Overview
The Sustainable Systems Specialist will contribute to designing and implementing projects promoting sustainable agricultural production systems and natural resource management in Lebanon. The role provides technical expertise, management, and implementation support across FAO Lebanon's Climate Change and Sustainable Systems thematic area.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical guidance on design, rehabilitation and performance optimization of irrigation systems, applying water balance modelling and water accounting methodologies.
- Develop and implement irrigation water balance monitoring systems, including real-time monitoring and remote sensing.
- Support preparation of irrigation master plans and investment frameworks.
- Prepare technical specifications, BoQs and procurement documentation for irrigation works.
- Lead design and implementation of renewable energy solutions in agricultural and rural infrastructure, focusing on solar irrigation systems.
- Assess feasibility and performance of renewable energy applications, prepare technical designs and specifications, and supervise installation and commissioning.
- Promote energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption among farmers, cooperatives and local institutions.
- Provide technical expertise in designing and implementing nature-based wastewater treatment systems, including constructed wetlands.
- Promote treated wastewater reuse in water-scarce areas.
- Provide technical supervision of agricultural and rural infrastructure rehabilitation.
- Conduct regular field assessments to verify infrastructure performance.
- Provide technical inputs to NRM initiatives.
- Integrate circular economy principles into programming.
- Support knowledge generation and technical guidelines on sustainable resource use.
- Lead/ contribute to the preparation and updating of project workplans, activity schedules and procurement plans.
- Prepare Terms of Reference, Scope of Works, evaluation criteria, project reports and programme documentation.
- Prepare technical specifications of inputs, supplies, and equipment.
- Prepare and update logical frameworks, results frameworks and performance monitoring matrices.
- Monitor implementation progress, identify bottlenecks and risks, and report findings and corrective actions.
- Coordinate with implementing partners, contractors and field teams.
- Lead preparation of donor progress reports, corporate reporting submissions and internal monitoring documents.
- Participate in review meetings and external coordination forums.
- Contribute to project proposals and concept notes.
- Liaise with national ministries, water establishments, municipalities, cooperatives and communities.
- Support capacity development for national counterparts and local stakeholders.
- Contribute to knowledge management by documenting lessons learned, good practices and innovations.
Required Experience
- 6 years of relevant experience in water resource management, irrigation, rural infrastructure or renewable energy in the agriculture or rural development sector; and proven experience in: (i) design, rehabilitation or monitoring of irrigation and water infrastructure; (ii) preparation of technical specifications, BoQs and procurement documentation; (iii) design or implementation of renewable energy solutions, including solar irrigation systems; (iv) design or supervision of nature-based solutions such as constructed wetlands.
- Experience with climate finance mechanisms (GEF, GCF) or NRM is an asset.
- Prior FAO, UN agencies or international organisations experience is an asset.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Agricultural, Water Resources or Environmental Engineering, or a closely related technical field. Master's degree is an asset.
