Consultant type: Individual Consultant
Consultant Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Publication date: 03-Aug-2026
Closing date: 14-Aug-2026
Job family:
Agriculture, Human and Social Development;
The Bank requires the services of an Irrigation and Water Resources Development Consultant to support the Agriculture and Agro-Industry Department, Regional Directorate East Africa (AHAI.4), in accelerating the development of small and large-scale irrigation schemes in Rwanda, Somalia, and Sudan, and in promoting strategic dialogue and business development in other countries in the region.
| Application Close Date | 2026-08-14 |
|---|---|
| Engagement Type | Individual Consultant |
| Job Family | 1.Agriculture |
| A. Background Objectives | The Agriculture and Agro-Industry Department’s primary goal is to transform African agriculture into a commercially viable and wealth-creating sector. It aims to end food insecurity, turn small farms into successful businesses, boost regional trade, and modernize farming practices across the continent. The Department supports (i) Value Chain Development, including, seed production, fertilizer use, irrigation, and food processing, among others; (ii) Agri-Food SME Support that bridges financial gaps for small and medium-sized agribusinesses (agri-SMEs); (iii) Infrastructure Investment, such as “Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones” (SAPZs) that groups farmers, processors, and markets together in one place; and, (iv) Technological Innovation that supports programs like TAAT (Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation), an initiative that gives African farmers access to modern, high-yield technologies and climate-smart agricultural systems |
| B. Scope of work | The Consultant will provide support to ADB’s water resources and irrigation portfolio of projects and program and contribute expertise to Bank Group’s operational activities. This will include, but not limited to the following tasks:1. Assist RMCs in the formulation and implementation of strategic initiatives for irrigation and water resources development and in identifying relevant and appropriate development projects in irrigation and rainwater harvesting among others to support the implementation of the respective country strategic agricultural developments plans; 2. Provide backstopping support to regional member countries (RMCs) for the preparation of national irrigation and water resources management strategies, and investment plans towards the achievement of the Country Food and Agriculture Delivery goals and the SDGs. 3. Lead in developing coherent programmatic approaches for designing and implementing irrigation and water management interventions in line with the Bank’s agenda, based on identified needs, priorities and demands of respective Countries. 4. Coordinate the preparation and appraisal of public and private investment proposals in irrigation and water resource management and promote an enabling environment by the public sector for private sector investment and involvement in irrigation and agriculture. 5. Provide technical guidance, and mentoring other water/irrigation experts in AHAI-4 and the Bank Country offices in various project cycle activities; 6. Lead in designing and recommending technical services to increase the quality and sustainability of agricultural irrigation projects intended to scale up production, achieve self-sufficiency and resilience in RMCs Undertake analytical work to generate and disseminate knowledge products on irrigation and water resources management with particular focus on: (i) green and affordable technologies; (ii) water value chain and private sector engagement; (iii) integrated water management and use; (iv) life cycle water costs; (v) sustainable service delivery; among others. 7. Provide technical guidance and disseminate knowledge on approaches for addressing inclusivity and sustainability aspects of irrigation and agriculture water management systems including climate change adaptation and mitigation, gender, and service delivery in conflict affected areas, within Bank operations. 8. Provide technical guidance and backstopping support in the preparation of country and/or sector studies to promote inclusive, sustainable and affordable irrigation and agriculture water management systems at country level for improved agriculture production, resilience and livelihoods and well-being. 9. Support the implementation of capacity development programs for Bank staff and RMCs related to irrigation and water management systems. 10. Act as a focal point for water resources / irrigation engineering activities of the division including project development, implementation and supervision as well as co-ordination with other stakeholders within the Bank as well as other donors and development partners; 11. Perform other duties assigned by the Director/Division Manager and/or the senior management. |
| C. Deliverables Expected | The consultant shall provide, among others: 1. Technical inputs to project preparation and appraisal reports. 2. Mission reports and aide-mémoires. 3. Reviews of engineering designs and feasibility studies. 4. Irrigation investment concept notes. 5. Knowledge products, technical briefs, and policy notes. 6. Quarterly progress reports highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations. 7. End-of-assignment comprehensive report. |
| D. Duration and Timetable for the Assignment | The consultancy is expected to be for an initial period of 6 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance, budget availability, and operational requirements. |
| E. Bank Contribution and Institutional Arrangement | The Bank shall: • Provide overall technical guidance and oversight for the assignment. • Facilitate access to relevant project documentation, reports, and background information necessary for the execution of the assignment. • Support coordination and engagement with key stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, development partners, and project beneficiaries, where necessary. • Review and provide feedback on reports, deliverables, and recommendations submitted by the Consultant. • Monitor the Consultant’s performance and approve deliverables in accordance with the agreed work plan and contract provisions. The Consultant shall be responsible for the timely delivery of all agreed outputs and shall maintain regular communication with the Task Manager throughout the assignment period. All reports and deliverables shall be submitted to the Bank for review and approval prior to finalization. |
| F. Duty Station | Nairobi, KENYA, with missions to Regional Member Countries as required |
| G. Essential Specialized Skills/Knowledge/Competencies | • At least a master’s degree or its equivalent in Water Resources, Irrigation Engineering or related fields of study; • Preferably a minimum of seven (7) years relevant professional experience in water resources-related fields including policy development, project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation either within the Bank or with similar development institutions or in the private sector. • Demonstrated vision, professional competence, and ability to provide leadership to other professional colleagues and lead country sector dialogues. • Analytical skills and ability to understand and solve water resources and irrigation management problems in a professional manner; Networking and facilitation skills; ability to work in teams; good interpersonal, communication and project management skills; resourcefulness, attention to details and client orientation; • Strong communicator (both verbally and in writing), with proven report writing skills • Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally in English or French with a working knowledge of the other language. Competence in the use of Bank standard software applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) |
| H. Supervisor | The Consultant will report to the Regional Sector Manager, Agriculture and Agro-Industry Department (AHAI.4), and work closely with Task Managers and Country Teams. |
Consultancy Input Days
| 129.00 |
