Background
As part of the climate change adaptation program and building upon the newly constructed sand dams, the Department of Water Affairs is seeking services of a local engineer or a local firm to in the country. The project is meant to support vulnerable communities to efficiently utilise their water resources to address poverty through establishment of income generating activities. The drip irrigation system is highly efficient and is part of the smart agriculture technologies used to address climate change. The project areas include: Mbelebeleni (5ha), Kutsimuleni (2ha), Kabhudla (2ha), Matsanjeni (2ha), Stilo (2ha) and Sigwe (2ha).
In this context, the Project Management Unit (PMU) is looking for an Expert (Irrigation/Water Management Engineer) to provide technical support and guidance to the designing and monitoring of installation of the surface drip irrigation.
Objective:
The main objective of the Irrigation Expert in this assignment is to provide technical backstopping and to facilitate and assist the project management unit to implement irrigation activities under the project. Broadly, he/she will be responsible together with the Project Management Team and experts from the Ministry of Agriculture in successful implementation of the irrigation infrastructure related activities. His/her main input will be in conducting feasibility study, carrying out detail survey and design, and cost estimation for the above mentioned high efficiency new irrigation systems.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Drip Irrigation Expert will be working with the PMU and Engineers in the Department of Water Affairs (DWA). He/she will be closely involved in surveying, designing, and assessment works during the initial project period. He/she will be working closely with the Project Technical Assistant to implement the following tasks:
- Undertake feasibility studies including preliminary investigations, data collection and site investigations for surface drip irrigation;
- Estimating the quantity of water from the adjacent sand dams and determine the field size that can be sustained by the available water;
- Design and prepare drawings of above-mentioned irrigation systems including preparation of cost estimates;
- Monitoring the installation of the surface drip irrigation system;
- Assess the irrigation performance of the selected sites and develop an operations and maintenance plan for the installed systems.
Deliverables:
- An Inception feasibility report for the implantation of the proposed surface drip irrigation system in the proposed sites with expert recommendations and estimates of water availability;
- Design drawings of the surface drip irrigation of the 6 sites with complete material and cost estimates;
- Irrigation performance report and the operations and maintenance plan for all the 6 project sites.
Competencies
- Posses the ability and commitment to work and give results with minimum supervision;
- Ability to work under pressure and to coordinate and link with multi-disciplinary experts;
- Willingness to travel frequently to project sites;
- An understanding of the water, agriculture / environment sectors in Swaziland;
- Excellent writing and communication skills; and
- Ability to deliver on time;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Hold at least a BSc. degree qualification with specialization in Irrigation/Urban Water Supply/Water Resources/Civil Engineering.
Experience:
- At least 10 years’ of professional experience in the field of irrigation development;
- The expert must have proven track record of successful implementation of irrigation projects;
- The expert should have experience in survey and design, quality control, construction management and ability to train other persons;
- Experience of managing projects involving studies for irrigation development, design of small scale gravity works, drip & sprinkler works and water storage structure/reservoir.
Languages:
- Fluency in English both oral and writing.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
