Rural Infrastructure Engineer

Job Summary

The anticipated IFAD-funded Sustainable Agriculture Development Project (SADEP) project overall goal is to contribute to enduring peace and reduced poverty in South Sudan and its development objective is to enhance resilience, food, and nutrition security for rural communities in four counties (Terekeka county of central Equatoria; Mundri West and Mvolo Counties of Western Equatoria State and Bor County Jonglei State) over a period of 7 years in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

The Rural Infrastructure Engineer (RIE) will be reporting to the Project Manager (PM) and will be responsible for the full implementation of Sub-component 2.1 (Appropriate and inclusive climate resilient community infrastructure developed) activities. Duties will include conducting feasibility assessments with communities through the Community-Led Planning and Prioritization. Major value chains will include sorghum and fishery, focusing production, storage, transportation, and marketing using climate-resilient and accessible infrastructure investments. The project will also invest in the restoration of degraded land through proven and ecosystem specific technologies, and reforestation

Job Responsibilities

Planning and Community Engagement – 20%  

• Conduct feasibility studies and technical assessments in collaboration with rural communities.

• Facilitate Community-Led Planning and Prioritization processes to identify infrastructure needs.

• Ensure investments are inclusive and responsive to women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

• Apply climate adaptation, environmental safeguards, and conflict-sensitive approaches in infrastructure planning.

Technical Design and Implementation – 20%

• Prepare detailed engineering designs, drawings, Bills of Quantities (BOQs), and technical specifications.

• Design and oversee construction of irrigation schemes, fishery-related infrastructure (landing sites, processing areas, cold storage), storage facilities, market infrastructure, and rural access roads.

• Apply ecosystem-specific technologies and climate-resilient construction methods.

• Ensure compliance with national standards and international best practices.

Construction Supervision and Quality Assurance – 20%

• Supervise contractors and community-based construction groups.

• Ensure strict adherence to construction quality control standards and technical specifications.

• Conduct regular site inspections and prepare supervision reports.

• Monitor compliance with environmental and social safeguard requirements.

Project Management and Procurement – 15%

• Develop implementation schedules and work plans within tight timeframes.

• Support procurement of key materials and essential equipment in line with donor and project procedures.

• Monitor contractor performance and ensure timely delivery of outputs.

• Certify completed works and recommend payments in coordination with the Project Manager.

  
  

Land Restoration and Environmental Management - 10%

• Support restoration of degraded land using proven ecosystem-specific technologies.

• Provide technical guidance on soil and water conservation measures.

• Oversee reforestation and sustainable land management initiatives.

  
  

Coordination, Reporting, and Documentation – 10%

• Liaise with local authorities on rural infrastructure development matters.

• Work closely with international and local partners, government institutions, and communities.

• Prepare technical progress reports and maintain proper documentation of designs, contracts, and supervision records.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES AS ASSIGNED (5%)

 Education/Training

• A minimum of a Bachelors’ degree in Infrastructure Engineering or an equivalent field.

Experience/Technical Skills

Required

• A minimum of ten (10) years of general professional experience in rural infrastructure management, with specific focus on irrigation infrastructure or fishery related infrastructure and civil works.

• Proven experience and familiarity with field work related to rural communities’ development.

• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, or Civil 3D.

• Demonstrated experience in project management activities, project planning and procurement of key materials and essential equipment within tight timeframes

• Strong understanding of construction quality control and standards.

• Experience with projects funded by an international funding agency would be a strong advantage.

• Proven ability to interact competently with local authorities on issues relating to rural infrastructure development.

• Good oral and written communication skills in English

• Experience working with both international and local partners, government, and communities

• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and work with minimum supervision to meet changing deadlines.

• Experience working on donor-implemented projects is an advantage.

• Proven problem-solving skills and ability to offer practical solutions.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to express ideas clearly.

• Computer literacy, including proficiency in word processing and office technology.

• Strong teamwork skills and willingness to travel at short notice.