Organisation: Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE)

Project: Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Marketing Project (SAPEMP)

Location: KaKholwane Office

Reporting to: Project Manager

1. About the Position

The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the position of Irrigation and Infrastructure Specialist, tenable under the Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Marketing Project (SAPEMP) at KaKholwane.

2. Job Objective

The Irrigation and Infrastructure Specialist will provide engineering support to the Project Management Unit (PMU) and ensure that sound civil engineering practices are consistently applied to all engineering work under SAPEMP.

The specialist will provide leadership and technical guidance to support marketing and value-chain activities under Sub-component 1.2, ensuring that the objectives of the subcomponent and the overall project are achieved.

The position is responsible for the overall supervision and management of irrigation and infrastructure development works financed under the project. This includes advising on design, procurement and installation, operation and maintenance, and working with selected contractors, Government of Eswatini irrigation and extension teams, and irrigation beneficiaries throughout the project lifecycle.

3. Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Report to the Project Manager and support Implementing Agencies in infrastructure project identification and development ranking.
Prepare Terms of Reference (TORs) for feasibility studies, detailed designs for irrigation and infrastructure projects, and other short-term consultancies.
Conduct feasibility studies with Implementing Agencies for selected projects, considering gender and social inclusion needs.
Review feasibility studies and detailed designs for irrigation and other infrastructure at every stage of the project cycle.
Build the capacity of Implementing Agencies through Training of Trainers on planning, preparation of feasibility studies and detailed designs, contract management, supervision of services and works, and operation and maintenance.
Prepare training materials for beneficiaries and Implementing Agencies’ staff.
Ensure, in collaboration with relevant technical experts, that national, IFAD and GCF environmental and social safeguards are adhered to during the development of irrigation and other infrastructure works.
Follow up on agreed action points from IFAD supervision missions.
Support the PMU on all engineering technical matters.
Perform any other tasks assigned by the Project Manager in the interest of the project.

4. Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

At least a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Irrigation Engineering or Agricultural Engineering, with five years of working experience in civil engineering or a related field.
Demonstrable knowledge and familiarity with GCF and IFAD funding modalities. Previous experience with the IFAD System will be an added advantage.
Experience in rural development and the agricultural sector in Eswatini is desirable.
Proficiency in engineering software, particularly AutoCAD and GIS, is essential.
Computer proficiency in Windows, MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint and internet applications.
Ability to identify, evaluate and engage suppliers of goods, works and services.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

5. Contract Duration

The contract will be for two (2) years, with possible extensions subject to satisfactory performance. The appointment will include a three-month probation period.

6. Application Procedure

Full terms of reference and responsibilities can be obtained from the EWADE website or by scanning the QR code on the vacancy announcement.

Website: https://www.ewade.co.sz/careers/

Applications must be addressed to:

The Human Resources Manager Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) Siphofaneni, Eswatini

Email: recruitment@ewade.co.sz

Closing date: 30 October 2026

Applications must be submitted no later than 30 October 2026.

Required Application Documents

Applications must be accompanied by:

A cover letter stating the position applied for and explaining how the applicant’s qualifications, experience and competencies are relevant to the position.
An updated curriculum vitae of not more than five (5) pages.
Certified copies of degree(s), diploma(s) and certificate(s).

Important Notes:

Late applications will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Any personal representations made by candidates in intimidating tactics will be considered as unethical conduct and may result in immediate disqualification from the recruitment process.

For further details, visit the EWADE website.

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IRRIGATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIALIST