Technical Specialist

Role summary Project background: The Community-based Climate-responsive Livelihoods and Forestry (CCLF) project, implemented by UNDP in Afghanistan, aims to strengthen the resilience of rural agro-pastoral communities to climate risks and variability by building community capacities and investing in climate-resilient rural infrastructure through a bottom-up approach led by Community Level Committees (CLCs) and other community-based organizations. The project supports adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices in both irrigated and rain-fed areas and complements these measures with investments to restore and construct rural water infrastructure that expands irrigation and improves water availability, alongside water harvesting and Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) interventions. Objective of the assignment: The objective of the assignment is to provide technical leadership and coordination for climate-resilient livelihood development, irrigation infrastructure planning, and water management under the CCLF project. The assignment will support community mobilization, water user associations, producer groups, value chain linkages, site assessments, climate and hazard-informed design inputs, gender-responsive approaches, safeguards integration, operation and maintenance planning, and practical problem-solving to advance inclusive and sustainable project implementation. Duties and responsibilities Scope of work : Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Project Manager and in close coordination with the project team and the Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Management portfolio, the Technical Specialist will provide technical backstopping, implementation support, and stakeholder coordination for CCLF activities, including engagement with sectoral ministries, local authorities, community institutions, responsible parties, and other relevant counterparts. 1- Lead technical activities, including mapping of biophysical characteristics including i) soil samples from agricultural fields ; ii) ground control points for cropping patterns; iii) identify potential sites for water harvesting and small scale irrigation; iv) sites needing flood and erosion control structures; v) map resource use by communities including water, fuel, grazing grounds, cattle camps; vi) identify potential sites for soil and water conservation; vii) identify potential sites for assisted natural regeneration; viii) Identify suitable native species for uses such as timber, fuel, forage, fruit, fodder and shade. 2- Analyze field data to develop site specific maps and data to design and guide project activities across its components including: i) soil type; ii) agricultural potential; iii) seasonal cropping pattern; iv) erodibility maps; v) disaster (flood/drough) risk maps, vi) vegetation types. 3- Train project and RPA staff in participatory on climate resilient livelihood and identifying and surveying sites prone to flooding and erosion and sites with potential for soil and water conservation, assisted natural regeneration, water harvesting and small-scale irrigation, collecting samples for soils, ground control points for LULC mapping and site identification. 4- Prepare site and farmer specific resource maps and data on livelihood strategies based on seasonal calendars including i) cropping and agricultural practices; ii) NR extraction (including water & fuel); iii) coping strategies. Conducted separately for women and vulnerable groups. 5- Support and mobilize water user associations, including establishing fee-based systems for equitable water distribution and sustainable O&M. 6- Facilitate economic empowerment by linking producer groups—including women and youth—to value chains, traders, financial service providers, and mobile money systems. 7- Provide technical leadership for livelihood interventions and coordinate field programming across provinces. 8- Ensure interventions are climate-smart, inclusive, and linked to value chains and vulnerable groups. 9- Provide technical input on climate-smart agriculture and techniques such as drip irrigation, agroforestry, drought-resistant crops, conservation farming, and erosion control measures to improve productivity sustainably. 10- Support development of CCLF project-related documents such as the ToRs for Responsible Parties and construction companies. 11- Identify and engage key stakeholders within the sectoral ministries and build strong working relationships. 12- Support efforts to address any challenges encountered during Community-based Climate-responsive Livelihood and Forestry (CCLF) project implementation in collaboration with stakeholders. 13- Conduct a thorough review of relevant documents and data to understand the status of knowledge, identify gaps, and avoid duplication of efforts. 14- Complete the required field investigations (as applicable): topographic survey, hydrological observations, condition assessments of existing structures, soil/geomorphology observations for SWC, and mapping of proposed footprints and right-of-way/community land constraints. 15- Integrate climate and hazard considerations on the design basis (e.g., flood/erosion risks, sediment load, water availability variability), including identification of risk-reduction measures for each site. 16- Review detailed designs and drawings (appropriate to each intervention type), such as: o Restoration/protection of natural reservoirs, springs, and water points for drinking and irrigation, incorporating measures to reduce contamination and leakage. o Water distribution improvements including channel lining, waterproofing technologies, piping, and related distribution appurtenances. o Irrigation efficiency upgrades such as drip and micro-sprinkler systems, and where relevant solar energy or other efficient pumping/mechanical options are important. o Water harvesting and SWC structures (e.g., small check-dams and related measures) with erosion/sedimentation controls integrated into the design. o Where relevant