Agricultural/Irrigation Engineer

Organizational Context

FAO Sierra Leone, in collaboration with UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, is implementing a Joint United Nations Nutrition Programme (UNN). This programme aims to enhance food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods, targeting vulnerable populations. It supports national priorities like the Feed Salone Strategy and UNSDCF outcomes, focusing on climate-resilient livelihoods, improved nutrition services, and strengthened governance. FAO's role includes supporting inland valley swamp (IVS) development and rehabilitation to boost irrigated agriculture and resilience.

Job Purpose

The Agricultural/Irrigation Engineer will provide essential technical expertise for the design, development, rehabilitation, and supervision of inland valley swamp (IVS) infrastructure. The role ensures the creation of climate-resilient and sustainable irrigation systems, promotes efficient water management, and guarantees adherence to FAO standards and engineering best practices. A key objective is the high-quality delivery of infrastructure projects that contribute to improved agricultural productivity and resilience in the region. This position is critical for advancing sustainable agricultural practices and water resource management.

Responsibilities

Lead the identification, assessment, and selection of suitable Inland Valley Swamp (IVS) sites. Conduct and supervise soil, land suitability, topographic, hydrological, socio-economic, and land-use assessments. Establish and maintain an IVS database. Develop technical designs for IVS water control infrastructure, including engineering drawings, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), technical specifications, cost estimates, and implementation schedules. Classify IVS sites based on hydrological characteristics. Supervise detailed surveys, including boundary, land, contour mapping, and elevation profiles, ensuring accurate maps and documentation. Oversee IVS development and rehabilitation works, ensuring compliance with designs, specifications, and quality standards. Monitor contractor performance, verify material and workmanship quality, and support procurement processes. Review contractor deliverables, certify completed works, and recommend payments. Assist in resolving land tenure and access issues. Engage with Farmer-Based Organizations and user groups, building beneficiary capacity in water management, operation, and maintenance. Monitor technical performance and sustainability of IVS systems, assess management structures, and prepare comprehensive technical reports. Oversee operation and maintenance arrangements, provide recommendations for long-term sustainability, and support institutional strengthening for IVS management.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in irrigation, water management, or rural infrastructure development is required. Demonstrated experience in the development of Inland Valley Swamps (IVS) or comparable irrigation systems is essential. Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field.

Skills

Strong expertise in irrigation systems design and supervision, hydrology, water management, and soil/land suitability assessment. Experience in construction supervision and contractor management. Knowledge of climate-resilient agricultural infrastructure and results-based project implementation (RBM). Proficient in analytical, reporting, and communication skills. Experience with UN or donor-funded infrastructure projects is advantageous. Ability to manage multi-site infrastructure projects and work with government institutions and rural communities. Strong capacity for quality control and compliance.

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