International irrigation and climate change specialist

Background

Cambodia’s agriculture remains a backbone for the livelihoods of four million Cambodians who depend on the sector. However, the dependence on rain-fed agriculture and reliance on a single rice cropping cycle makes this important sector extremely vulnerable to any changes in rainfall patterns and longer term changes in the climate. The impacts of climate change on Cambodian agriculture, particularly on rice cultivation, are predicted to adversely affect food production and security in rural areas. At present, there is already emerging evidence that agriculture-based livelihoods and overall food security in Cambodia are affected by increased frequency and severity of floods, dry spells and drought events.  A major constraint in moving from a focus on post-disaster relief management to anticipatory agricultural and water resources planning is the limited institutional and individual capacity to understand potential climate change impacts on agricultural production and water resources for irrigation. Both government agencies and community organisations have limited capacity to internalize and develop appropriate longer-term resilience mechanisms to respond to climate change threats.

In response to the issues above, a pilot project is being implemented over a period of four years, from September 2009 to August 2013, by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). This is the first project to come of the priorities identified in the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) to climate change and is being supported by UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The objective of the project is “to reduce the vulnerability of Cambodia’s agricultural sector to climate–induced changes in water resources availability”.  Based on this objective, the project is structured with three main outcomes:

(1) Improved capacity within local institutions to manage agricultural water resources in a changing climate;
(2) Locally appropriate adaptation options demonstrated to reduce exposure to climate change - induced risks; and
(3) Lessons learned in project pilot sites replicated in other vulnerable areas of Cambodia.

This TOR addresses Outcome (2) where the project will pilot and evaluate with project beneficiaries, the effectiveness of various options to reduce the impacts of climate change by adapting water resource management practices for household and irrigation uses for agricultural production. The project is also expected to develop the capacities of provincial, district and commune decision makers so as to improve the consideration of the impacts of climate change in development planning as related to agriculture and water resources management. The project is closely working with Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology (MOWRAM), Provincial Departments of Water Resources and Meteorology (PDOWRAMs); Provincial Departments of Rural Development; Provincial Departments of Agriculture (PDAs) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in bringing climate resilience in water resource management in the agriculture sector. The objectives of adaptation measures in agriculture and water resources are to support and sustain the agricultural production and to minimise the impact of climate change by reducing the vulnerability of the farmers’ agricultural production. The adaptation to climate change will be carried out in various forms, including technological innovations, changes in arable land use, changes in irrigation system designs, water management practices.

The project is operating in two contrasting agricultural provinces, being Kratie and Preah Vihear, which were selected for their high vulnerability to floods and droughts respectively, as well as for differences in agro-ecological and socio-economic circumstances. It will be implemented as a component of the Rural Livelihoods Improvement Project (RULIP), which is funded by the IFAD and UNDP.  Being the first pilot project on climate change adaptation, lessons learned and best practices will be essential for replications, scale ups and influence to policy and plan development. Knowledge sharing among key practioners, relevant stakeholders locally and regionally is one of the key focuses of the project.

Duties and Responsibilites

1. An assessment of current practices and strategies for improvement of the resilience of Cambodia’s irrigation sector to climate change:

The study will include the following activities:

- Undertake a detailed stakeholder analysis of water management and irrigation for agriculture sectors;
- Review current documents and undertake stakeholder and expert consultations to assess the status of Cambodia’s readiness with regards climate resilient water resource management practices. This review should address policy, institutional arrangements, technical and management capacity, and financing mechanisms;
- In collaboration with relevant national and sub-national government entities, assess the strengths and weaknesses of present irrigation system design, construction and management practices with particular consideration of the potential impacts of climate change;
- Assess the capacity of the Farmer Water User Committee (FWUCs) in operation and maintenance of irrigation systems and identify the capacity development and other support needed to improve performance and sustainability of the irrigation systems; 
- Undertake a desk study to review relevant international best practices in the climate proofing of water resource management and irrigation systems, and prepare a briefing paper for use by National counterparts;
- Based on the previous assessments, identify entry points for the project to engage in order to improve practice and enhance the resilience of irrigation schemes for agriculture in Cambodia;

2. Identification of community-based adaptation measures which aim to build climate resilience in water resource management for household and irrigation:

- Based on the review above and in collaboration with the relevant ministries, line departments and other stakeholders, identify appropriate adaptation options to combat the impact of climate change in relation to droughts and floods at a household level, including rainwater harvesting options;
- In addition to those identified by the project, propose additional on-farm low cost irrigation technologies and management practices that enhance resilience to climate change in the productivity of the land and water; 
- Submit a range of appropriate technologies that take into account the gender differences in relation to the impact of climate change on agriculture and water resources management.

