Water Use Efficiency and Circularity lead

Summary

Water Use Efficiency and Circularly are central themes in Agriculture at NEOM.  We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated agronomist or agricultural engineer to join our team, with strong experience in water management under arid and hot conditions.  The successful candidate will be charged with developing and implementing sustainable approaches to enable efficient production of quality crops with optimized water use, both under controlled environment conditions and in the field. The specialist will be responsible for identifying, validating and applying the latest technologies and strategies available to save and recycle water, focusing on the most sustainable, efficient and cost-effective practices.   He/she will also work with the appropriate stakeholders to leverage ways to maximize the use of NEOM repurposed water for agriculture.

Introduction

NEOM’s aims at providing opportunities for people to live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives, while sustainably using the natural resources they depend on. NEOM works to transform ideas into policy, policy into action, and action into impact. NEOM uses its technical knowledge and experience, passionate staff, local presence, and global influence to make a lasting difference in people’s livability especially in desert like conditions in a world facing climate change.

Our Climate Resilient Agriculture pillar focuses on Sustainable Agricultural Production, Food and Nutrition Security and Mitigating Climate Change. The water use efficiency and circularity specialist will lead our work on developing methods to maximize water use efficiency, recycling and use of repurposed water in Agriculture

Position description and responsibilities

• Develop and optimize projections of water consumption in planned agricultural activities and work with suppliers to ensure the appropriate volumes and quality of water are secured throughout the year.
• Develop, test and implement strategies to improve water use efficiency in Controlled Environment Agriculture and for field crops.
• Develop circularity in agriculture, together with NEOM and external stakeholders, in order use and recycle waste water and improve overall water management.
• Collaborate with technology and infrastructure companies to plan and execute irrigation projects and optimize water use while maximizing crop productivity.
• Test and implement methods and technologies to limit the consumption of water used for cooling in CEA
• Implement methods and technologies to evaluate and manage the effect of water use on crop yield and quality. Develop recommendations for improvement.
• Develop collaboration programs with industry and university to test and develop new technologies to improve water use efficiency in agriculture at NEOM.
• Develop and deliver training and educational programs on water use efficiency to farmers and other stakeholders.
• Stay up-to-date with new technologies and innovations related to water use efficiency in agriculture.

Knowledge and Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in water management in agriculture, with a focus on water use efficiency.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategies to improve water use efficiency in greenhouses and in the field.
• Strong knowledge of irrigation systems and their operation.
• Experience in using and recycling waste water.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to analyze data and draw conclusions.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with farmers, stakeholders, and irrigation companies.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Result orientation and ability to work and adapt in a fast paced environment.
• Proficiency in English, oral and written, knowledge of Arabic is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in agronomy, soil science, or a related field.