Job Description Water Harvesting Technologies and Irrigation Specialist
Primary Location
: Saudi Arabia-Riyadh
Organizational Setting
The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project “UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme” is the first project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components: 1) Development of coffee Arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods.
Within the framework, FAO KSA is seeking to hire a Water Harvesting Technologies and Irrigation Specialist
Reporting Lines
The Water Harvesting Technologies and Irrigation Specialist will report to the Chief Technical Advisor of the SRAD Programme under the overall guidance of the FAO Programme Director in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Technical Focus
Supporting the implementation of related activities under the different outputs of the project (SRAD and NRM components) in accordance with workplan through the provision of expertise in relevant technical areas to support project implementation.
Tasks and responsibilities
The Specialist will work in close consultation with FAO KSA technical experts to lead and deliver the following:
• Review and update the reports on current situation of rainwater harvesting in the Kingdom including but not limited to technologies and practices used, potentials and opportunities.
• Review current relevant strategies, policies and regulatory framework and document their impact on water harvesting development and promotion and identify gaps and challenges.
• Assess and quantify rainwater harvesting potential for rehabilitation of rural farming, rangeland, forest, and degraded land and for sand encroachment control in KSA.
• Collaborate with local research institutions and academic partners to conduct studies on the long-term sustainability and environmental impact of rainwater harvesting techniques in KSA, including soil quality improvement, biodiversity conservation, and mitigation of desertification.
• Undertake a benchmarking study of best practices and technologies for rainwater harvesting in countries with a similar context as KSA and identify appropriate options for the projects’ target regions.
• Design and lead the establishment of pilot rainwater harvesting and irrigation techniques including sites for NRM, Coffee, Rose, Subtropical fruits, cereals, and other crops,
• Prepare and update practical guideline on harvesting and maximizing the use of rainwater for vegetation cover rehabilitation and conservation.
• Prepare guideline, SOPs and related knowledge products on rain harvesting for small scale agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Identify water harvesting potential sites and water harvesting options and technologies and suggest pilot interventions.
• Design, and prepare action plan for pilot test and promotion for adoption by smallholders of climate-resilient rainwater harvesting technological packages including check dams, storage tanks, groundwater recharge structures, small agricultural dams, etc.
• Advocate for policy reforms and institutional changes to create an enabling environment for the widespread adoption and mainstreaming of rainwater harvesting practices in KSA, including the development of supportive regulations and incentives.
• Engage in knowledge exchange and capacity building activities, such as workshops, seminars, and knowledge sharing platforms, to promote learning and innovation in the field of rainwater harvesting in KSA.
• Prepare and deliver need-based water harvesting training course covering water harvesting concept, methods, technologies, and practices for MoEWA national teams, land users and lead farmers.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in Water harvesting technology, irrigation management, irrigation engineering, data management, water law, water resources, agriculture-economics, management or any related subjects.
• Seven years of relevant experience in technical cooperation-related activities, policy analysis, and advice relating to water resources/irrigation management, as well as monitoring and evaluation.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English for Personal Service Agreement. For COF, working knowledge (level C) of English and knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one region and particularly in field positions with the ability to provide technical and advisory services.
• Knowledge of water harvesting systems, technologies, and best practices.
• International work experience in technical cooperation projects including familiarity with results frameworks, project work planning and budgeting.
• Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to convey and present sensitive issues/positions.
• Analytical skills and the ability to write clear and concise reports is considered a strong asset.
• Proficiency in English is essential and familiarity with Arabic language is desirable.
• Experience working with irrigation and water resources and familiarity with water harvesting technology sector in Saudi Arabia or NENA region is desirable.
FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing) Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list 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 For more information, visit the Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification
