Irrigation Engineering Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.
Conducting Feasibility studies for irrigation system is a paramount and essential activity that seeks to determine if a proposed irrigation project is viable and economically beneficiary within a destined locality. It takes into account areas where surface water seems scarce in sustaining crop water demand (all season) and assesses ground water potential for alternative use during dry days. These studies usually consider various aspects such as the purpose of the project, its adaptability to local context, needs, best locations, costs, legal requirements, and potential environmental impacts/risks. The goal is to provide planners or engineers with the requisite data to develop technically responsive solutions, ensuring that the irrigation system works well, be affordable, sustainable and help farmers and communities increase production.
In view of the above, this document presents a feasibility study proposal intended to provide technical assistance to the government of Liberia, in its quest to evaluate the viability and funding needs of a proposed irrigation project, which aimed at rehabilitating dams in Foya, Lofa County for irrigation support to rice farming. The project seeks to buttress and improve the efforts of local rice farmers, with the aim of increasing production of the country’s stable food (rice), as an exertion to complement government’s food security strategy.

The proposed irrigation project aligns with Liberia’s National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP), specifically captured in Pillar 2: Economy and Jobs: Development Outcome 2: focusing on increasing agricultural productivity and enhancing food security and income generation.

As an accomplishment, the proposed system will contribute to the achievability of the following SDGs:
•     Goal 1: Ending Poverty
•     Goal 2: Zero Hunger
•     Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
•     Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
•     Goal 13: Climate Action

FAO involvement in the conduct of the proposed studies seeks to provide technical support to the government of Liberia, aligning directly with FAO’s strategic framework, particularly highlighted in the following goals:
•     Better Production: Innovation for sustainable agricultural practices.
•     Better Nutrition: Improved nutrition for vulnerable populations
•     Better Environment: Climate-adapted Agriculture systems
•     Better Life: Inclusive rural transformation and gender equality.

It is expected that the result from the study will put government in an informed position for rational decision taking on the proposed project in term of budget, viability, sustainability, environmental impacts and intended outcomes.

The project intends to rehabilitate/construct three irrigation systems in the Foya district, Lofa County, through the sustainable use of groundwater for irrigation. The primary objectives of the feasibility studies are to:
•     Assess the current state of irrigation dams and infrastructure in the Foya region, Lofa County, Liberia  
•     Validate the technical workability and budgetary requirement of the proposal submitted by Talentia Africa Ltd, to the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Republic of Liberia, following the company’s technical assessment of the irrigation system facilities under review
•     Evaluate irrigation water requirements, including seasonal demand, crop water needs, and irrigation scheduling.
•     Investigate the proposed use of ground water as potential source for the system
•     Conduct a random soil permeability test at the proposed farming locations to determine the water holding capacity of the soil.
•     Develop a comprehensive plan for improving irrigation and groundwater management.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Liberia, the Irrigation Engineering Specialist will report to the Head of Program

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for analysing, validating the proposed design, reviewing the implementation and maintenance strategy and ensure compliance to national regulations.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Conduct a thorough site assessment, considering parameters such as topography, soil type, water source availability, and water quality. 
•     Assess existing irrigation infrastructure, including canals, reservoirs, and pumping systems, and validate the solutions proposed to the ministry of Agriculture (MOA) for the irrigation system improvement.
•     Analyse existing site condition, conduct research and identify potential structural and environmental problems. 
•     Review the proposal and develop an effective implementation plan and specifications for the systems
•     Evaluate the design and feasibility of the proposed system, considering the hydraulic, pipes sizing and specification, pump requirement and structural design
•     Based on the onsite assessment, propose alternate design more appropriate from the local context, considering national regulation, terrain, climatic condition, pipes kind and plumbing specification and sustainability. 
•     Review and advice on the full cost estimate for the proposed system submitted, inclusive of materials, labour, and installation expenses. 
•     Ensure the compliance of the system to national regulations and standards both structurally and environmentally
•     Evaluate the efficiency of the maintenance and sustainability plans and advise on alternatives to ensure the system functions properly
•     Determine the specific water requirements for the crops and landscape to be irrigated, accounting for climate actions, growth stages, and water availability at all seasons. 
•     Aid in assessing all potential environmental impacts of the proposed irrigation system, guaranteeing the minimization of water waste and protection of selected water resources.
•     Conduct on-site inspections and hydrological assessments at all proposed project location.
•     Do an assessment of irrigation water requirements, including seasonal demand, crop water needs, and irrigation scheduling.
•     Carry on analysis for the sustainable use of groundwater as an alternative source for the proposed irrigation system, taking in to account recharge rates and potential impacts.
•     Give some advice on engineering solutions for improving the existing irrigation infrastructure, including river dredging, canal rehabilitation, and gates installations. 
•     Review and analyse the proposal for construction of ground reservoirs and solar/fuel-powered wells to supplement dry season water sources.
•     Prepare a detailed feasibility study report, including technical data, environmental and social impact assessments, implementation timelines, risk assessments, and funding requirements

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     For Consultants: Advanced university degree in irrigation engineering, hydraulics, water supply engineering, civil engineering or a related field of studies from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Consultants with bachelor`s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•     For PSA.SBS: University degree in irrigation engineering, hydraulics, water supply engineering, civil engineering or a related field of studies from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO.
•     At least ten years of experience in the field of irrigation with an in-depth knowledge of irrigation systems, water management, and agriculture practices.
•     Working knowledge of English (level C).

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Selection Criteria

•     Vast experience in the design and construction of irrigation water supply system in Liberia 
•     Participation in a major feasibility study of a similar/more detail TOR in Liberia is an added advantage.