Engineer

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services. 
(iii)    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation. 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

Description of the project

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations is implementing a project for improving the country’s preparedness and response to emerging health threats. This project is in alignment with Regional Priority 1 (Transforming Agrifood systems for sustainable production and healthy diets), with a particular focus on Regional Initiative 3 (Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture). The project will be implemented in St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda over a period of 3 years. The project will specifically focus on strengthening surveillance and diagnostics for veterinary and zoonotic pathogens and strengthening the human resource capacity of the veterinary services in the OECS.

Reporting Lines

The Engineer will be under the general supervision of the FAO Livestock Development Officer in SLC.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for the design of the physical infrastructure and technical specifications for the construction of the Ministry of Agriculture Laboratory in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Conduct a Site Assessment, visit and assess the proposed site conditions and existing infrastructure, evaluate utilities and logistical aspects relevant to laboratory operations.
•     Prepare Design and Layout, develop the design and layout for the proposed laboratory, ensure compliance with laboratory workflow, biosafety, and functional requirements.
•     Develop Technical Specifications, produce drawings, BoQs, and technical descriptions of materials and systems, recommend construction materials suitable for local conditions and sustainability
•     Coordinate with Stakeholders, consult with the Ministry of Agriculture and FAO to ensure designs meet functional needs, revise and finalize documents based on feedback
•     Provide engineering support for the design and development of the laboratory’s physical infrastructure
•     Prepare and/or review detailed engineering drawing, designs and technical specifications for the construction phase
•     Ensure that all designs and technical documentation comply with national building codes, international standards and FAO environmental and safety requirements
•     Advise on appropriate construction materials, layouts, and engineering solutions suitable for laboratory facilities
•     Contribute to the preparation of cost estimates, bill of quantities and other documentation to support the procurement and tendering process
•     Review and validate architectural and engineering submissions to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with project objectives
•     Collaborate with project managers, architects and multidisciplinary teams to ensure technical requirements are fully integrated into design outputs

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     A Graduate degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Architecture and at least five (5) years of experience in the design of buildings or laboratories
•     An undergraduate degree with an additional two (2) years of relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments
•     Demonstrated experience in the design and preparation of engineering drawings for construction projects, preferably laboratory or specialized facilities 
•     Strong knowledge of national building codes, international engineering standards, and sustainable construction practices
•     Demonstrated ability to prepare cost estimates, bills of quantities, and tender documentation to support procurement processes
•     Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the capacity to propose practical, technically sound solutions
•     Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver outputs with tight deadlines.
•     Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain complex technical information clearly and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
•     High attention to detail and accuracy in reviewing and preparing technical documentation
•     Demonstrated professionalism, adaptability, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a results-oriented environment

Selection Criteria

•     Knowledge of biosafety/biosecurity principles.
•     Registration or license to practice in relevant field.
•     Experience working in the Caribbean context or similar environments