Water Technical Specialist
FAOVarious Locations
About this role
The role strengthens FAO's capacity to deliver high-quality technical support across its regional water portfolio in Asia and the Pacific. The incumbent supports project formulation, technical reviews, implementation support, capacity development, monitoring and evaluation, technical studies, knowledge management, and policy advisory services. The role contributes to the RAP Integrated Water Programme (WP G2+) 2026–2030 and a suite of new projects under GEF, GCF, and other development partners.
- Undertake technical assessments, feasibility studies, diagnostic analyses, modelling, risk and vulnerability assessments, and other analytical work related to water resources management and developmen
- Provide technical reviews, quality assurance, peer review and technical clearances for project documents, studies, reports, policies, strategies, guidelines and knowledge products.
- Support activities related to integrated water resources management, transboundary water cooperation, water allocation and accounting, water scarcity and drought management, groundwater and surface w
Listing details
- Status
- Open
- Application deadline
- 10 August 2026
- Posted
- 20 July 2026
- Last checked
- 21 July 2026
- Source
- FAO careers
Classification
- Location
- Various Locations15 open roles
- Contract type
- Consultancy554 open roles
- Grade / level
- N/A56 open roles
- Career stage
- Unknown
Requirements
- Languages required
- English972 open roles
- Citizenship / nationality
- Nationals of member countries355 open roles
- Years of experience
- 5+ years695 open roles
- Degree requirement
- Bachelor's581 open roles
Description
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture. • Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply; • Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values • FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination • All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks • All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
Organizational Setting The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members - 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31 articulates FAO’s vision of a sustainable and food secure world for all, in the context of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. FAO Strategic Framework 2022–31 seeks to support the 2030 Agenda through the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. FAO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) provides support to its member countries to access resources from various donors and partners through project identification, proposal development and implementation to meet its overall global strategic vision. Working closely with its member countries, RAP ensures multidisciplinary support to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with the Offices, Centres and Divisions at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to country and regional priorities. As part of the RAP Integrated Water Programme (WP G2+) 2026–2030, Water programming and resource mobilization for work on water at RAP is expanding rapidly – including a suite of new projects under the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and other development partners. To support this expanding portfolio, FAO is developing a roster of skilled and experienced professionals to provide specialized technical support across a wide range of water-related disciplines. Experts may be engaged to support project formulation, technical reviews, implementation support, capacity development, monitoring and evaluation, technical studies, knowledge management, and policy advisory services across Asia and Pacific countries.
Reporting Lines The incumbents will work under the overall technical supervision of the RAP Land and Water Officer, in close collaboration with the Land, Water and Climate Change Module Leader, other RAP technical officers, FAO country offices.
Technical Focus The overall technical focus is to strengthen FAO's capacity to deliver high-quality technical support across its regional water portfolio. Specialists may be engaged in one or more of the following areas: • Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) • Transboundary Waters and Regional Cooperation • Water Resources Planning, Allocation, Accounting, Water Scarcity and Drought Management • Agricultural Water Management and Water Productivity • Irrigation Modernization, Irrigation and Drainage Engineering • Water Infrastructure Planning and Design • Water Governance, Policy, Water Tenure and Water Rights • Groundwater Assessment, Hydrogeology and Aquifer Management • River Engineering, River Basin Infrastructure, Hydrology, Hydrological Modelling, Sediment Management, Flood and Erosion Control, and Hydrometeorological Services • Water Quality Monitoring, Wastewater Management, Reuse and Pollution Control • Climate Change Adaptation, Resilience, Nature-based Solutions, Watershed Management and Ecosystem Restoration • Sustainable Land and Water Management • Renewable Energy for Water Systems, Solar-powered Irrigation, Small-scale Hydropower, Bioenergy Production and System Design, and Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus Approaches • Water Data Management, Hydroinformatics, Remote Sensing, GIS, AI and Digital Water Solutions • Environmental Economics, Valuation of Water and Ecosystem Services, and Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)
Tasks and responsibilities Depending on the assignment and the specific technical expertise required, the expert may be requested to perform one or more of the following duties: • Undertake technical assessments, feasibility studies, diagnostic analyses, modelling, risk and vulnerability assessments, and other analytical work related to water resources management and development; • Provide technical reviews, quality assurance, peer review and technical clearances for project documents, studies, reports, policies, strategies, guidelines and knowledge products; • Support activities related to integrated water resources management, transboundary water cooperation, water allocation and accounting, water scarcity and drought management, groundwater and surface water management, hydrology, hydrological and hydraulic modelling, river basin management, river engineering, sediment management, flood and erosion control, hydrometeorological services, water infrastructure planning and design, irrigation modernization, irrigation and drainage systems, and water governance; • Provide technical support on agricultural water management, water productivity, climate change adaptation, resilience building, watershed management, ecosystem restoration, nature-based solutions, sustainable land and water management, water quality monitoring, wastewater management, water reuse and pollution control; • Apply and promote innovative approaches and technologies, including hydroinformatics, remote sensing, GIS, artificial intelligence, digital water solutions, renewable energy applications for water systems (including solar-powered irrigation, small-scale hydropower and bioenergy systems), and water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus approaches; • Conduct environmental, economic and financial analyses related to water resources, including valuation of water and ecosystem services and payment for ecosystem services mechanisms; • Deliver technical advisory services, capacity development activities, stakeholder consultations, policy dialogue, institutional strengthening and partnership development; • Support monitoring, evaluation, reporting, knowledge management, communications, resource mobilization and collaboration with governments, development partners, research institutions, academia, civil society organizations and the private sector; • Perform other related duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements • For Consultants: Advanced University degree, or a Bachelor’s degree with two additional years of experience, from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Water Resources Management, Irrigation Engineering, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Climate Change, Geography, GIS, Remote Sensing, Natural Resources Management, Renewable Energy, Agricultural Engineering, Ecosystem Restoration, or other relevant disciplines. • For PSA.SBS: University degree (or technical degree/certificate) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Water Resources Management, Irrigation Engineering, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Climate Change, Geography, GIS, Remote Sensing, Natural Resources Management, Renewable Energy, Agricultural Engineering, Ecosystem Restoration, or other relevant disciplines. • At least 5 years of relevant experience in the area of water resources management. • Working knowledge (level C) of English
FAO Core Competencies • Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills • Demonstrated technical expertise in one or more of the roster disciplines. • Experience in project formulation, implementation support, technical advisory services or evaluation. • Experience working with governments, international organizations, development partners, research institutions and/or the private sector. • Experience in developing technical reports, guidelines, strategies and knowledge products. • Experience working in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. • Experience in Asia and the Pacific region is highly desirable. Familiarity with FAO procedures and technical approaches is an advantage.
Selection Criteria • Knowledge of additional FAO languages is considered a strong asset and may be required for specific assignments. • Relevant experience and demonstrated expertise in one or more of the technical areas identified under the roster disciplines • Experience in the design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation or technical support of water-related programmes and projects • Experience in preparing technical studies, assessments, project documents, strategies, guidelines and knowledge products. • Demonstrated ability to analyse technical information and provide practical recommendations. • Experience working with governments, development partners, research institutions, communities and/or the private sector. • Demonstrated experience working successfully in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, particularly in developing countries and countries in transition. • Extent and relevance of experience in Asia and the Pacific region. • Familiarity with FAO, UN, GEF, GCF, ADB, World Bank or other international development programmes and procedures is an advantage. • Proven ability to deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION • FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing) • Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list • Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ • For more information, visit the FAO employment website • Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
HOW TO APPLY • To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills • Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile • Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application • Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications • Incomplete applications will not be considered • Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application • Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered • Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile • We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date. If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT


