Pressurized Irrigation Engineer

Organizational Setting

This position is located in FAO Pakistan, based in Quetta. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, help to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The following position is at SB4 SC8 level.

Pakistan has been experiencing frequent natural disasters and non-coherent economic policies which has affected the overall economy specifically the agriculture sector and livelihood of the people. Outbreak of pandemic and locust attack has damaged agriculture crops and affected the food supply chain in Pakistan. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is supporting the Government of Pakistan at national and provincial levels through different analytical policy reports on food supply chain, food forecast livestock, forestry, fisheries and climate change. Similarly, a web-based data management system is under development for agriculture, food security and nutrition statistics in Pakistan. Through this system, support Government of Pakistan in monitoring food prices and supply chain through live dashboards will enable better planning and policy making.

There is currently a team working on different components to strengthen the food supply chain and enhance the food security in Pakistan. FAO Pakistan seeks a qualified professional with a strong analytical and quantitative capacity to contribute in the “Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Program (RBWRP)” funded by EU. This experience will provide wide scope of work as outlined below.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, direct supervision of the Senior Project Officer and in close coordination with concerned FAO colleagues, the Pressurized Irrigation Engineer will perform the following tasks\:

Technical Focus

Ensure the timely execution of project activities with high-quality outcomes, adhering to international standards for rural infrastructure development. Provide technical support in designs of Pressurized Irrigation Systems (underground irrigation network, drip, bubbler, sprinkler, etc) to increase the irrigation efficiency, prepare tender documents, and oversee the implementation of all civil works at high standards in line with the FAO program in Balochistan.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Design a sustainable underground pipe conveyance irrigation system and high efficiency irrigation system (for communal and commercial schemes) in the RBWRP that optimizes water use and conservation for agricultural use. The system should reduce water losses due to evaporation, leakage, and inefficient surface irrigation practices, ensuring equitable water distribution across targeted agricultural lands.
• Above task will include but not limited to\:
o Design an underground pipe network for water conveyance that ensures minimal water loss.
o Determine the optimal pipe materials, diameters, and lengths to handle varying water pressures and flow rates.
o Include necessary valves, hydrants, and access points for efficient operation and maintenance.
o Ensure the design conforms to environmental and technical standards (e.g., pressure ratings, corrosion resistance).
o Oversee the Implementation.
o Select appropriate drippers (emitters), filters, pipes, and control units based on the flow and pressure needs.
o Design the layout, covering head units, mainlines, sublines, and laterals to optimize water delivery.
o Incorporate automation options for controlling water flow, pressure, and timing of irrigation.
o Include fertigation systems as needed.
• Prepare a detailed Bill of Quantities (BoQ) with material specifications. Provide detailed cost estimates, including equipment, installation, and maintenance.
• Prepare all necessary Technical Specifications (TS) for pipes, valves, emitters, pumps, control units, and other components. Ensure the design complies with relevant national and international standards, such as ISO or ASAE for irrigation systems.
• Provide training to the nominated Technical Working Group (TWG) members of all four river basins. Design curricula and training sessions.
• Prepare manuals for Heigh Efficiency Irrigation Systems (HEIS) and Underground Pipe Conveyance Irrigation UGPI design guidelines.
• Conduct field visits to assess the progress and quality of construction/rehabilitation works.
• Monitor the actual physical works at site using effective performance and reporting tools.
• Be directly responsible for the safety awareness of all personnel of any civil works by ensuring that the project execution will be done according to all applicable health, safety, sanitary and environmental standards.
• Conduct ad-hoc and regular meetings with contractors to discuss issues and problems affecting the progress to take corrective measures in consultation with Technical/ Project lead.
• Assist in preparation of various follow up letters/reminders/contractual notices for the contractors.
• Assist in organizing seminars or workshops on relevant contract management challenges and lessons learned.
• Liaise closely with the M&E team and partners to ensure the findings are recorded and shared as necessary for baseline, evaluation and planning information.
• Liaise and identify possible synergies between the project, implementing partners and river Basin Technical Working Group (TWG) to support the planning, implementation and in promoting participatory monitoring and evaluation (PME) of the project activities by communities.
• Ensure that all the schemes are supported and documented by technical proposals.
• Support the technical team in integrating community inputs to improve the social, environmental and economic impact of the productive infrastructure.
• Assist in preparing monthly, quarterly and biannual progress reports towards the work plans and the stated objectives.
• Perform other tasks as requested by the Supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advance university degree in civil, agricultural or irrigation engineering
• Minimum eight (8) years of relevant experience in water management systems, particularly pressurized irrigation systems such as underground conveyance, drip, bubbler, sprinkler irrigation or other systems
• Working knowledge of English and local languages of Balochistan
• National of Pakistan

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Hydraulic Design\: Ability to calculate flow rates, pressure losses, and pipe sizing for efficient water conveyance and delivery.
• Understanding of Soil and Crop Requirements\: Knowledge of soil types, crop water requirements, and evapotranspiration to optimize irrigation scheduling.
• Drip Irrigation Layout Planning\: Design of mainlines, sub-mainlines, laterals, and drip emitters to ensure uniform water distribution.
• Pipe Network Design\: Selection of appropriate pipe materials (PVC, HDPE, etc.), jointing techniques, and network layout (branch, loop, or grid systems).
• Pump Selection and Sizing\: Calculate pump head and flow requirements based on the design parameters of the system.
• Training and Capacity Building\: Skills in training operators and farmers on system operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Problem-Solving and Adaptability\: Flexibility to modify designs based on field conditions and stakeholder feedback.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams is essential

Selection Criteria

• Proven experience in designing similar systems within arid or semi-arid regions.
• Familiarity with local and international standards related to irrigation systems.
• Familiarity with the socio-economic and environmental challenges of the Balochistan province.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION