Water Management Assistant

Organizational Setting

The position is located in the FAO office in Tandojam. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Pakistan focuses its efforts on poverty reduction, food security, sustainable livelihoods and rural development. FAO has partnered with the Government of Pakistan on research and development, training, extension services and strengthening of the staff capacity in planning and policy making. FAO has supported improvements in agricultural policy analysis, strengthened institutions. Enhanced integrated area development and expanded participation of marginalized and vulnerable communities in sustainable development.

The positions are envisioned under GCF funded “Transforming Indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management” project. The approved funding proposal which describes activities under the project is available at https://www.greenclimate.fund/document/transforming-indus-basin-climate-resilient-agriculture-and-water-management

Modelling of climate change scenarios for Pakistan shows that if agriculture and water management in the Indus River Basin continue along a ‘business as usual’ pathway, increasing temperatures and changes in precipitation will pose serious threats to the future livelihoods of farmers and to the Pakistani agricultural sector. In response to this challenge, the GCF funded project, “Transforming Indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management”, will help shift Pakistan and Indus Basin agriculture from its current situation of high vulnerability toward an alternative paradigm wherein better information and farming practices will significantly increase resilience to climate change. To do this, the project will develop the country’s capacity to get and use the information it needs to cope with the impacts of climate change on agriculture and water management by putting in place state-of-the art technology (Component 1); building farmers resilience to climate change through skills, knowledge and technology (Component 2), and creating a wider enabling environment for continuous adaptation and expanded sustainable uptake of climate-resilient approaches (Component 3). The project detail is available at the website of GCF. The associate is expected to support project activities under the Component 1.

This position is at SB III-SC5 level.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision and guidance of FAO Representative in Pakistan and direct supervision of the Head of FAO Sindh office, with technical guidance of the Technical Advisor, the Lead Technical Officers of the project, International Water Expert and Senior Water Management Specialist, and in close coordination and consultation with project staff, governmental counterparts, and implementation partners, the incumbent will undertake the activities described in Tasks and Responsibilities section.

Technical Focus

Water resources management, remote sensing, GIS, weather, climate, coordination.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Support coordination with provincial agriculture and water stakeholders in Sindh Provinces for installation and maintenance of weather stations, flow sensors, groundwater sensors, flux towers and other water-related instruments. Ensure necessary agreements are in place between FAO, landowner and recipient organization of the sensors/instruments
•     Monitor the telemetry data from the instruments. Conduct site visits during installation for inspection when any issues arise with the instruments and diagnose the issue
•     Ensure service provider(s) of the instruments to submit proper documentations required as per FAO’s rules
•     Support organizing training events and workshops related to various software/tools for agriculture and water sectors
•     Support coordination with provincial stakeholders on data sharing through Agriculture, Climate, and Water Portal 
•     Support training to farmers on water related subjects and participatory water monitoring with farmers
•     Support crop mapping/monitoring using mobile app and remote sensing
•     Participate in technical evaluations in case any procurement need arises under the Component 1 of the project 
•     Contribute to the update and maintenance of the project database for good practices and successful stories
•     Provide support in the compilation and analysis of key performance indicators; and Support the documentation of successful stories by communication and knowledge management specialist

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements   

•     Master’s degree in climatology, hydrology, hydrogeology, environmental/water engineering, or closely related field. Master’s degree in IT and GIS are also accepted if the graduation project or thesis is about weather, climate or water sciences 
•     At least 1 year of professional experience in weather, climate, hydrology, hydrogeology, remote sensing for agriculture or water resources management or related field
•     Working knowledge of English
•     National of Pakistan

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Sound knowledge of water management in the context of Sindh Province
•     Experience in working or coordinating with governmental organizations and engaging farmers in natural resources management is desirable 
•     Experience in working for the project target districts in Sindh (Sanghar, Umarkot, and/or Badin) for an agriculture-, climate- or water-related project(s) is desirable
•     Strong analytical and report writing skills in English;
•     Computer skills in QGIS and Microsoft Office Applications Including Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point;
•     Fluency in a local language(s) spoken in the 3 target districts is an asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION