National Site Engineer - Food and Agriculture Organization

The Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations with funding support of the European Union (EU) is implementing Food Security Response in Northern Ghana (GCP/GHA/040/EC) project (2023-2026) targeting at least 10,000 households. The project is being implemented over three agricultural seasons to increase crop and livestock production, including 6 000 maize farmers who will be supported to produce 18 000 Mt of maize over three years in targeted districts; 2 400 millet farmers who will be supported to produce 5,184 Mt of millet; and 4 200 sorghum farmers to produce 8 517 Mt of sorghum over the three years in the targeted districts.

In addition, farmers, especially women and youth, and value chain actors will be supported with capacity and access to post-harvest technologies along the groundnut, soybean and vegetable (tomato) value chains with farmers’ capacity on climate change adaptation among others enhanced.

The project will promote crop-specific, agro-ecological systems and approaches and support the sustainable development of maize, millet, sorghum, soyabean, groundnut, vegetables (tomato), poultry, piggery value chains. In selected project locations, direct agricultural inputs provision, accompanied by support to climate-adapted agricultural practices, provision of improved grain storage technologies, training on post-harvest practices, promotion of organic fertilizer use, provision of solar powered irrigation solutions and application of other climate sensitive and sustainable Agri techniques, will help in resolving some of the production and post-harvest bottlenecks and contribute to achieving food security, and enhanced resilience to future shocks and disasters.

Reporting Lines

The National Site Engineer will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Country Representative and the direct technical supervision of the Project Manager, and in close coordination with the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and the FAO project team in Ghana

Technical Focus

The National Site Engineer will provide technical supervision and quality assurance for the implementation of solar-powered irrigation and water infrastructure systems under the project. The incumbent will support the supervision of borehole drilling, aquifer testing, irrigation infrastructure installation, civil works, water storage and distribution systems, and ensure that all construction and installation activities comply with approved technical specifications, safety standards, environmental safeguards, and project timelines.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Supervise sites and work, check layout, line, and levels against construction drawings, Borehole drilling, construction, aquifer testing and solar-powered pumping system installation, water storage and distribution infrastructure, civil works, drip irrigation:
• Ensure all construction conforms to specifications, codes of practice, and quality standards, including material testing (e.g., concrete tests).
• Monitor the contractor’s work program, identify delays, and ensure compliance with the schedule.
• Prepare daily, weekly, or monthly progress reports on activities, resources, and site conditions.
• Enforce site safety regulations, health conditions, and environmental safeguards.
• Interpret technical drawings, resolve technical challenges on-site, and liaise with the contractor’s team.
• Assist in measuring of completed works to support the contract manager.
• Ensure full compliance with Ghana national safety standards and project timelines.
• Prepare quarterly progress reports and a comprehensive end-of-assignment report.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

• Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Irrigation/Civil /Geology, Agricultural/ Water resource/Mechanical/Electrical/Civil Engineering or related field
• Registered engineer with a recognized professional body, with at least five (5) years of relevant field experience in solar irrigation management, water systems installation, borehole drilling, irrigation infrastructure, or related civil/water infrastructure works. At least two (2) years of the above experience must be in site supervision of similar infrastructure projects, including supervision of contractors, quality control, review of technical specifications/drawings, and monitoring of works against approved timelines.
• Working knowledge of English (Level C)
• National of Ghana

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word), and project management software (e.g., MS Project).
• Construction supervision and site management
• Proven experience in contract management for civil works, particularly in irrigation system installation and related infrastructure.
• Interpretation of construction drawings, specifications, and BOQs
• Borehole drilling supervision and groundwater/aquifer testing knowledge
• Irrigation systems installation (especially drip irrigation systems)
• Material testing and quality control (e.g., concrete slump tests, compaction tests)
• Knowledge of construction methods, codes, and standards
• Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) compliance in construction sites
• Project scheduling and basic construction planning tools (e.g., MS Project, Excel)
• Attention to detail and accuracy in measurements and reporting
• Implementation of relevant codes and standards

Selection Criteria

• Prior experience working with FAO or any UN agency
• Prior experience working with the government and other relevant institutions in Ghana
• Experience in projects related to solar Irrigation or water systems installation would be an advantage.

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