Irrigation and Agribusiness Consultant at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) works to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge, having fled violence, persecution, war or disaster at home.
Since 1950, we have faced multiple crises on multiple continents, and provided vital assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people, many of whom have nobody left to turn to.
We help to save lives and build better futures for millions forced from home

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Irrigation and Agribusiness Consultant

Job ID: JR2561121
Location: Abuja (FCT)
Staff Member / Affiliate Type:CONS International
Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based): B
Family Type (not applicable for home-based): Family
Target Start Date: 2025-11-01

Purpose and Scope of Assignment:

• The overall objective of this consultancy is to provide technical support in the design, implementation, and monitoring of large-scale agriculture projects including irrigation systems, and to strengthen agribusiness development to ensure sustainability, market linkages, and improved livelihoods of target communities. The role involves conducting technical assessments, preparing project designs, supervising installations, and providing technical support to ensure efficient and sustainable use of water resources. The consultant will also collaborate with UNHCR Programme Unit, technical colleagues in the field and stakeholders to achieve project objectives while ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities
Irrigation related tasks:

• Conduct field assessments to evaluate soil, crops, and water conditions.
• Support in the design and review of irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, surface, solar pumping, etc.) ensuring cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Prepare technical drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for irrigation projects.
• Develop and implement strategies for water conservation and efficient usage.
• Together with UNHCR technical team, provide technical oversight during installation/rehabilitation of irrigation systems, including quality assurance and contractor supervision.
• Build capacity of project staff and farmers on operation, maintenance, and water management practices.
• Support in developing Bills of Quantities (BoQs), technical specifications, and tender documents for irrigation infrastructure.

Agribusiness-related tasks:

• Conduct market assessments to identify profitable crops and value chains aligned with irrigation potential.
• Develop agribusiness models linking smallholders to markets, cooperatives, and private sector actors.
• Support farmer groups/cooperatives with business planning, financial literacy, and market linkages.
• Provide technical advice on crop diversification, climate-smart practices, and post-harvest handling.
• Facilitate partnerships with input suppliers, off-takers, and financial institutions.
• Coordinate implementation of field activities under the agriculture component (e.g., training sessions on sustainable practices, demonstration plots), ensuring synergies with other project components such as livestock, fisheries, and livelihoods support.

Technical and Capacity Building:

• Conduct capacity-building sessions on water resource management and irrigation best practices.
• Develop user manuals and guidelines for irrigation systems and equipment in humanitarian settings.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure irrigation projects comply with environmental standards and regulatory requirements in Nigeria.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments and develop mitigation strategies for irrigation projects.
• Promote sustainable water management practices to minimize environmental degradation.

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination:

• Coordinate and oversee the day-to-day implementation of the project’s agriculture and irrigation components, proposing timely corrective actions when needed.
• Identify Government priorities in agriculture for the refugee hosting areas.
• Identity private actors in agriculture value chain in Nigeria.
• Explore opportunities for refugee inclusion in agriculture investments and policies.
• Explore business opportunities such as contract farming, buying of agriculture products, input supplies and provision of financial services.
• Create links/partnerships to relevant Government and other stakeholder’s programs and initiatives.

Research and Development:

• Conduct research on innovative low-cost irrigation technologies and practices.
• Evaluate and recommend modern irrigation techniques to enhance project outcomes.

Other Responsibilities:

• Perform any other duties commensurate with the position as assigned by management.
• Prepare technical reports, monitoring, guidelines, and knowledge products as required.
• Provide recommendations for scaling up and sustainability of irrigation-agriculture-business linkages.

Required qualifications, language(s) and work experience:

• University Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Sustainable Agriculture, Crop Science, Water Resources Engineering, or a related field. Master degree in any of these areas above will be considered as an asset.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in agriculture and food security interventions, irrigation system design and implementation.
• Proven experience in managing agricultural/irrigation projects, particularly in rural or semi-arid areas.
• Familiarity with non-profit or donor-funded project environments is an added advantage. Work experience at the United Nations is a plus

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in irrigation system design software (e.g., AutoCAD, GIS).
• Strong knowledge of irrigation technologies, including drip, sprinkler, and surface irrigation systems.
• Understanding of soil science, hydrology, and water resource management.
• Experience in conducting environmental impact assessments.
• Competence in data analysis and technical report writing.

Professional Competencies:

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.

Additional Requirements:

• Commitment to UNHCR’s mission and values.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Working Conditions:

• Frequent travel to project locations,
• The service will involve working in remote or rural areas with limited resources.
• Requires flexibility to adapt to changing project needs and priorities.

Language:

• Required: English Desirable: Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo

Evaluation, Monitoring, and Supervision
Monitoring and Progress Controls

• The consultancy will be monitored through regular progress reviews and verification of deliverables over the six-month period. The following milestones are expected:
  • During the first month: Define the consultancy objectives, confirm the scope of work, collect baseline information, and develop a detailed work plan and timeline with milestones.
  • Continuously: Progress monitoring through field visits, surveys, consultations, and review of technical documents to ensure that activities are on track and aligned with the agreed plan.
  • Monthly: Conduct progress review, challenges, and next steps. Prepare concise monthly progress reports highlighting achievements, constraints, and corrective measures taken. Adjust plans based on findings.
  • As required: Undertake technical assessments, document lessons learned and provide advice or recommendations to improve irrigation projects implementation quality and efficiency.
  • During the final month: Conduct a final review and assessment of the consultancy outcomes, summarize key findings and lessons, and prepare a final report with recommendations for follow-up or scale-up.

Application Closing Date
5th November, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note: Candidates with less years of experience cannot be short-listed or recommended.