Vacancy Announcement: Water institutions expert The FAO Land and Water Division is looking for an expert in WATER INSTITUTIONS (P4) - Deadline For Application: 18 December 2010

Under the general supervision of the Director, Land and Water Division, and in the framework of the FAO Water Programme, the incumbent will contribute to the development and implementation of FAO’s programme in the field of agricultural water institutions and the related socio-economic context. In particular, will:

• develop information and knowledge products related to agriculture water institutions;

• design and conduct analytical studies on technical and policy issues related to institutions and collective action in agriculture water management;

• prepare technical documentation and papers for discussion and publication in the field of water institutions;

• design and implement programmes and projects; co-ordinate joint activities and participate in task forces; participate in the formulation and appraisal of field projects, of the recruitment and technical supervision of field staff and the provision of technical backstopping

• design and implement methods and guidelines for water institutions auditing in agriculture

• prepare frameworks for national strategies and policies for agriculture water institutions.

• represent FAO, plan, organize and participate in related technical meetings;

• build partnerships and networks with professionals inside and outside the UN System;

• advise FAO Member Countries on their programmes through reviews and the provision of policy and technical advice;

• perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should meet the following:

▪ Advanced University Degree in economics, social sciences, agriculture engineering, civil engineering, or related disciplines,

with specialization in water resources management and related institutions

▪ Seven years of relevant experience in agriculture water institutions, collective action, and gender analysis of which at least

three at international level; experience in developing countries

▪ Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese or Russian

SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates will be assessed against the following:

▪ Extent of experience in the field of agricultural water institutions

▪ Ability to analyse complex problems and to relate water institutions within the broader agricultural water management context

▪ Ability to plan and organise work and participate in multi-disciplinary teams in agriculture and related institutions

▪ Ability to analyse technical and scientific information and to synthesize knowledge

▪ Extent of both oral and written communication skills including the ability to write concise reports

▪ Level of initiative, ability to plan, evaluate and organize work independently, ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

▪ Knowledge of other official languages of FAO (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) would be an asset

▪ Extent and relevance of academic expertise related to water institutions in agriculture