Water and Irrigation Specialist 

• Job Posting: 12/Mar/2026
• Closure Date: 13/Apr/2026, 12:59:00 AM
• Organizational Unit: FNYAR
• Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
• Type of Requisition: NPP (National Project Personnel)
• Grade Level: N/A
• Primary Location: Yemen
• Duration: 6 Months (Extendable based on budget availability)
• Post Number: N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

FAO's office for Yemen is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing countrywide food, agriculture and rural development priorities under Yemen. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant Ministries at country level.

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

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Yemen, the technical supervision of the International Water Resources and Irrigation Specialist.

Technical Focus

The position Water and Irrigation Specialist focus on the assessment, planning, implementation, and monitoring of water resources management and irrigation system interventions within FAO Yemen’s programme. It includes the technical review and design of water and environmental project components, supervision of community based water and irrigation infrastructure, development of water use capacity at community level, and establishment of data systems for water resources.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Evaluate, review and revise project documents related to water and environment and analyze design specifications included in project proposals for accuracy, soundness, feasibility and cost.
• In consultation with national authorities, UN agencies and NGOs active in project areas and targeted communities, identify priority needs in order to determine investment and subprojects.
• Supervise community-based water infrastructure, irrigation system improvement and rehabilitation.
• In coordination with the FAO’s Operational Partner (OP), assist in identifying the areas where the work will take place.
• Provide technical guidance to the FAO’s Operational Partner (OP) and assist in the implementation of their activities related to water management and rehabilitation/construction of water/irrigation infrastructure, irrigation systems.
• Identify and prepare technical specifications for all water & Irrigation system related equipment.
• Design and conduct training on water use and agronomic practices to the community-based organizations and carry out the diffusion of small-scale irrigation techniques through local NGOs, VDCs and women’s organizations for the development of irrigation schemes.
• Develop a systematic database to store and process information on water resources and water supply of the target villages and identify the gender sensitivity in the water user association structure and functioning;
• Determine best practices and success stories based on beneficiaries’ feedback and own observations from the field.
• Conduct field visits to project sites implemented by FAO and by the Operational Partner.
• Recommend solutions to water, environmental and other natural resources problems as they arise.
• Contribute in the preparation of progress and final reports, describing main activities undertaken, conclusions and recommendations and discussing findings/recommendations with Intl-WRIS.
• Provide support to FAO Representation in Yemen in implementing irrigation system activities, when requested.
• Conduct Water conflict analysis and participate in the conflict resolution mechanism.
• Strengthen and establish Community based Early Warning monitoring as necessary, 
• Regularly follow up the coordination and collaboration mechanisms of the EWS Technical Working Group and prepare periodic reports including the required technical and institutional support.
• Prepare agro-metrological forecasting and advisory services for farmers regarding pest management, crop disease, irrigation, pasture and water for livestock, crop production planning and other livelihood activities.
• Assist in providing training to the relevant colleagues
• Perform other related duties as required and advised by the supervisor.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

• Advanced university degree with specialization in water resource management, agriculture, civil works, irrigation and water management including disaster risk management, environmental science and meteorology.
• At least five years of experience in working with WUAs in the areas of water resources management to include groundwater and remote system analysis.
• Working knowledge of EnglishNational of Yemen.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated capacity to plan, advise and guide planning processes on water related issues.
• Demonstrated ability to implement a variety of analytical methodologies and techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise with multiple agencies, effectively building an understanding and partnership with other UN bodies, NGOs, and governmental agencies.
• Previous experience with International Organizations.
• Ability to plan, organize, implement and report.
• Ability to use GIS and GPS applications
• Ability to work within a team of professional staff from diverse technical and cultural backgrounds.
• Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills in English.