Irrigation and Natural Resource Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security for all and leading international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO works in over 130 countries, supporting the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development, aligning with national priorities and international standards. This position is based in the FAO Country Office in Syria, contributing to the country's agricultural sector recovery.

Job Purpose

The Irrigation and Natural Resource Specialist will be an integral part of the Agriculture Policy Team (APT) within the FAO Representation in Syria. This role is crucial for supporting the recovery of the agriculture sector by providing essential technical and policy guidance. The specialist will focus on key areas including irrigation, water management, climate resilience, and the sustainable management of natural resources, ensuring that interventions are aligned with FAO's strategic objectives and contribute to long-term agricultural sustainability and food security in Syria.

Responsibilities

The specialist will conduct comprehensive assessments of irrigation and natural resources, developing policy recommendations for water and irrigation management. Key responsibilities include contributing to climate-smart agriculture and resilience planning, and formulating priorities for irrigation and natural resource investments. The role involves facilitating coordination with relevant institutions and stakeholders, organizing technical workshops, and delivering training sessions. Furthermore, the specialist will support the preparation of technical guidelines and policy recommendations, contribute to sustainable irrigation and watershed management strategies, and assist in integrating climate resilience into sector planning. This includes identifying and preparing investment projects for agricultural plans and supporting the programmatic planning of FAO Syria’s irrigation portfolio.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in irrigation systems and water management is necessary. Familiarity with the challenges of Syria’s water and agriculture sectors is also essential for this role.

Skills

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise in irrigation and water management, with experience in climate resilience and natural resource planning. Essential skills include the ability to conduct technical assessments, prepare reports, and engage effectively with stakeholders. Experience in developing investment concepts and technical guidelines is highly valued. While not mandatory, working experience with UN Agencies and familiarity with FAO systems and standards are considered advantageous.

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