Project Specialist (efficient Water Governance, Irrigation Modernization, Digitalization And Knowledge Exchange) [open To Internal And External Applicants]

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uzbekistan is implementing a project funded by the Government of Japan to strengthen water resource governance and resilience to climate change in the Aral Sea region. This initiative focuses on transforming water management through integrated approaches, modernizing infrastructure, advancing digital solutions, and promoting climate-resilient practices. The role is situated within the Nature, Climate, and Energy department, supporting national and regional priorities.

Job Purpose

The Project Specialist will provide high-level technical and strategic support for a project aimed at transforming water resource management in Uzbekistan's Aral Sea region. This involves strengthening governance, modernizing irrigation, advancing digitalization, and fostering knowledge exchange. The role contributes to enhancing institutional coordination, improving water governance, introducing water-saving and digital technologies, and increasing the resilience of farmers and communities. The specialist will also support the development of UNDP Uzbekistan's water program pipeline and act as a key resource person for the Country Office on water-related issues, ensuring alignment with national priorities and international best practices.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic and technical leadership in integrated water resources management, irrigation modernization, climate-resilient water governance, and innovative water-saving solutions for the Aral Sea region. Serve as a resource person for UNDP Uzbekistan, offering technical advice, engaging in policy dialogue, and supporting partnerships. Lead technical assessments and analytical work on water governance and irrigation efficiency, translating findings into actionable recommendations. Support the design and implementation of project activities, including policy strengthening, digitalization, technology introduction, and capacity building for various stakeholders. Advise on developing and operationalizing digital and data-driven water management solutions. Identify and adapt best practices, prepare technical reports and knowledge products, and contribute to monitoring and adaptive management. Support the development of a strategic pipeline of water-related initiatives and partnerships for UNDP Uzbekistan. Ensure gender-responsive and socially inclusive approaches are integrated across all project activities.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressive professional experience (with a Master’s degree) or 7 years (with a bachelor’s degree) in water resources management, irrigation modernization, or agricultural water management is required. Demonstrated experience in integrated water resources management, irrigation efficiency, and introducing water-saving technologies in arid or climate-vulnerable contexts is essential. Experience in capacity building and facilitation with government and community stakeholders is also required.

Skills

Strategic Thinking, Portfolio Management, Digital Awareness and Literacy, Data Analysis, Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), Irrigation Modernization, Climate Resilience, Water-Use Efficiency, Digital Solutions for Water Management, GIS, Remote Sensing, Capacity Building, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Lifecycle Management, Policy Dialogue, Partnership Building.

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