Position: Researcher - Water Resources and Climate Change

Organization: International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

Location: Kathmandu

Apply: https://apply.workable.com/international-water-management-institute/j/C801431A50/apply/

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.