Hydrology Specialist

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. Conducting Feasibility studies for irrigation system is a paramount and essential activity that seeks to determine if a proposed irrigation project is viable and economically beneficiary within a destined locality. It considers areas where surface water seems scarce in sustaining crop water demand (all season) and assesses ground water potential for alternative use during dry days. These studies usually consider various aspects such as the purpose of the project, its adaptability to local context, needs, best locations, costs, legal requirements, and potential environmental impacts/risks. The goal is to provide planners or engineers with the requisite data to develop technically responsive solutions, ensuring that the irrigation system works well, be affordable, sustainable and help farmers and communities increase production.
In view of the above, this document presents a feasibility study proposal intended to provide technical assistance to the government of Liberia, in its quest to evaluate the viability and funding needs of a proposed irrigation project, which aimed at rehabilitating dams in Foya, Lofa County for irrigation support to rice farming. The project seeks to buttress and improve the efforts of local rice farmers, with the aim of increasing production of the country’s stable food (rice), as an exertion to complement government’s food security strategy.

The proposed irrigation project aligns with Liberia’s National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP), specifically captured in Pillar 2: Economy and Jobs: Development Outcome 2: focusing on increasing agricultural productivity and enhancing food security and income generation. This assignment will be based in Foya,Lofa County.

As an accomplishment, the proposed system will contribute to the achievability of the following SDGs:
•     Goal 1: Ending Poverty
•     Goal 2: Zero Hunger
•     Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
•     Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
•     Goal 13: Climate Action

FAO involvement in the conduct of the proposed studies seeks to provide technical support to the government of Liberia, aligning directly with FAO’s strategic framework, particularly highlighted in the following goals:
•     Better Production: Innovation for sustainable agricultural practices.
•     Better Nutrition: Improved nutrition for vulnerable populations
•     Better Environment: Climate-adapted Agriculture systems
•     Better Life: Inclusive rural transformation and gender equality.

It is expected that the result from the study will put government in an informed position for rational decision taking on the proposed project in term of budget, viability, sustainability, environmental impacts and intended outcomes.
The primary objectives of the feasibility studies are to:
•     Assess the current state of irrigation dams and infrastructure in the Foya region, Lofa County, Liberia  
•     Validate the technical workability and budgetary requirement of the proposal submitted by Talentia Africa Ltd, to the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Republic of Liberia, following the company’s technical assessment of the irrigation system facilities under review
•     Evaluate irrigation water requirements, including seasonal demand, crop water needs, and irrigation scheduling.
•     Investigate the proposed use of ground water as potential source for the system
•     Conduct a random soil permeability test at the proposed farming locations to determine the water holding capacity of the soil.
•     Develop a comprehensive plan for improving irrigation and groundwater management
 

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Liberia, the Hydrology Specialist will report to the Head of Program.

Technical Focus

The Hydrology Specialist involvement seeks to analyse and evaluate the use and characteristics of both surface and groundwater as potential water sources, assess water availability in meeting system demand, carry on water quality testing to analyse its chemical properties, and assess flow/volume. The result thereof is used to inform the development and management of water wells and other subsurface projects.

Tasks and Responsibilities

•     Conduct surveys to assess the aquifer's capacity, potential yield, as well as to understand the subsurface geological formations. 
•     Perform water quality testing to determine parameters like pH, salinity (TDS, EC), and ions concentrations (Na , Ca2 , Mg2 , etc.) for calculating indices such as SAR (sodium Absorption ratio), RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonate), and others that indicate suitability for irrigation water. 
•     Aid an investigation process which may include geological mapping, borehole drilling, geophysical surveys (e.g., electrical resistivity, seismic refraction), and aquifer testing (pumping tests) for analysing the feasibility of groundwater extraction in the proposed irrigation system and assess the long-term sustainability. 
•     Collect, analyse, and interpret hydrological data (rainfall, river flow, groundwater levels etc.)
•     Assess floodplain areas and advise on flood prevention and mitigation measures.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     For Consultants: Advanced university degree in hydrology, geology, water supply engineering or related field of engineering from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Consultants with bachelor`s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSAs: University degree in hydrology, geology, water supply engineering or related field of engineering from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO.
•     One year (for category C)/five years (for category B)/ten years (for category A) of relevant work experience in hydrology.
•     Working knowledge of English (level C)
 

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Ability to conduct on-site inspections and hydrological assessments 
•     Knowledgeable of calculating irrigation water requirements, seasonal demand, crop water needs, and irrigation scheduling.
•     Understanding of sustainable use of groundwater with a potential to do water cycle and recharge analyses.
•     Oriented in providing engineering solutions for improving irrigation infrastructure and ability to design river dredging mechanism, canal and gates installations. 
•     Must be able to collect technical data, analyse them and prepare a detail technical report.
•     Must have participated in a major feasibility study of a similar assignment