Irrigation engineers

By improving irrigation systems, you can enable disadvantaged rural groups to grow crops throughout the year, avoiding food shortages and increasing income.

Roles are generally longer term, ranging from one to two years, but we also have occasional short-term assignments for up to six months.

You’ll need a degree in engineering with at least two years’ experience in planning, designing and implementing small-scale irrigation schemes (five years’ for placements less than six months). Specialised qualifications in irrigation or water resources would be an advantage.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll be involved in preparing designs for the development of irrigation projects. You’ll work with local farmers and other stakeholders to ensure that they participate in the design and implementation process, so they’re invested in the project and you can be sure it meets their needs.

You’re also likely to be involved in the development of operation and maintenance manuals as well as the planning and facilitation of staff training. You may work at district level to design and implement irrigation-development plans for the region.