Regional recruitment: Researcher (Hydrogeologist) International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

Regional recruitment: Researcher (Hydrogeologist) International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

Vientiane, Laos 🇱🇦

Description

The Regional Researcher – Hydrogeologist, will work across different projects and work packages of the 1CG initiatives (Agro-Ecology, National Policy and Strategy & Resilient Aquatic Foods -RAFqS) in Laos and the Mekong Region, as well as program support to bilaterally funded hydro-geology activities – providing technical inputs to ground and surface water management and improvement. The incumbent will play a key role in delivery of the Lao program, developing, leading and contributing to project tasks as required. She/he will also take a leading role in government liaison in the Lao PDR establishing relationships, strengthening IWMI’s institutional credibility in the country. The post holder will be expected to mentor junior staff (e.g., the national AE participatory methods researecher) and lead the capacity building of government department employees and farmers to properly implement the new 1CG initiatives from farm to system/administrative levels.

Requirements

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coordinate the establishment of the Agro-Ecology Living Laboratory in S.

Laos.

Liase with Lao Government technical and decision-making staff at multiple scales on technical as well as policies and strategies for green growth, agrobiodiversity and other relevant agriculture related initiatives.

Identify and evidence AE solutions, trends and niches, and develop innovative solutions to challenges for the activity interventions addressing important agricultural issues and providing innovative solutions.

Initiate, develop and sustain collaboration with research and development partners, governments and donors in the water sector in the Lao PDR.

Undertake, organize, facilitate, lead technical capacity building of water professionals in Laos on water management, nature-based solutions, ground water & irrigated agriculture.

Communicate outcomes of project interventions with the wider research and development community.

Frequent travel is expected for this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Strong contemporary knowledge on ground and surface water management, including irrigation gained through PhD research and independent inquiry.

Demonstrated original thinking, creativity and innovation applied to his/her discipline.

Experience in working on a diverse range of projects and programs associated with ecosystem service provision e.g., wetlands hydrological flows, groundwater management and irrigation services.

Experience in developing hydrological models for river basins with experience in remote sensing and GIS tools.

Good project management and leadership skills, with good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues, and emphasis on establishing a balance between strategic guidance and team empowerment.

Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.

Original, creative and innovative thinker that takes initiative, has a good sense of judgement.

A strong team player that is willing to take on various roles, adaptable and flexible and has tenacity to persevere.

Laos and wider Mekong Region experience working and strong understanding of the current political, economic, cultural and historical context of the region.

High level of proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Office and specialist software for statistical design and quantitative analysis and modelling.

Persuasive written and oral communication skills in English, including report development, writing and editing, as well as strong presentation skills when addressing diverse audiences.

Excellent Lao language skills (essential).

Other regional language skills (desirable).

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

A PhD in hydrology, geology, engineering, water management or a closely related discipline with 7 + years of experience.

A good record of peer reviewed publications on relevant subjects.

Experience in organizing, developing, delivering, facilitating seminars, workshops, trainings.

On-the-ground experience working water management solutions with farmers and water users.

Experience of working in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams.

Prior experience working with internationally leading organizations.

Benefits

What we are offering:

This is a regionally recruited position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an attractive retirement plan, comprehensive international health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, long-term disability insurance coverage and a transportation allowance. Globally recruited staff who are employed at a duty station outside of their home base/country of nationality will also receive relocation assistance, a housing allowance, home-leave plane tickets for self and eligible dependents and education assistance for eligible dependents.

The duration of the contract will initially be for a three-year period with possible extension.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) September 18, 2022 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Link to apply:

https://apply.workable.com/international-water-management-institute/j/7658FE6335/