Job-Specific Information:
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Team Lead - Rural Component, the Irrigation and Micro Hydro Power (MHP) engineer is responsible for supporting the effective and successful field level implementation of irrigation and Micro Hydro Power (MHP) sub-projects under the community resilience and livelihoods program in rural areas. This includes providing technical support to implementing partners (IPs) field based engineers and Cash for Work (CfW) engineers, reviewing proposals, enriching technical manuals, operation and maintenance manuals and ensuring the quality and sustainability of irrigation infrastructure.
Summary of Key Functions
● Provide technical support and guidance to IPs field based engineers and Cash for Work (CfW) engineers on the design, construction, and rehabilitation of irrigation structures, water supply systems, MHP schemes, and micro-hydro projects, ensuring designs are adapted to local conditions and consider climate change resilience.
● Conduct site visits to provide on-the-ground technical assistance, ensure compliance with technical standards and specifications, and troubleshoot technical issues.
● Review the FPs subproject proposals based on UNOPS three categories - Group 1 (Exempt Activities), Group 2 (Model Designs), Group 3 (Standard Design Review process with HQ).
● Ensure they are technically sound, feasible, cost-effective, aligned with project objectives, and incorporate appropriate environmental and social safeguards, providing feedback and recommendations for improvement,
● Review sub-project classifications in the MIS and ensure they are correctly assigned to the appropriate category—Group 1 (Exempt Activities), Group 2 (Model Designs), or Group 3 (Standard Design Review Process with HQ).
● Support the project team to maintain the IPMG Jira ticket/depository interface, where required by the approach.
● Monitor the quality of construction and rehabilitation works, ensure compliance with technical specifications and standards, conduct material testing and analysis, identify potential issues, recommend corrective actions, and document all quality control activities.
● Contribute to the development and enrichment of clear, concise, and accessible technical manuals and guidelines for irrigation sub-projects, incorporating best practices, lessons learned, new technologies, visual aids, and practical examples, and translate them into local languages as needed.
● Ensure that all irrigation sub-projects are implemented in compliance with UNOPS' environmental and social safeguards policies, promoting sustainable and responsible development practices.
● Assist in the development of quality control procedures and monitoring systems.
● Conduct site assessments to evaluate existing irrigation infrastructure, identify rehabilitation needs, and provide recommendations for improvement, ensuring efficient water resource management.
● Provide training and mentoring to IP engineers and CfW engineers on irrigation design, construction, and maintenance, developing tailored training modules and conducting on-the-job training to build practical skills.
● Prepare comprehensive technical reports, progress updates, and documentation related to irrigation sub-projects, contributing to effective project monitoring and evaluation.
● Liaise with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and partner organizations, to ensure effective coordination and collaboration in the implementation of irrigation projects.
● Verify that E&S/HSSE requirements are integrated into subproject implementation (PPE/first aid, safe work practices, incident reporting where applicable).
● Record non-compliance and follow-up actions.
● Escalate repeated/non-resolved issues to the supervisor/HSSE/E&S focal points.
● Support commissioning and functionality verification for completed MHP subprojects (and associated civil works), including review of commissioning checklists, test records and completion evidence.
● Verify that handover documentation is complete and properly filed in the project repository/MIS.
● Track defects and corrective actions during the applicable Defects Notification Period (DNP) or agreed post-completion follow-up arrangements under AF2, ensuring issues, remedial works and closure evidence are documented.
● Escalate unresolved defects, commissioning gaps, or incomplete handover packages to the supervisor/technical lead for action and decision.
● Any other tasks and responsibilities which are assigned by related supervisor/managers.
Impact of Results
The effective performance of the Irrigation and MHP Engineer - Technical Support directly contributes to the successful implementation of sustainable irrigation sub-projects within the CRLP's rural component. By providing expert technical guidance, ensuring quality construction, and building local capacity, this role enhances the resilience and livelihoods of rural communities, supports UNOPS' commitment to sustainable development, and strengthens UNOPS' reputation as a reliable partner in Afghanistan's recovery.
Qualifications and Experience
a. Education
● A university degree (minimum Bachelor) in Irrigation Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field is required.
● Specific training in water resource management, irrigation design, MHP, or related technical areas from a recognized institution is an asset.
● Training in environmental safeguards and sustainable development practices is an asset.
b. Work Experience
● A minimum of two years of relevant experience in Irrigation and MHP engineering is required, with a demonstrated focus on the design, construction, and rehabilitation of irrigation systems.
● Experience working on Cash for Work projects or community-driven development (CDD) projects is required.
● Previous experience working with Community Development Councils (CDCs), Community Representative Groups (CRGs), or similar community structures is an asset.
● Experience in providing technical support and training to engineers and technicians is an asset.
● Proficiency in using engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) is required.
c. Language Requirements:
● Excellent knowledge of both written and oral English is required.
● Fluency in Pashto and/or Dari is required.
d. Reporting and Site Visit:
● Experience in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports detailing the status of irrigation sub-projects, key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
● Willingness and ability to travel regularly to field/project sites.
Competencies
- Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
- Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles
- Demonstrates understanding of the impact of one's own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
- Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
- Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts one’ own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
- Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
- Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
