) and presentation and reporting skills.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree .o

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements