Irrigation and Water Management Expert

I. Project Background
The Republic of Lebanon (the Borrower) represented by the Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR) has received a loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) in the amount of US$ 200 million toward the cost of the Green, Agri-food Transformation for Economic Recovery Project (Gate).
(GATE) Project aims to improve the resilience of farmers and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Lebanese agri-food sector. The project is designed to facilitate access to finance, support climate-smart investments, and restore critical infrastructure services to sustain and enhance the agricultural value chain. Through targeted interventions, it seeks to increase agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable economic growth. The project is structured into key components focusing on value chain investments, infrastructure development, enabling regulatory improvements, and knowledge management.
The Project is structured into five main components, each designed to strengthen the resilience of Lebanon’s agri-food sector and support farmers and SMEs:
· Component 1: Climate Smart Investments in Agri-food Value Chains
· Component 2: Climate-Smart Infrastructure and Services for Agri-Food Sector Development
· Component 3: Improving the Enabling Environment and Restoring Support Services for Agri-food Sector Development
· Component 4: Project and Knowledge Management
· Component 5: Contingency Emergency Response Component
The Green Plan has been delegated by the CDR to implement and manage the Subcomponent 2.1.
This sub-component – Improving rural community infrastructure for agriculture (US$28 million) – involves investments in climate-smart infrastructure and services. It will work closely with municipalities and stakeholders to develop and prioritize projects such as hill lakes, road rehabilitation, and irrigation improvements. Green Plan will establish a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) to oversee implementation and ensure proper coordination.

II. Objectives of the Assignment
The objective of the assignment in subcomponent 2.1 is to provide technical leadership in planning, designing, and supervising irrigation systems linked to hill lakes and agricultural infrastructure to ensure efficient and sustainable use of water resources.
To achieve this, Green Plan requires the services of an Irrigation and Water Management Expert.

III. Tasks and Responsibilities
The Irrigation and Water Management Expert will perform the following tasks:
- Lead the planning and design of irrigation systems connected to hill lakes and agricultural road projects.
- Ensure efficient water distribution to support agricultural productivity.
- Develop and promote sustainable water management strategies for long-term resilience.
- Oversee the construction and quality assurance of main irrigation networks from hill lakes to farm levels.
- Monitor drip irrigation systems and assess their performance to ensure effective water delivery.
- Provide technical expertise during the design and supervision phases of water-related infrastructure.
- Design and deliver training programs for farmers and technical staff on good irrigation and water management best practices. Training shall be gender-responsive and tailored to the needs of women farmers, water-user associations (WUAs), etc, and field technicians, promoting equitable participation in irrigation governance.
- Develop user-friendly manuals and guides for efficient irrigation practices.
- Ensure irrigation activities comply with national legislation and environmental and social standards
- Collaborate with the Environment and Social Expert to minimize the negative impacts of irrigation systems. The Expert will also coordinate with WUAs, local committees, and the Ministries of Agriculture, Energy & Water, and Environment to ensure compliance with national pollution control standards and to align with any existing or forthcoming regulations governing fertilizer use by law.
- Regularly monitor water resource performance indicators.
- Prepare periodic technical reports on irrigation and water management activities.
- Provide recommendations for improvement in irrigation infrastructure.

IV. Qualifications and Experience
· Education:
- At least a Master’s degree in Irrigation Engineering, Water Resources Management, or closely related fields.
· Experience:
- Minimum 7 years of experience in water resource management and irrigation projects, preferably in World Bank–funded initiatives.
· Technical Expertise:
- Proven expertise in drip irrigation systems, water resource management.
- Familiarity with World Bank environmental and social standards.

· Languages:
- Proficiency in Arabic and English (written and spoken).

V. Reporting Line
- The Irrigation and Water Management Expert will report to the Project Manager of the Project Management Unit (PMU) and will collaborate closely with technical teams, field staff and relevant stakeholders.
- The consultant shall submit the following deliverables: (i) a monthly activity report summarizing key activities, outputs and progress; and (ii) a monthly timesheet indicating the number of days/hours worked.

VI. Duration of Assignment
The initial contract duration is one year and is renewable based on performance and project requirements.

VII. Location
The position will be based at the Green Plan Offices. Regular field visits to rural areas are required.