Project Advisor – Sustainable Irrigation

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working in more than 20 countries across Africa and Asia. Building on 60 years of experience and together with our team of over 1,600 people, we strengthen capacities and catalyst partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems, which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all. Grounded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we work on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance. SNV has over 50 years of experience working

SNV is a not-for-profit international development organisation. Founded in the Netherlands 50 years ago, we work in more than 20 countries in Asia, West Africa, and East and Southern Africa. Our global team of local and international advisors work with local partners to equip communities, businesses, and organisations with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to increase their incomes and gain access to basic services – empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and guide their own development. Our new Strategic plan (2022-2030) commits us to work in three intersecting sectors (Agrifood, Water and Energy), with a focus on the three cross-cutting issues of climate change, institutional strengthening and governance and gender and social inclusion, to support the achievement of nine of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Job Description

The Project Advisor will be responsible for working under the SUSTAIN ECO project that focuses on the restoration of ecosystem and biodiversity, environmental conservation and water resource management of natural areas across the Lake Rukwa Landscape areas. The Project Advisor will be responsible for working under the SUSTAIN ECO project that focuses on the restoration of ecosystem and biodiversity, environmental conservation and water resource management of natural areas across the Lake Rukwa Landscape areas.

Key responsibilities include the following:

  • Sustainable Irrigation Design and Implementation
    • Work with consultant to oversee the design and construction of Utobe irrigation canals, including the incorporation of Nature based solutions (Nbs).
    • Support efforts towards the restoration of Utobe water supply systems while minimizing unsustainable water extraction practices
    • Promote sustainable irrigation techniques to optimize water use efficiency and support agricultural productivity.
    • Provide technical guidance on irrigation system design, installation, and maintenance to farmers and stakeholders.
  • Water Resource Management Interventions
    • In collaboration with Agronomist establish and manage demonstration sites showcasing sustainable irrigation systems and their benefits to ecosystem health.
    • Oversee initiatives to construct infrastructure, such as cattle watering troughs, away from riparian zones to reduce ecosystem degradation.
    • In collaboration with Agronomist, promote climate-resilient practices such as agroforestry, rotational grazing, and soil conservation techniques.
    • Provide technical training to farmers, Water User Associations (WUAs), and local communities on sustainable irrigation and water management practices.
    • Collaborate with stakeholders to implement water-saving technologies and practices that reduce pressure on water resources.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation
    • Design and execute turbidity and water quality monitoring programs to track pollution and sedimentation sources in irrigation systems.
    • Monitor and evaluate project performance against approved work plans, specifically focusing on irrigation and water resources management
    • Recommend and implement corrective measures to improve irrigation practices and reduce environmental impacts.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration
    • Work closely with WUAs and local communities to integrate sustainable water and land management practices into irrigation activities.
    • Support the LRBWB in conducting water audits to promote equitable and sustainable water allocation for irrigation and other uses.
    • Prepare Terms of Reference (ToRs) for consultants, contractors and partners as required
    • Supervise consultants and contractors to deliver high-quality and timely outputs
  • Reporting and Documentation
    • Develop high-quality technical reports documenting sustainable irrigation practices, challenges, and lessons learned.
    • Ensure proper documentation of activities and share knowledge products with stakeholders.
    • Assist in preparing work plans that define activities to be carried out under sustainable irrigation and integrated water resources management.

