Water User Group Capacity Building Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Lao PDR is implementing the project titled “Enhancement of Livelihood Resilience in Rural Areas (LRRA)” (GCP/LAO/034/JPN), funded by the Government of Japan. The project operates in 48 villages across seven districts in Luang Prabang and Oudomxay provinces and aims to strengthen the resilience, income, and food security of rural households.

Under Output 3, which focuses on establishing and improving climate-resilient rural infrastructure, the project supports the construction and rehabilitation of small-scale irrigation schemes. To ensure sustainable use of these systems, 20 Water User Groups (WUGs) have been or will be formed, with 10 groups in each province. Each group will nominate two core representatives to join targeted capacity-building activities.

To support this work, the project seeks a Specialist to develop and deliver a two-day training program in each province. The training will strengthen the capacity of WUGs in water use efficiency, soil conservation, and the proper operation and maintenance of small-scale irrigation facilities.

The assignment follows a Training of Trainers approach. Participants in the provincial sessions will be expected to transfer knowledge and skills to other members of their Water User Groups. This approach aims to reach 350 farmers, in line with Activity 3.1.5 of the project’s Logical Framework.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will report to the LRRA International/National Project Coordinator and will work closely with Provincial Agriculture and Environment Office (PAEO), District Agriculture and Environment Office (DAEO), and FAO technical staff.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support Output 3 of the project, which focuses on establishing and strengthening climate-resilient rural infrastructure through improved management of small-scale irrigation systems. The role includes designing and delivering targeted capacity building for Water User Group (WUG) representatives and applying a Training of Trainers approach to extend practical skills to a wider group of farmers.

• Designing a two-day training curriculum for WUG capacity building, covering governance, water allocation, irrigation system operation and maintenance, financial management, recordkeeping, and conflict resolution.

• Preparing simple pre- and post-training assessments to measure knowledge gained through the training.

• Delivering training sessions in Luang Prabang and Oudomxay provinces using participatory and adult-learning methods.

• Supporting participants to carry out Training of Trainers activities within their own Water User Groups.

• Preparing a final report with training outcomes, analysis of assessments, and practical recommendations for strengthening WUG functionality.

Tasks and responsibilities

Review and Training Design

• Review key project documents, including the Project Document, Infrastructure Assessments, Needs Assessments, Baseline Report, and Logical Framework.

• Design a two-day, practical training curriculum for Water User Groups, covering:

– Roles and responsibilities of WUG leaders and members

– Equitable water allocation and rotational scheduling

– Basic operation and maintenance of small-scale irrigation schemes

– Conflict prevention

– Climate risk preparedness and water-saving practices linked to soil conservation

– Simple recordkeeping tools suitable for low-literacy users

– Training of Trainers methodology for onward training

• Prepare pre- and post-training tests to assess knowledge improvement.

• The incumbent will be supported and work closely with the LRRA international coordinator and team

Conduct Training in Luang Prabang

• Deliver two days of participatory training for 20 WUG representatives (two per group from 10 groups).

• Facilitate hands-on and interactive sessions using adult-learning methods.

• Conduct pre- and post-tests and record results.

Conduct Training in Oudomxay

• Deliver two days of participatory training for 20 WUG representatives (two per group from 10 groups).

• Facilitate hands-on and interactive sessions using adult-learning methods.

• Conduct pre- and post-tests and record results.

Final Report

Prepare a comprehensive report summarizing:

Training agenda and methodology

Key training content

Participant list disaggregated by group and gender

Pre- and post-test results with analysis

Observations, outcomes, and actionable recommendations

Travel

• Travel to the training sites in Luang Prabang and Oudomxay as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in irrigation engineering, water resources management, agriculture, rural development, or a related field.

• At least 5 years of experience working with Water User Groups, farmer water management systems, small-scale irrigation schemes, or community-based natural resource management.

• Working knowledge of English and Lao (written and spoken).

• National of Lao PDR or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proven experience in designing and delivering capacity-building programs, including Training of Trainers approaches.

• Practical experience in irrigation system operation and maintenance, water allocation planning, and community-level governance of water resources.

• Demonstrated ability to work with local authorities (PAEO/DAEO) and community groups using participatory training and facilitation methods.

• Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.

• Experience working in more than one province or district on irrigation management, rural development, water governance, or community-based natural resource management.

• Strong background in community engagement, including coordination with PAEO/DAEO, farmer water user groups, NGOs, and local stakeholders.

• Experience developing or applying monitoring tools, including pre- and post-training assessments, field observation checklists, and O&M performance indicators.

• Good understanding of Water User Group governance, water allocation planning, recordkeeping for WUG operations, and routine maintenance of small-scale irrigation systems.

• Demonstrated ability to organize and facilitate practical, hands-on training sessions and workshops using participatory and adult-learning approaches.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to document lessons learned, best practices, and recommendations for improving WUG performance.