Water Technical Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a UN specialized agency dedicated to global food security and promoting access to quality food for active, healthy lives. With 194 member countries and the EU, FAO operates in over 130 nations. Its Strategic Framework 2022–31 aims for sustainable agrifood systems aligned with the 2030 Agenda. FAO's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) supports member countries by facilitating resource access, project development, and implementation. RAP ensures multidisciplinary support, identifies regional priorities, and oversees FAO's strategic response. The Integrated Water Programme (WP G2+) at RAP is expanding, with new projects funded by GEF, GCF, and other partners. To support this growth, FAO is building a roster of water specialists for technical assistance across Asia and the Pacific.

Job Purpose

This role aims to enhance FAO's capacity to deliver high-quality technical support for its regional water portfolio. Specialists will contribute to various areas including Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), transboundary water cooperation, water resources planning, agricultural water management, irrigation engineering, water infrastructure, water governance, groundwater management, river engineering, water quality, climate change adaptation, sustainable land and water management, renewable energy for water systems, and water data management. The position also involves expertise in environmental economics, valuation of water, and ecosystem services, supporting the development and implementation of innovative water solutions across the region.

Responsibilities

Experts will undertake technical assessments, feasibility studies, diagnostic analyses, and modelling related to water resources management and development. They will provide technical reviews, quality assurance, and clearances for project documents, reports, policies, and strategies. Responsibilities include supporting activities in integrated water resources management, transboundary cooperation, water allocation, drought management, groundwater and surface water management, hydrology, hydrological modelling, river basin management, and water infrastructure. Technical support will be provided for agricultural water management, climate change adaptation, watershed management, water quality, and wastewater reuse. The role involves applying and promoting innovative technologies like hydroinformatics, GIS, AI, and digital water solutions, as well as renewable energy applications. Experts will conduct environmental, economic, and financial analyses, deliver technical advisory services, facilitate capacity development, and engage in policy dialogue. They will also support monitoring, evaluation, knowledge management, resource mobilization, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including governments, development partners, and civil society.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in water resources management is required. Experience should encompass areas such as project formulation, implementation support, technical advisory services, or evaluation. Familiarity with working with governments, international organizations, development partners, research institutions, and the private sector is beneficial. Experience in developing technical reports, guidelines, strategies, and knowledge products is also valued. Working in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, particularly in the Asia and Pacific region, is highly desirable.

Skills

Key skills include demonstrated technical expertise in water-related disciplines, project formulation, implementation support, and technical advisory services. Experience working with diverse stakeholders such as governments, international organizations, and the private sector is crucial. Proficiency in developing technical reports, guidelines, and knowledge products is essential. The ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, especially in developing countries, is highly valued. Experience in the Asia and Pacific region is a significant asset. Familiarity with FAO procedures and technical approaches is advantageous. Strong communication, teamwork, and relationship-building skills are necessary. Knowledge of additional FAO languages is a plus.

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