to project activities, prepare design packages for solar irrigation systems and associated reservoirs/panels/pumps/pipes. o Cost estimates, detailed BoQs, and technical specifications for each site/intervention. o Develop tender-ready packages suitable for procurement and implementation at community level (including clear drawings, materials standards, and method statements as needed). o Safeguards and Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) integration into design o Ensure each design includes the required safety measures and environmental mitigation measures that minimize impacts and pollution, consistent with the project’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) & Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) process. o Include practical measures for erosion/sedimentation control and environmentally responsible construction practices (e.g., waste handling, fuel/hazardous materials storage guidance), as applicable to design notes/specifications. o Ensure designs incorporate gender considerations such as accessible and safe water points and other features that respond to women’s roles and needs in water management. o Incorporate practical O&M considerations in the design and handover documentation, consistent with the project’s approach of assigning water points/assets to relevant community structures for operation and maintenance. o Provide simple O&M guidance notes for the designed structures/systems (operator checks, routine maintenance, common failures, spare parts considerations). Institutional arrangement : The Technical Specialist will work under the overall supervision and guidance of the CCLF Project Manager and in close coordination with the Project Management Unit, relevant technical staff, and the Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Management portfolio. The Technical Specialist will also coordinate with concerned government counterparts at national and sub-national levels and with community institutions, including CLCs and CBOs, to support technically sound and inclusive implementation. Payment : Monthly basis Duration of the assignment : 5 months (with possible extension) Duty station : Kabul with frequent travel to Badakhshan and Kunar, Afghanistan. Travel Cost and DSA : The salary is inclusive of telecommunication, DSA, and Travel expenses. Job requirements Education : A minimum bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, water resources engineering, irrigation engineering, agriculture engineering, climate resilient livelihood, environmental engineering, natural resource management, climate change, rural development, or a closely related field is required. A master’s degree in a relevant field is an advantage. Experience and Skills: Experience Minimum 5 years of progressive professional experience in Planning, surveying, and designing rural irrigation and water infrastructure projects (small-scale schemes preferred). Demonstrated experience in designing climate-resilient interventions such as canal rehabilitation/lining, intakes, small distribution systems, water harvesting structures, and soil & water conservation (SWC) measures. Coordinating province-wide programming for climate responsive livelihood interventions and climate-smart practices. Proven ability to plan and lead field surveys (topographic and site investigations), interpret survey data, and translate findings into site-specific engineering designs. Experience preparing detailed drawings, technical specifications, BoQs, and engineer’s cost estimates suitable for procurement/tendering. Demonstrated experience in engaging and strengthening local institutions such as community-based forest/natural resource management groups, women producer groups, and water user associations. Proven track record in mobilizing and training farmer and pastoral groups, including facilitating organizational development, livelihood, irrigation, and project implementation. Proven experience in climate responsive livelihood and value chain Familiarity with integrating safeguards requirements into design work, including supporting documentation for ESIA/ESMP and practical EHS measures. Experience working in rural/community-based programmers, including participatory consultations and coordination with local authorities and community structures. Prior experience with UN, donor-funded, or development projects is a strong advantage. Skills Strong technical skills in hydraulic/hydrology basics, irrigation system planning, and resilient design for flood/erosion/sedimentation risks. Ability to develop practical, low-maintenance designs that use locally available materials and are suitable for community O&M. Climate-resilient livelihood programming, community livelihood mobilization and climate-smart agricultural practices Value chain development, linking producers to markets, climate-smart value chains Stakeholder engagement and inclusive and gender-responsive approach: Competencies: Technical expertise in irrigation and water infrastructure design : Applies sound engineering judgment to produce safe, climate-resilient, and cost-effective designs and specifications. Planning and results-based delivery : Organizes workplans and survey/design tasks efficiently, meets deadlines, and delivers high-quality outputs aligned with project objectives. Stakeholder engagement and participatory approach : Works effectively with communities (CLCs/CBOs), government counterparts, and UNDP teams to validate needs and ensure inclusive, gender-responsive designs. Climate-responsive livelihood: Integration of climate vulnerability analysis into livelihood and value chain designs. Proficiency in mapping resource use and market opportunities. Capacity building and participatory training for value chain engagement. Facilitation of equitable systems for resource distribution and market access. Promotion of climate-smart practices across agricultural and non-agricultural livelihoods. Language Requirements: Proficiency in written and spoken English and fluency in local languages, Pashto and Dari