Water management specialist (water systems engineer)

Background

The Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources in partnership with UNOPS Kenya office has designed a project aimed at climate change adaptation and sustainable use of natural resources in rural areas of Kenya through the eco-village model. Climate change is one the greatest challenges facing the world today and Kenya is already experiencing the impact of climate change as witnessed in the constant drought occurrences as well as floods, crop failure and environmental degradation through deforestation among others.

The project introduces the eco-villages, which have been named in the United Nations’ top 100 listing of Best Practices as excellent models of sustainable living. Eco-villages are human settlements in which human activities are integrated into the natural environment with minimal harm, while considering economic, social and environmental principles. This proposed response not only brings climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability to the grassroots and community level, but also encourages sustainable livelihoods.

The project will mitigate climate change associated risks to food security and livelihoods in 50 vulnerable communities established as a network of eco-villages. Given the scope of the project, implementation will be performed in three successive phases:
i) feasibility and preparatory assessment phase
ii) a pilot phase on 5 selected villages
iii) a roll out phase to the 50 foreseen eco-villages.

The selected candidate will be part of a team of technical experts who will complete the first phase of this project, the feasibility and preparatory assessment phase. The second and third phase of this project will be implemented once the required additional funding is secured.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of designated official at UNOPS, the selected candidate will be an eon agronomy and forestry and must have a strong knowledge of climate change adaptation programming with respect to agriculture, ideally in the Kenyan context. A sound knowledge of the other components of the project (alternative energy, livelihoods, water, and livestock) and work experience on similar projects would also be beneficial. The Agronomist/Forestry Specialist will be required to perform the following duties and responsibilities

- Work with the project team towards determining
• A locally suitable model for eco-villages that include adaptation to climate change as a core element
• A selection of suitable sites for pilot villages

- Devise a methodology by which to increase capture, retention, quality, and storage of water in selected eco-villages, including the potential for
• Water pan and small dam rehabilitation or construction (to include soil analysis)
• Desilting rivers
• Construction of stone / soil bunds

- Identification of local coping mechanisms to deal with drought and climate change + integration of these mechanisms into the village model

- Determine a methodology for strengthening local water management and conservation

- Provide cross-sectoral technical support to all other project members

- Together with the Project Manager, develop a detailed framework (tasks, activities, responsibilities, timelines) for the successful implementation of Phase II of the project

- Actively participate in planned workshops by providing concrete technical recommendations for survey design; potential assessment locations; a sound community approach; identification of risks / challenges and mitigations

- Develop a succinct, quality report that covers
• All above indicated water components of a model for eco-villages
• Recommendations, agreed with other technical members of the project team, on locations of pilot eco-villages
• Cost estimates for both infrastructure and software components
• Infrastructure designs / sketches for the selected sites
• A determination of whether the water component is a useful, cost-effective, and environmentally sound part of this project
• Assist with review relevant sections of existing logical framework

Required Selection Criteria

Competencies

- Work experience with government projects helpful
- Skilled in creating cost-estimates for water infrastructure and software, water balance and water utilization
- General knowledge of possible climate change impacts on water availability, agriculture, rural environment,and livelihoods
- An understanding of rural development theory and practice
- Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced professional environment
- Excellent conceptual and analytical skills
- Excellent communication skills in English with Swahili as an added advantage
- Excellent time management skills, with an ability to deliver high-quality outputs on time
- Working computer knowledge in MS Office
- Willingness to travel extensively in rural areas

Academic Qualifications/Experience/Language

- BSc. Engineering in Water, Civil, Mechanical, or Construction.
- At least 5 years of significant water project experience
- Membership of an international civil engineering institute.
- The candidate must be thoroughly proficient in written and spoken English.

Work and Field Experience

Required
- Reservoir management and efficient water use
- Management of water distribution canals
- River basin management
- Planning, designing,constructingearth and surface dams, water pans, bunds
- Hydrology and water management
- Project baseline assessment, monitoring and evaluation
- Project impact assessments (social and environment)

Desirable
- Implementing irrigated agriculture projects
- Forestry
- Alternative energy (mini-hydro, wind, solar and biomass)

Additional Considerations

- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.