Description
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) (www.iwmi.org) is looking for a dynamic, self-motivated individual to join as a Regional Researcher who will work across different components and tasks of the Water Management for Enhanced Productivity (WMfEP) activity providing technical input to the water management and improvement of the farming systems. The incumbent will play a key role in delivery of various tasks in WMfEP, developing, leading and contributing to tasks. The incumbent will also take part in the capacity building of the Government Department employees and farmers to properly operationalize the new irrigation technology, techniques, practices from farm to system to provincial level.
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Planning, conceiving, contributing and leading WMfEP tasks which may include but not be limited to technical assessment of irrigated agricultural production systems, including the design of appropriate irrigation interventions across scales: large, medium and small irrigation systems; and matching water management interventions to biophysical and social conditions.
- Develop a coordinated approach for the utilization of surface water and groundwater resources for sustainable irrigation systems.
- Identify new sustainable solutions, trends and niches, and develop innovative solutions to challenges for the activity interventions addressing important irrigation issues in KP and the newly merged districts.
- Initiate, develop and sustain collaboration with research and development partners, governments and donors in the irrigation sector in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- Lead and/or contribute to WMfEP Task Plans and Task Reports, publication research reports, journal articles and other scientific manuscripts (e.g., policy guidelines, policy briefs, etc.) for dissemination and uptake of research results.
- Undertake, organize, facilitate, lead technical capacity building of water professionals in KP & the newly merged districts on irrigation, water management, irrigated agriculture.
- Communicate outcomes of project interventions with the wider research and development community.
- Provide advice on modernization, operation and maintenance needs of canal irrigation systems for Gomal Zam Command Area Development (GZCAD), and schemes in KP and the newly merged districts
- Undertake research into the climate-related impacts on surface water availability for the purposes of irrigation in the province of KP.
- Frequent travel is expected for this position between Lahore and activity site in D.I.Khan with typical 1 week stay at project site per month.
Requirements
MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- A PhD in agricultural/irrigation 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 on irrigation water management solutions with farmers and water users.
- Experience of working in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams.
- Prior experience working with internationally leading organizations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Strong contemporary knowledge on irrigation, irrigated agriculture, water management gained through appropriate research qualifications and/or independent inquiry.
- Demonstrated original thinking, creativity and innovation applied to his/her discipline.
- Experience in working on a diverse range of irrigation scales, and a good knowledge of irrigation design and the operation and maintenance of small, medium and large irrigation systems.
- Experience in developing hydrological models e.g. HEC-HMS for multiple river basins with experience in remote sensing and GIS tools.
- Experience in designing and deployment field level irrigation systems including High Efficiency Irrigation Systems (HEIS), engineered/precision surface irrigation including modelling tools,
- Good 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.
- Previous experience working in the Pakistan/Afghanistan preferred 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.
- Good Urdu language skills (essential).
- Good Pashto language skills (desirable).
Benefits
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. The duration of the initial contract will be for 21 months. All candidates, however, must be eligible to work in Pakistan by virtue of nationality/residence.
Your application must include a copy of your curriculum vitae, cover letter which addresses IWMI’s requirements stated above, and contact information of three professional referees, 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.
