Researcher - Water Resources and Climate Change

Published by for International Water Management Institute

Researcher - Water Resources and Climate Change

Researcher - Water Resources and Climate Change
Kathmandu, Bagmati Province, NepalClosing date: September 12, 2020
Description
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is looking for a highly motivated researcher to lead and manage cutting-edge applied research on water resources, the water-energy-food-environment (WEFE) nexus, and climate change in the Himalayan region, including Nepal, and South and Southeast Asia. The researcher is expected to drive and undertake research-for-development (R4D) initiatives on hydrology, water security and water resources to deliver science, innovation and local capacity development that advances the transformation of food, land and water systems in a climate crisis. The person will provide scientific leadership and guidance, contribute to research oversight and quality control, support partnership development, and lead biophysical research portfolios, as well as disseminating research results to target audiences.

The researcher will be based in Kathmandu, Nepal, and will work with multidisciplinary researchers and partners of IWMI and One CGIAR at various scales.

Duties and responsibilities:

Lead high-quality and innovative applied research and proposal development on key research areas such as water and environmental security, integrated river basin management, hydrology, hydro-ecology (process and modeling), watershed management, and intersectoral water allocation that balances upstream and downstream needs.
Contribute to the research portfolio on the WEFE nexus conducted by the One CGIAR Regional Integrated Initiatives as well as related Global Research Initiatives in which the Institute is participating.
Contribute to a growing portfolio related to the management of water and land resources, climate services, digital innovation, and national policies and strategies for achieving national and regional development priorities.
Provide hydrological expertise in the design, testing and evaluation of contextually relevant innovative R4D solutions in the areas of climate change impacts on water and agriculture, renewable energy and other key areas.
Support the Nepal office in implementing its country-specific strategic road maps in alignment with the priorities and plans of the Government of Nepal and One CGIAR.
Represent IWMI in relevant strategic meetings with partners and stakeholders.
Initiate, develop and strengthen collaboration with research partners, governments and development partners, the private sector, civil society, networks, and other CGIAR centers for a water solutions-oriented R4D mission in Nepal, and South and Southeast Asia; Use research findings to engage policy makers, water professionals, development professionals, civil society organizations, private sector actors, researchers, early career researchers, and farmers.
Ensure that project-specific deliverables and deadlines are met, manage project budgets, and work closely with the Country Representative - Nepal, Strategic Program Directors, Director - Digital Innovation, relevant Research Group Leaders, Initiative and Project Leads, and internal and external research teams and partners to ensure timely delivery of outputs.
Manage projects and mentor early career researchers at IWMI and partner organizations on water resources research on the WEFE and biodiversity nexus.
Carry out technical trainings and organize workshops and learning forums to transfer knowledge and build the capacity of policy makers and other stakeholders, including local water users, organizations of rights-holders, including women.
Requirements
Educational qualifications and experience:

PhD in hydrology or a closely related water resources discipline, with knowledge of other disciplines, particularly climate change adaptation and mitigation, agricultural sciences and environmental sciences.
At least 5 years of postdoctoral experience in basin hydrology, climate change analysis, climate change adaptation, and resilient integrated water resources management in a developing country context.
Ability to establish and maintain partnerships and working relationships with governments, development agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and research and like-minded institutions.
Familiarity with gender equality and social inclusion issues in Nepal and Asia, in general, and the water and natural resource management sectors, in particular, with the ability to think and act on R4D research interventions differently.
Sound experience of leading, managing and/or providing technical contributions to complex donor-funded research projects preferably in South Asia, specifically the Himalayan region, as well as in other regions.
Experience in working with and leading interdisciplinary and multicultural research teams.
Experience in leading the preparation of concept notes and proposals on the WEFE nexus using a hydrological and climate science lens.
Knowledge, skills and abilities:

A good track record of relevant scientific publications, and experience in working on applied research, policy and capacity development in the areas of water resources at basin scale, climate-resilient water management, and resilient surface water and groundwater irrigation for sustainable and inclusive jobs, livelihoods and economic prosperity, preferably in Nepal, and South or Southeast Asia.
A good understanding of transboundary water cooperation and inter- and intra-governmental cooperation and relationships on water resources management, preferably in the federal context of South Asian countries.
Good knowledge of and experience in institutional arrangements for river basin management, and integrated water resources management in watersheds, sub-basins or basins in developing countries.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Benefits
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This is an internationally 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 (LTD) insurance and a transportation allowance. If the successful candidate requires international relocation, s/he may be eligible for additional allowances, which could include shipping assistance, education, and home leave travel support for employee and eligible dependents. The duration of the contract will initially be for a three-year period with possible extension.

TO APPLY

Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through September 12, 2021 (Sunday) at 24:00 (IST).Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Your application must include a copy of your curriculum vitae, list of publications, and a letter describing your motivation and how your knowledge, training and experience match IWMI’s requirements stated above. It must also include the names and contact information of three professional referees (indicating your relationship to each) who will be contacted if you are short-listed for the position.

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.

Information

Industry experience

Education: PhD

Seniority: Expert, Engineer, Consultant

Years of experience: 5 to 10 years

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