Researcher – Integrated Water Modeling and Assessment

DESCRIPTION:
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking an innovative and multi-skilled candidate to join its office in Amman, Jordan, as a Researcher in Integrated Water Modeling and Assessment.

The Researcher in Integrated Water Modeling and Assessment shall provide technical and project implementation support for water and agriculture-related projects. The successful candidate will primarily focus on leading diverse water modeling activities and upscaling different water data-based solutions to be developed under various projects in the MENA region, such as the water dashboards and the Water Accounting Plus tool.

Experience in remote sensing data handling and applying data science techniques for water and land management (e.g., Python), and climate change-related aspects within the agricultural system is required. Furthermore, knowledge in integrated food, land, water, and energy systems for climate-resilient landscapes will be of added value.

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DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contribute to the different water modeling and assessment works in the Central West Asia/Middle East and North Africa region using the Water Accounting Plus tool and other modeling frameworks (physical and conceptual).
• Contribute to a growing MENA region’s portfolio of work related to the management of water and land resources, climate services, water data science, and digital innovation, national policies, and strategies for achieving national and regional development priorities.
• Lead high-quality and innovative applied research and proposal development on key research areas, such as large-scale integrated water resources assessment, water security, integrated river basin management, and future intersectoral water allocation that balances up- and downstream needs.
• Develop capacity building training modules and awareness-raising activities on water modeling and assessment.
• Organize stakeholder consultations and meetings and disseminate research findings.
• Initiate, develop, and sustain collaboration with research and public and private sector partners active in MENA’s water and agricultural sectors.
• Prepare research reports, scientific publications, policy briefs, and extension materials to disseminate and uptake research outputs.
• Identify new research trends and niches and develop multi-year multi-partner proposals for innovative research.
• Plan and execute the processing of large-scale digital imagery and GIS information layers using specialized image processing software such as ERDAS Imagine, ArcGIS, or similar software.

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MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• PhD in Water resources modeling, Hydrology/Agro-hydrology, Remote Sensing, and Data science in Water/land management, or any closely related discipline.
• At least 3 years of post-doctoral or a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the field of large-scale integrated modeling assessment, preferably with a focus on water resources management in a developing country/arid or semi-arid context. (Experience in MENA would be a plus.)
• Proven experience in the use of statistical software and programming codes (ideally Python).
• Experience in developing and/or managing solutions for scaling sustainable and resilient irrigation water management.
• Experience in hydrologic modeling and a good understanding of basin-scale hydrologic processes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Proficiency in handling large remote sensing and GIS data layers.
• Familiarity with water management and agricultural development issues in MENA.
• Ability to be a great team player with good communication and organizational skills.
• A good track record of relevant publications (scientific, manuals, or other extension materials).
• Possess the drive to innovate and transform the way we think about water use in smallholder agricultural systems.

LANGUAGE PROFICINECY:

• Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proficiency in Arabic and/or French will be considered an asset.

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BENEFITS:
This is a regionally recruited position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an attractive retirement plan, comprehensive international insurance coverage and a transportation allowance. Additional allowances may include housing, education, shipping assistance, and annual home leave travel for you and eligible dependents. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of two years with the possibility of extension.

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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) on August 17, 2023 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted. 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.