Agricultural & Irrigation Engineer

About the role

The FAO Sierra Leone team is seeking an Agricultural/Irrigation Engineer to lead the design, development, and rehabilitation of Inland Valley Swamp (IVS) irrigation infrastructure. The role supports the Joint United Nations Nutrition Programme, focusing on climate‑resilient livelihoods, food security, and sustainable water management.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, assess, and select suitable IVS sites through soil, land, topographic, and hydrological surveys.
• Develop and maintain an IVS database and produce technical designs, engineering drawings, Bills of Quantities, specifications, cost estimates, and implementation schedules.
• Classify IVS sites by hydrological characteristics and supervise detailed boundary, contour, and elevation mapping.
• Oversee construction and rehabilitation works, ensuring compliance with approved designs, quality standards, and FAO engineering best practices.
• Monitor contractor performance, verify material quality, support procurement with technical inputs, and certify completed works.
• Facilitate resolution of land‑tenure issues and engage with farmer‑based organizations and IVS user groups.
• Provide capacity‑building support to beneficiaries and local authorities.

Required profile

• Degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Water Resources, or related field.
• Proven experience in irrigation infrastructure design and implementation, preferably in IVS or similar ecosystems.
• Strong knowledge of climate‑resilient water management and FAO engineering standards.
• Ability to work collaboratively with ministries, local authorities, NGOs, and community groups.

Required skills

• Hydrological and topographic surveying
• Engineering drawing and design
• Preparation of Bills of Quantities and technical specifications
• Cost estimation and budgeting
• GIS mapping and database management

What we offer

• Opportunity to contribute to a high‑impact UN programme in Sierra Leone.
• Collaboration with international agencies (UNICEF, WFP, WHO) and national stakeholders.
• Professional development in climate‑resilient agriculture and irrigation.