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. The main aim of the FAO Representation in Cambodia is to assist government to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.
The Public-Social-Private Partnerships for Ecologically-Sound Agriculture and Resilient Livelihood in Northern Tonle Sap Basin (PEARL) is a six-year project (2023 โ 2029), funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This adaptation project aims to enhance the climate resilience of farmers and local communities in the Northern Tonle Sap Basin (Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey) through public-social-private partnerships and improved access to growing segments of premium agricultural product market while ensuring climate-resilient practices.ย
A Technical Specialist (Engineering) will provide technical expertise for planning, supervising, and monitoring the construction of agricultural infrastructure requested by project selected farmer organizations (FOs) under the Farmer-Led Agricultural Resilience Mechanism (FARM). The consultant will help prepare technical specifications, review construction proposals, monitor work quality, and ensure compliance with relevant standards and environmental safeguards.
Reporting Lines
The Technical Specialist (Engineering) reports directly to the Technical Advisor for value chain development, Component 2 Lead and works under the technical oversight of Lead Technical Officer (LTO) in the FAO regional office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) and relevant technical units at FAO headquarters.ย
Technical Focusย
The Technical Specialist (Engineering) will provide specialized engineering expertise to support the planning, design, supervision, and quality assurance of agricultural infrastructure investments under the FARM mechanism. This role focuses on ensuring that all construction activities, such as warehouses, net houses, drying areas, irrigation, and related facilities, are technically sound, climate-resilient, and compliant with FAO and national standards. The incumbent will review and prepare technical documentation, monitor construction progress, and guide service providers and farmer organizations on best practices for sustainable infrastructure. Attention to environmental safeguards, cost-effectiveness, and practical maintenance will be central throughout project implementation in the Northern Tonle Sap Basin.
Tasks and responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Cambodia, and in close collaboration with FAO Representation teams, governmental counterparts, and other technical specialists, the incumbent will carry out the following tasks:
Technical preparation and planning
โข ย ย Provide support to FAO and FOs to clarify infrastructure needs (warehouses, net houses, drying areas, irrigation, etc.) as identified in business plans;
โข ย ย Prepare or review technical designs, drawings, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and specifications for each infrastructure type;
โข ย ย Provide consultation on sustainable, climate-resilient construction methods and materials suitable for local conditions;
โข ย ย Assist in identifying appropriate, climate-resilient, and sustainable machinery and equipment tailored to the needs of the selected farmer organizations;
โข ย ย Assist in providing technical specifications and detailed guidance for farm machinery and equipment when requested by the farmer organizations and procurement unit;
Procurement and contracting support
โข ย ย Support the preparation of tender documents for construction works;
โข ย ย Address technical queries from potential bidders or service providers;
โข ย ย Work closely with team in providing feedback on the technical evaluation of construction bids as required;
โข ย ย Work closely with team in providing support and feedback on technical evaluations of procurement bids related to farm tools and machinery to ensure technical compliance and quality standards;
Supervision and quality assurance
โข ย ย Assist in supervising construction works on-site, ensuring compliance with designs, safety, and quality standards;
โข ย ย Monitor progress, verify that materials and workmanship meet FAO and national requirements;
โข ย ย Document and report construction progress, issues, and risks to FAO and the Component 2 Lead;
โข ย ย Offer on-demand technical advice and troubleshooting support for the use and maintenance of agricultural machinery and equipment;
Environmental and social safeguards
โข ย ย Ensure that all works comply with FAO environmental, social, and safety guidelines, including climate resilience and gender considerations;
โข ย ย Conduct and support Environmental and Social Screening of infrastructure to identify risk levels;
โข ย ย Conduct the site inspections to monitor safeguard compliance during the construction and installation of facilities;
โข ย ย Ensure health and safety standards are met on-site, including proper use of PPE, waste disposal, noise and dust from construction, and presence of gender-sensitive facilities (e.g., restrooms, shaded rest area, water, gender-segregated changing rooms);
โข ย ย Work with service providers to address corrective actions as needed;
โข ย ย Conduct basic training sessions for FOs and relevant stakeholders on the safe and effective use of farm equipment;
Certification and handover
โข ย ย Coordinate final inspections with relevant provincial departments, FOs and service providers;
โข ย ย Confirm satisfactory completion before handover to FOs, including all required documentation;
โข ย ย Prepare completion certificates and support asset transfer documentation;
Capacity building and flexible engagement
โข ย ย Provide basic training or guidance to FOs and local workers on maintenance and safe use of new infrastructure, as needed;
โข ย ย Provide on-demand technical advice as new asset types or construction requests arise;
Other tasks
โข ย ย Perform any other relevant tasks as assigned.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย University degree in civil engineering, agricultural engineering, or a closely related field
โข ย ย At least 5 years of professional experience in the design, supervision, and quality assurance of construction or installation of agricultural or rural infrastructure
โข ย ย Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English
โข ย ย National of Cambodia or resident of the country with valid work permit
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skillsย
โข ย ย Proven experience preparing and reviewing engineering designs, drawings, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and technical specifications for rural/agricultural infrastructure such as warehouses, nethouses, irrigation systems, drying areas and other similar constructions
โข ย ย Demonstrated ability to supervise service providers with construction works and ensure compliance with technical standards, quality, and safety requirements
โข ย ย Familiarity with Cambodian building codes, local construction practices, and relevant government regulations
โข ย ย Experience applying environmental and social safeguards in construction or rural development projects, including climate resilience and gender considerations
โข ย ย Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including farmer organizations, service providers, provincial authorities, and project teams
โข ย ย Proficiency in using engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD) and Microsoft Office applications
โข ย ย Experience with donor-funded projects, including reporting and documentation, is an advantage
โข ย ย Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to provide technical guidance and capacity building to local partners
โข ย ย Willingness to travel frequently to project sites in Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, and Oddar Meanchey provinces