Regional Senior Survey & Design Specialist

Duration: 12 months initially (to be extended based on the need of the programme, availability of funds and performance of the incumbent)

Organizational Setting

FAO Afghanistan is investing across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan in resilience reinforcing actions that focus on protecting agriculture livelihoods and local ecosystems, boosting local production of nutritious foods and cash-incomes, and safeguarding critical agriculture sectoral development gains achieved over the past couple of decades through revitalizing rural markets and economy. In particular, FAO provides a combination of humanitarian and basic needs/non-humanitarian assistance to female and male farmers and herders across Afghanistan in the agriculture, livestock, irrigation and natural resources sub-sectors through its projects and programs, as described in the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) and the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (UNSFA) 2023-2027, specifically under UNSFA Priority 2 Economic Opportunities and Resilient Livelihoods.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) or Deputy FAO Representative (DFAOR) in Afghanistan. S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Regional Office who will be responsible for all day-to-day and administrative guidance. S/he will also work closely with the Irrigation Design Engineer (WRI Team Leader), who will provide overall technical/functional guidance. The performance evaluation will be done by the direct supervisor in consultation with the Irrigation Design Engineer.

Technical Focus

The Regional Senior Survey & Design Specialist will provide relevant technical assistance for efficient implementation of the irrigation activities in the region.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assist the WRI Team Leader in implementing all water resource and irrigation activities in the region of their assignment.
• Prepare technical proposal of the schemes under irrigation rehabilitation works and riverbank protection works after conducting the technical survey and design. Also provide the cost estimates and submits to the WRI Team Leader for review and approval.
• Prepare technical specifications and Bills of Quantities (BoQs) for procurement actions and support the review/evaluation of responses.
• Review and clear the payment certificates for the contractor in accordance with the approved standard bidding documents. These services should include, supervising the contractor, certifying monthly payments contractors(s), developing and implementing an effective construction supervision and quality control regime and ensuring timely completion of works.
• Coordinate with the implementing partners (IPs) to validate the quantification of work for cleaning of drainage canal system, soil and water conservation measures/ rain and flood water harvesting and improving watershed management to recharge groundwater and minor repairs of already constructed facilities.
• Coordinate with ESS Lead and ensure all safeguarding requirements are adhered to.
• Monitor the beneficiary selection for cash for work (CfW) and the work progress in the field.
• Coordinate with the other agencies, institutions and local authorities at the regional level for smooth implementation of water resource and irrigation related works.
• Liaise with the relevant offices/Teams for timely inputs for implementation of the rehabilitation works carried out by the construction companies and by the implementing partners.
• Conduct training courses and on-the-job training of FAO staff, IPs and water user groups.
• Promote the exchange of information with other Regional Offices as required.
• Report on periodic progress of work in the regional Offices, and signal in advance problems that may hamper such progress and help solve them.
• Perform any other tasks as may be assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced degree (Masters) or University degree (Bachelor) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Civil Engineering, Water Resources engineering, Irrigation engineering or agricultural engineering or other related areas.
• Five (5) years of professional experience with an advanced degree in water resources and irrigation engineering. At least 2 years of UN or INGO experience is desirable.
• Six (6) years of professional experience with university degree in water resources and irrigation engineering. At least 2 years of UN or INGO experience is desirable.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and the local languages (Pashto and/or Dari);
• National of Afghanistan or resident of the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proven skill of technical survey and other data collection (maps, benchmark levels, etc.) for the design and preparation of drawings of irrigation works and riverbank protection works;
• Have skill to ensure all technical inputs and cost estimates related to the construction components are accurate, timely provided and included in the project proposals and budgets;
• Have knowledge of finalizing the scope of works with the timeline needed for the implementation;
• Have experience of quality assurance and quality control of construction works;
• Proven skill to coordinate with the implementing partner to get the desired outputs;
• Have skill to develop technical documents based on national and international standards and codes of practice and based on the mandatory safety and health requirements;
• Proven skill to coordinate with the relevant institutions and the communities;
• Having skill to contribute towards the preparation of various reports on the status of implementation/progress with irrigation works;
• Good knowledge of the AutoCAD, MS Office package, Internet etc.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.