Perform other relevant duties as determined by the Project Manager

Key responsibilities include the following:

  • Sustainable Irrigation Design and Implementation
    • Work with consultant to oversee the design and construction of Utobe irrigation canals, including the incorporation of Nature based solutions (Nbs).
    • Support efforts towards the restoration of Utobe water supply systems while minimizing unsustainable water extraction practices
    • Promote sustainable irrigation techniques to optimize water use efficiency and support agricultural productivity.
    • Provide technical guidance on irrigation system design, installation, and maintenance to farmers and stakeholders.
  • Water Resource Management Interventions
    • In collaboration with Agronomist establish and manage demonstration sites showcasing sustainable irrigation systems and their benefits to ecosystem health.
    • Oversee initiatives to construct infrastructure, such as cattle watering troughs, away from riparian zones to reduce ecosystem degradation.
    • In collaboration with Agronomist, promote climate-resilient practices such as agroforestry, rotational grazing, and soil conservation techniques.
    • Provide technical training to farmers, Water User Associations (WUAs), and local communities on sustainable irrigation and water management practices.
    • Collaborate with stakeholders to implement water-saving technologies and practices that reduce pressure on water resources.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation
    • Design and execute turbidity and water quality monitoring programs to track pollution and sedimentation sources in irrigation systems.
    • Monitor and evaluate project performance against approved work plans, specifically focusing on irrigation and water resources management
    • Recommend and implement corrective measures to improve irrigation practices and reduce environmental impacts.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration
    • Work closely with WUAs and local communities to integrate sustainable water and land management practices into irrigation activities.
    • Support the LRBWB in conducting water audits to promote equitable and sustainable water allocation for irrigation and other uses.
    • Prepare Terms of Reference (ToRs) for consultants, contractors and partners as required
    • Supervise consultants and contractors to deliver high-quality and timely outputs
  • Reporting and Documentation
    • Develop high-quality technical reports documenting sustainable irrigation practices, challenges, and lessons learned.
    • Ensure proper documentation of activities and share knowledge products with stakeholders.
    • Assist in preparing work plans that define activities to be carried out under sustainable irrigation and integrated water resources management.
    • Perform other relevant duties as determined by the Project Manager

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Irrigation or in Water Resource Management with Irrigation courses/modules incorporated within them
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in designing and implementing sustainable irrigation systems and water management projects.
  • Proven track record in conservation, especially in riparian zones, and bio-assessments.
  • Extensive experience with GIS tools and applications (including ArcGIS).
  • Familiarity with construction management and the development of green and grey infrastructure.
  • Hands-on experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms
  • Experience working in international organizations, the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural setting
  • Excellent communication skills in English and Swahili (both written and oral), including excellent report writing, documentation and presentation skills.
  • Willingness to travel long distances in remote rural areas and be based in the Sumbawanga landscape
  • Master’s degree in Irrigation or in Water Resource Management with Irrigation courses/modules incorporated within them
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in designing and implementing sustainable irrigation systems and water management projects.
  • Proven track record in conservation, especially in riparian zones, and bio-assessments.
  • Extensive experience with GIS tools and applications (including ArcGIS).
  • Familiarity with construction management and the development of green and grey infrastructure.
  • Hands-on experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms
  • Experience working in international organizations, the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural setting
  • Excellent communication skills in English and Swahili (both written and oral), including excellent report writing, documentation and presentation skills.
  • Willingness to travel long distances in remote rural areas and be based in the Sumbawanga landscape.

Functional Competencies – demonstrated ability in:

  • Strong expertise in designing and supervision of irrigation systems, promoting green & grey irrigation infrastructure, and promoting sustainable irrigation practices
  • Ability to interpret and apply spatial data to support WRM and conservation initiatives.
  • Ability to design and implement strategies for sustainable water use and conservation practices.
  • Experience in conducting water audits, hydrological assessments, and managing water quality/quantity data.
  • Demonstrated ability to supervise consultants and oversee construction projects.
  • Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills, particularly with government officials and community organisations (WUAs, IOs, Etc).
  • Computer and software proficiency – Outlook, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, GIS and Adobe Photoshop

Additional Information

Location: Mpanda

Reports to: Project manager

Working at SNV

SNV offers a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from, and contribute to, an internal global network of finance experts.

 

How to Apply:

The vacancy is for internal and external candidates and it will active up to 10th February 2025and all applications should be through Smart Recruiters on the following link https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/SNV.

Please follow the link provided below.

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