Description
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has an exciting opportunity for a researcher who will contribute to a better understanding of the sustainable management of freshwater systems in Sri Lanka. The researcher is expected to contribute to research for development (R4D) initiatives on nature-based solutions for water.
THE ROLE
- Contribute to IWMI’s R4D portfolio in Sri Lanka with an initial focus on the role of wetlands in supporting livelihoods and communities in the urban and peri-urban environments of Colombo.
- Work with government and community representatives to conduct capacity building in best practices in wetland management and use citizen science to monitor selected wetlands in Colombo.
- Evaluate, interpret and integrate information and data to draw logical conclusions about wetland health status and the effectiveness of management and performance.
- Initiate, develop and strengthen collaboration with research partners, the government, development partners, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, civil society, and other CGIAR centers.
- Collaborate with colleagues and partners to provide relevant and timely inputs to project-specific deliverables so that project and donor deadlines are met.
- Provide advice to policy makers and inform and transfer knowledge to non-scientific audiences, including in Sinhalese and/or Tamil languages where appropriate.
- Support IWMI’s office in Sri Lanka in implementing its country-specific strategic road map in alignment with the priorities and plans of the Government of Sri Lanka and One CGIAR.
- Represent IWMI in relevant strategic meetings with partners and stakeholders.
- Contribute to a portfolio of R4D projects related to nature-based solutions in the context of integrated water resources management and sustainable/resilient infrastructure, which address Sri Lanka’s development priorities.
Requirements
THE PERSON FOR THE ROLE
The successful candidate will possess the following:
- PhD/MSc in environmental science, hydrology, freshwater ecology or a similar area with knowledge of other disciplines, particularly aspects of social sciences, including participatory approaches.
- Two to four years of experience in working on applied research, policy and capacity development in the field of freshwater ecology/hydrology/environmental science.
- Ability to undertake field-based research programs, including design and implementation of citizen science.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary research teams to carry out tasks in support of IWMI’s scientific objectives.
- Ability to establish and maintain partnerships and working relationships with the government, development agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and research and similar institutions.
- Ability to anticipate and manage problems in ambiguous situations; develop and select an appropriate course of action and provide for contingencies.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English with the ability to provide input to high-quality client reports and scientific papers that are suitable for publication in high-impact journals and for presentation at national and international conferences.
Benefits
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
This is a nationally recruited staff position and only citizens of Sri Lanka are encouraged to apply. IWMI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes transport and health insurance. The duration of the contract will be for a three-year period with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds.
TO APPLY
Your application must include a copy of your curriculum vitae, a cover letter that addresses IWMI’s requirements stated above, and contact information of three professional referees who may be contacted if you are short-listed for the position.
Applications will be received through 24:00 (IST) on November 30, 2021 (Tuesday). 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.
