Irrigation and Natural Resource 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. 
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 
Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)     assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Syria.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Syria Arab Republic (SAR), the Irrigation and Natural Resource Specialist will report directly to the International Irrigation Specialist. The Irrigation and Natural Resource Specialist will also work closely with the Senior Policy Specialist, Assistant FAOR (Programmes), BLRS Chief Technical Advisor and BLRS Project Officer.

Technical Focus

Working within the Agriculture Policy Team (APT), the specialist will provide technical and policy support on irrigation, water management, climate resilience, and sustainable natural resource management in support of agriculture sector recovery.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Conducts assessments related to irrigation and natural resources.
•     Supports development of water and irrigation policy recommendations.
•     Contributes to climate-smart agriculture and resilience planning.
•     Supports formulation of irrigation and natural resource investment priorities.
•     Facilitates coordination with relevant institutions and stakeholders
•     Organize technical workshops and training sessions.
•     Conduct technical assessments of irrigation systems and water resources.
•     Support preparation of technical guidelines and policy recommendations.
•     Contribute to development of sustainable irrigation and watershed management strategies.
•     Support integration of climate resilience into sector planning.
•     Assist in identification and preparation of investment projects that will feed into agricultural investment plans. 
•     Participate in technical workshops and consultations.
•     Support programmatic planning for FAO Syria’s irrigation portfolio, as requested by FAO Syria Country Office (CO).

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements   

•     University degree in irrigation engineering, water resources management, natural resources management, agricultural engineering, or related fields.
•     Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in  irrigation systems and water management and familiarity with Syria’s water and agriculture sector challenges
•     
•     Working knowledge of English and Arabic (C1)
•     National of Syria

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Strong technical expertise in irrigation and water management.
•     Experience in climate resilience and natural resource planning.
•     Ability to conduct technical assessments and prepare reports.
•     Good coordination and stakeholder engagement skills.
•     Experience in development of investment concepts and technical guidelines.
•     Working experience with UN Agencies is preferable
•     Familiarity with FAO system and standards is preferable
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION