Agricultural/Irrigation Engineer

Organizational Setting

FAO Sierra Leone, in collaboration with UNICEF, WFP and WHO, is implementing a Joint United Nations Nutrition Programme (UNN) aimed at improving food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
The programme targets vulnerable populations (particularly women, youth, and children) and supports national priorities including the Feed Salone Strategy and UNSDCF outcomes.

The programme focuses on:

1. Climate-resilient livelihoods and food systems
2. Improved access to nutrition-sensitive services
3. Strengthened governance and coordination in food and nutrition systems

Within this framework, FAO supports inland valley swamp (IVS) development and rehabilitation as a key intervention to enhance irrigated agriculture, productivity, and resilience.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Sierra Leone, and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Programme) and the National Technical Coordinator, the Agricultural/Irrigation Engineer will provide technical leadership on IVS-related interventions.

The incumbent will work closely with:

• Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS)
• Local authorities and beneficiary communities
• Implementing partners and contractors
• FAO technical and operations teams.

Technical Focus
The Agricultural/Irrigation Engineer will provide technical expertise in the design, development, rehabilitation, and supervision of inland valley swamp (IVS) infrastructure, ensuring:

• Climate-resilient and sustainable irrigation systems
• Efficient water management
• Compliance with FAO standards and engineering best practices
• High-quality infrastructure delivery.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead identification, assessment, and selection of suitable IVS sites;
• Conduct and supervise: Soil and land suitability assessments; Topographic and hydrological surveys; Socio-economic and land-use assessments;
• Establish and maintain an IVS database;
• Develop technical designs for IVS water control infrastructure; Prepare: Engineering drawing; Bills of Quantities (BoQs); Technical specifications; Cost estimates and implementation schedules;
• Classify IVS sites based on hydrological characteristics (e.g. perenniality);
• Supervise detailed surveys including: Boundary and land surveys; contour mapping and elevation profiles; Ensure production of accurate maps and technical documentation;
• Supervise IVS development and rehabilitation works;
• Ensure compliance with approved designs, technical specifications and quality standards
• Monitor contractor performance and progress;
• Verify quality of materials and workmanship;
• Support procurement processes by providing technical inputs;
• Review and validate contractor deliverables;
• Certify completed works and payment requests;
• Issue completion certificates and recommend release of retention funds.
• Support resolution of land tenure and access issues;
• Facilitate engagement with Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) and IVS user groups
• Build capacity of beneficiaries on water management and operation, maintenance of IVS systems
• Monitor technical performance and sustainability of IVS systems;
• Assess functionality of IVS management structures;
• Prepare technical reports, including survey, progress , and completion reports
• Oversee operation and maintenance arrangements;
• Provide recommendations for sustainability and long-term management;
• Support strengthening of institutional arrangements for IVS management;
• Perform any other duties as required by the FAOR.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, Soil and Water Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in irrigation, water management, or rural infrastructure development
• Proven experience in IVS development or similar irrigation systems
• Working knowledge of English (Level C).
• National of Sierra Leone

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong expertise in:
o Irrigation systems design and supervision
o Hydrology and water management
o Soil and land suitability assessment
• Experience in construction supervision and contractor management;
• Knowledge of climate-resilient agricultural infrastructure;
• Experience in results-based project implementation (RBM);
• Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills.

Selection Criteria

• Experience in UN or donor-funded infrastructure projects (Irish Aid, EU, etc.).
• Experience in community-based irrigation schemes.
• Proven ability to manage multi-site infrastructure projects.
• Experience in working with government institutions and rural communities.
• Strong capacity to ensure quality control and compliance.

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.