3. Demonstration of climate-resilient water resource management in irrigation systems and for household use: 

- In collaboration with MOWRAM, PDOWRAM and other relevant provincial departs, develop modified designs for the irrigation systems and reservoirs that take into account of the current and future impacts of climate change and the future water use needs of the project beneficiaries; 
- Based on the designs, conduct a cost-benefit analysis on the identified irrigation reservoirs with the relevant provincial departments for irrigation climate proofing; 
- Prepare a strategy for the rehabilitation and restructuring of irrigation management and improving the efficiency of use of the existing irrigation infrastructure, including a work schedule and budget. 
- Consultations with project beneficiaries and other stakeholders to ensure that the strategy should take into account the geographical, hydrological, socio-economic differences and potential water user conflicts in the two target areas; 
- Provide modalities that encourage ownership among the beneficiaries and ensure a sustainable maintenance of the irrigation reservoir after rehabilitation;
- Based on the review of current practices above, profile risks to climate resilient irrigation and how the project can mitigate these risks in the target areas.

4. Capacity development of relevant line departments counterparts in climate-resilient water resource management practices: 

- Provide technical support to the project team and relevant line departments on how to promote better water resource management in a changing climate; 
- Interact with key partners and stakeholders to identify and formulate a capacity building programme to increase the uptake of recommendations on improved water management technologies and practices; 
- Provide training for project staff and relevant line departments on design and maintenance of irrigation systems in a changing climate;
- Provide guidelines and training manuals for the management, use and protection of existing irrigated facilities and of small-medium scale irrigation systems in general. The guidelines should include information materials for water users on the benefits and good practices of agricultural crop irrigation; 
- Provide recommendations to future IFAD project on how their can incorporate climate change resilience in their agriculture and water irrigation programmes.

5. Final Products or Deliverables

1. A report and a power point presentation detailing an assessment of current practices and strategies for improvement of the resilience of Cambodia’s irrigation sectors to climate change 
2. A set of community-based adaptation measures, which aim to build climate resilience in water resources management for household and irrigation use, are identified 
3. Modified designs of two irrigation reservoirs in the targeted communes to demonstrate sustainable climate proof in irrigation 
4. A strategy for  the rehabilitation of the two irrigation systems 
5. Training for project team and national counterparts on good practices in climate resilient irrigation management
6. A training package to relevant line departments for climate resilient water resource management in small and medium scale irrigation reservoirs

6. Monitoring and Progress Controls

The Irrigation and Climate Change Specialist will be based in Cambodia at the Project Support Unit within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and will report to the IFAD/UNDP’s Chief Technical Advisor. He/she will work closely with the National Project Manager and the Project Team at the national level as well as national counterparts and project staff in the targeted provinces. Monitoring of consultancy progress will be based on the delivery of the outputs indicated above and milestones detailed in the work plan.

7. Payment Milestones

- 20% of the total amount will be paid within 15 days upon the submission and approval a work plan, key milestones and approach of conducting the assignment in line with the Term of Reference.
- 30% of the total amount will be paid within 15 days upon the submission and approval of the study report and community based adaptation measures
- 30% of the total amount will be paid within 15 days upon the submission and approval of the modified designs of two irrigation systems and a strategy for the rehabilitation
- 20% of the total amount will be paid within 15 days upon the delivery of training, submission of training manuals and end-of-consultancy notes and handovers for the project team

Competencies

- Solid track record of adaptive technologies in water and agriculture sectors
- Sound Knowledge of irrigation, including principles of operation, analysis of water productivity, agronomic practices, institutional arrangements, interaction of irrigation with other users and the environment 
- Familiarity with downscaling techniques of global circulation models, climate change related issues - how they impact hydrology, water resources management and allocation, as well as understanding of adaptation measures 
- Understanding of conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water in river basin management and irrigation systems.
- Familiarity with climate change challenges and their impacts on agriculture and irrigation, experience in adaptation would be an advantage 
- Good knowledge and previous experience  in agricultural irrigation issues in Cambodia  or within the region
- Proven track record of policy advice and recommendations, programme formulation and management
- Sound liaison, coordination/team leading, negotiation and representational skills at local and national levels
- Commitment to and skills of knowledge management and capacity development 
- Knowledge of UNDP or UN working environment preferred, ideally through previous work 
- Excellent writing, and communications skills – verbal and written; as well as facilitation skills
- Proficient in the use of the internet and PCs, including Microsoft Office and Windows XP

Required skills and experience

Education:

- A recognised postgraduate qualification in Civil or Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Science, Water Resources Management, or a relevant discipline;

Experience:

- At least 7 years work experience in the field of irrigation and agricultural development; 
- At least 5 years in a lead technical role in the design and implementation of agricultural water resources management and irrigation systems in developing countries.

Language Requirements:

- Proficient in written and spoken English.