Consulting Services for Agriculture Ministry in Southwest State

The Southwest State of Somalia (SWS) is establishing a core multi-sectoral Project Implementation Unit (PIU), herein referred to as the State Project Coordination Unit (SPCU), supervised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. The role of the SPCU is to support the management, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities and investments.

The SPCU will be staffed with numerous positions to ensure efficient implementation of the S FSRP (P177816) and careful mitigation of identified risks.

To ensure effective implementation in Southwest State, MoAI seeks a qualified Infrastructure Engineer that will primarily lead the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of these water-related interventions, support Water User Association (WUA) capacity building , strengthen monitoring systems, and promote climate-smart water management practices for agriculture and also serve as the client’s on-site representative for other Civil Engineering/Infrastructure Projects supervision and Management .

2- Objectives of the Assignment The primary objective for the Infrastructure Engineer is to guide and support the effective technical design, implementation, management, and monitoring of sustainable and climate-resilient small-scale irrigation and water harvesting systems under the S-FSRP within Southwest State, fully aligned with the S-FSRP PIM and relevant ESF requirements and serve as the client’s on-site representative, ensuring construction for the intended infrastructure and related works are executed in accordance with approved designs, quality standards, timelines, budget and contractual obligations .

The Infrastructure Engineer will ensure interventions are technically sound, economically viable, socially appropriate for SWS communities, environmentally sustainable, and contribute demonstrably to improved agricultural productivity, water use efficiency, and livelihood resilience.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation at Southwest State now invites eligible consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the above-mentioned Services.

Interested Individual Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services and furnish the Curriculum Vitae (CV), copies of educational and experience references letters.

Attention of interested Consultants is drawn to section III, para 3.14,3.16 & 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Projects Financing Goods, Works, Non -Consulting and Consulting Services, July 2016, revised November 2017, August 2018, and November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations. Interested individual Consultants may obtain the Terms of Reference (in person or by e-mail) at the address below during office hours from 8.00 a.m.– 4.00 p.m. Saturday to Thursday except for public holidays.

3- The proposed duration for the assignment is twelve (12) calendar months from the start date.

4- Selection Criteria: The education qualification and experience criteria for the Infrastructure Engineer are:- This is a senior technical position requires a professional committed to developing sustainable and appropriate irrigation solutions within the challenging context of Southwest State and supervision of the clients other civil/Infrastructure construction projects.

The right candidate will be a team player with the following essential qualifications and experience: Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Irrigation Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, (with strong water/irrigation focus), or Water Resource Management. A Master’s degree related to the assignment is significant added advantage.

A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience on Construction / infrastructure projects representing any parties of construction Contracts out of which 5 years shall be on the design, implementation, and management of small-scale irrigation and water harvesting systems.

Must have worked for minimum of 4 years on Civil Engineering Infrastructure Projects supervision or Management role under title of Project Engineer, Project Manager, Team leader or Resident Engineer, Assistant Engineer or similar managerial position representing any parties of construction Contracts.

At least 3+ years working directly in fragile/post-conflict settings (Somalia or Horn of Africa region strongly preferred), demonstrating understanding of the SWS context or similar environments. Proven practical experience in designing and supervising construction of diverse small-scale irrigation technologies (e.g., small gravity schemes, pump irrigation, water harvesting structures).

Demonstrated experience in participatory approaches to irrigation development, including working with farmer groups and supporting the establishment/strengthening of Water User Associations (WUAs) . Proven experience in developing training materials and conducting capacity building for technical staff and community members on irrigation O&M and water management.

Familiarity working within government structures and collaborating with NGOs is essential. Experience with donor-funded projects (World Bank experience highly advantageous), including familiarity with PIMs and ESF requirements related to water resources and infrastructure.

Good working knowledge of construction and its processes Other Competencies and Requirements: Strong technical skills in small-scale irrigation design (including relevant software where applicable), construction supervision, and water management. Ready for flexible working hours, extensive workload, and frequent domestic travel to support the PIUs embedded in the State.

Ability to work under pressure, meet crucial deadlines, and work with minimal supervision. Knowledge of various irrigation technologies suitable for ASALs and smallholder contexts, including water harvesting techniques. Excellent skills in participatory methodologies, community engagement, and training facilitation. Proven analytical skills for assessing water resources, system feasibility, and performance.

Excellent communication and report-writing skills in both Somali and English. Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with diverse communities and navigate potential water-related conflicts. Proven adaptability and resilience to work in remote SWS field locations. Proficiency in standard IT office software. Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.

High standards of professional ethics and integrity. Willingness and physical ability for frequent travel to project sites across Southwest State, adhering strictly to security protocols. Valid professional registration with a relevant engineering board/body is an advantage.

5- Deadline for submission : Expressions of interest must be delivered in writing to the address below (in person or by e-mail) marked with the subject title bearing “Expression of Interest for Infrastructure Engineer” on or before 20 November 2025 at 17:00 hours. Late submission may not be considered.

Attention : Hassan Suleiman Mohamed Ali S-FSRP State Project Coordinator; Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Southwest State of Somalia Address : Howlwadaag Village Opposite UNICEF Office Baidoa Behind Horyaal Hotel Annexes Southwest State of Somalia Email: sfsrp.swss.procurement@gmail.com CC: hassansmc114@gmail.com and swss.fsrp.proc.fekere@gmail.com Agency: Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation - Southwest State State Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection Notice type: Request for Expression of Interest Status: Published Value: 44280.0 USD