Call for Irrigation Project Engineer/Manager: Contribute to the Wastewater Reuse in Agriculture Study in Moldova (May-Dec 2025)
The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is seeking for a local expert in Moldova for a short-term assignment as part of an in-depth study on wastewater reuse in agricultural irrigation in Moldova. This important study supports Moldova’s alignment with Regulation (EU) 2020/741 on minimum requirements for water reuse, contributing to sustainable water management, circular economy, and climate adaptation efforts.
Background
This assignment is part of the SEI’s Green Agenda for Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine project which aims to drive policy change, environmental innovation, and sustainable growth in the region. In line with Moldova’s National Plan for EU accession (2024–2027), this study will help shape the country’s approach to water reuse in agriculture amid increasing climate variability and water scarcity.
The current research builds upon the successful completion of the project’s first stage, which assessed Moldova’s water resources, irrigation infrastructure, and the potential for treated wastewater reuse. Stage 2 will deliver an in-depth, site-specific analysis and a socio-technical feasibility study of water reuse in the agricultural sector.
Stage 1 – Rapid Scoping Assessment
Stage 1 was completed in March 2025 and provides the foundation for strategies to reuse treated wastewater for farm irrigation in Moldova, addressing water scarcity and climate change adaptation. The Stage 1 report reviews the current state of wastewater treatment and agricultural irrigation in Moldova, highlighting the urgent need for innovative water management solutions due to the country's vulnerability to droughts and variable rainfall.
Two stakeholder meetings were held in Chisinau as part of Stage 1:
7-9 October 2024: Inception Workshop
17-19 March 2025: Stage 1 Finalization and Stage 2 Kick-off
Stage 2 – In-depth Assessment (May 2025 - December 2025)
Stage 2 will build on Stage 1 by conducting a detailed assessment of how reclaimed wastewater can be used for irrigation in Moldova. This stage will focus on three pilot sites: Cahul, Cantemir, and Causeni, and will include:
· Evaluating technical capacities of wastewater treatment plants, irrigation systems, and local soil and crops
· Scenario modelling for wastewater supply and irrigation needs under various climate change projections
· Socio-technical feasibility analysis of wastewater reuse in urban-rural agricultural settings
Key components to be assessed include:
· Treated wastewater (quality and safety)
· Irrigation systems (storage, infrastructure, delivery)
· Farm fields (soil characteristics, crops grown)
OPEN POSITION
Irrigation Project Engineer/Manager: Provide technical data and expertise on local irrigation requirements for Causeni, Cahul, and Cantemir. Collaborate closely with wastewater and agriculture experts.
Tasks & Deliverables
Key outputs:
Output 1: Baseline Assessment of Current Irrigation Systems in Căușeni, Cahul, and Cantemir
1.1. Identify the need for irrigation, focusing on periods and amounts of surface water scarcity (volumes, months, duration).
1.2. Record data on hectare-months currently irrigated.
1.3. Collect information on the volume, sources, and quality of irrigation water used.
1.4. Provide data on soil types and main crops being irrigated.
Output 2: Assessment of Need for Supplementary Irrigation Sources
2.1. Estimate the irrigation intensity (hectare-months) needed for full yields of target crops.
2.2. Estimate how much treated wastewater would be needed for full harvests using drip irrigation.
2.3. Calculate required storage capacities to meet these needs.
2.4. Estimate the capital costs to upgrade current irrigation systems for use of treated wastewater. Work with the project’s Wastewater Treatment Plant engineer on this.
Output 3: Communication and Collaboration
Maintain direct contact with the project lead, participate in meetings, and respond promptly to feedback and queries. Note: Outputs may be revised as new information becomes available.
The listed outputs may be revised as research advances and new data becomes available.
Qualifications and Skills
· Degree in agriculture, irrigation engineering, water resources management, or a related field.
· In-depth knowledge of local irrigation and agricultural water management in Căușeni, Cahul, and Cantemir. Experience in local irrigation infrastructure projects is desirable.
· At least 5 years’ experience in irrigation and water resource projects, including technical data analysis and reporting.
· Strong data analysis and reporting skills for assessments and scenario development.
· Experience with cost estimation is an asset.
· Excellent command of Romanian (required).
· Working knowledge of English is an asset (for communication with SEI and participation in meetings).
· Strong communication and teamwork skills, both locally and internationally.
Duration & Contract Details
The assignment is from May 2025 to end-2025, with an estimated 25 working days during Stage 2. Remuneration will be based on experience; additional days may be negotiated if needed.
Other Requirements
· Must meet legal registration and tax obligations in Moldova.
· Proof of tax registration will be required before contract signing.
Application Instructions
To Apply: Submit the following to [email protected]:
Updated CV
Brief cover letter outlining relevant experience
Financial offer indicating your proposed daily fee (in EUR, gross)
Deadline: 26 May 2025 Note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Legal Note: Selected experts are responsible for compliance with all legal and tax obligations in Moldova.
For more details, please review the attached Terms of Reference for each position or contact Tatiana Echim, Senior SEI Expert, Green Agenda Moldova.
Source of the photos: Getty Images