Regional Senior Survey & Design Specialist
Organizational Context
FAO Afghanistan is implementing resilience-building actions across all 34 provinces, focusing on protecting agricultural livelihoods and ecosystems. The organization supports local food production and income generation, while safeguarding development gains through revitalizing rural markets. FAO provides humanitarian and non-humanitarian assistance to farmers and herders in agriculture, livestock, irrigation, and natural resources, aligning with the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and the UN Strategic Framework for Afghanistan.
Job Purpose
The Regional Senior Survey & Design Specialist will provide essential technical assistance to ensure the efficient implementation of irrigation activities within their assigned region. This role involves supporting the Water Resources and Irrigation (WRI) Team Leader in managing and executing various water resource and irrigation projects. The specialist will be instrumental in the technical design, proposal preparation, cost estimation, and quality assurance of rehabilitation works, contributing significantly to the successful delivery of FAO's agricultural and water management initiatives in the region.
Responsibilities
Assist the WRI Team Leader in executing regional water resource and irrigation activities. Conduct technical surveys and designs for irrigation rehabilitation and riverbank protection schemes, preparing technical proposals, cost estimates, specifications, and Bills of Quantities (BoQs). Support procurement processes by reviewing responses. Oversee contractors, certify payments, and implement effective construction supervision and quality control to ensure timely project completion. Coordinate with implementing partners to validate work quantities for drainage, soil and water conservation, water harvesting, watershed management, and facility repairs. Ensure adherence to safeguarding requirements. Monitor beneficiary selection and work progress for cash-for-work programs. Liaise with regional agencies, institutions, and local authorities for smooth project implementation. Facilitate timely inputs for rehabilitation works. Conduct training for FAO staff, IPs, and water user groups. Promote information exchange with other FAO regional offices. Report on progress, identify potential issues, and contribute to their resolution. Perform other assigned tasks.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of professional experience with an advanced degree or 6 years with a university degree in water resources and irrigation engineering is required. Experience in technical survey, design, and preparation of technical proposals, specifications, and BoQs for irrigation and riverbank protection works is essential. Experience in construction supervision, quality control, and contract management is also necessary. At least 2 years of experience with UN or INGOs is desirable.
Skills
Proficiency in technical survey and data collection for irrigation and riverbank protection design. Ability to prepare accurate technical proposals, cost estimates, specifications, and BoQs. Experience in quality assurance and quality control of construction works. Skill in coordinating with implementing partners, institutions, and communities. Ability to develop technical documents adhering to national/international standards and safety requirements. Experience in reporting on project progress and problem-solving. Good knowledge of AutoCAD, MS Office package, and internet applications. Core competencies include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing.