Job Description
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) has the mandate to supervise the water sector, and manage and protect the natural water resources of the Kingdom. To carry out this mandate, the ministry has completed many water resources studies, prepared then National Water Strategy (NWS) and related water regulations, and initiated a comprehensive Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) plan along with other initiatives that ensure sustainability of water resources and high quality of water supply. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has an agreement with MEWA to provide MEWA with technical assistance in its capacity development to carry out its mandate.
The UNDP is looking for a qualified and competent international expert to work as a Water Information Management Specialist in the UNDP project team at MEWA.
Institutional Arrangement
- When work circumstances necessitate the travel of an expert outside Riyadh city (Within the Kingdom), he/she shall be entitled for Travel Allowances equal to the period of his fieldwork based on UNDP rules and regulations.
- Although not expected to be frequent, should work assigned to the Editor requires his/her attendance to work in office during off-days or government holidays, he/she should attend without extra costs.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Hydrogeology Specialist shall carry the overall responsibility of supporting MEWA to successfully complete specific water resources projects and capacity development in Groundwater operations, studies, and modeling.
The key areas of work and responsibilities under this TOR include:
- Perform comprehensive water resources use assessment & evaluation.
- Evaluate renewable and non-renewable water resources including surface water resources to support the development of optimal water allocation plans
- Assess ground water abstractions for agricultural use with the help of remote sensing and other possible methods.
- Review of groundwater assessment reports prepared by or for MEWA.
- Develop and evaluate water well field projects, groundwater monitoring wells, and relevant hydrogeological requirements.
- Construct, run, evaluate, and modify groundwater flow and solute transport models.
- Participate in capacity development of MEWA staff to advanced levels of proficiency in hydrogeology.
- Participate in MEWA’s and UNDP’s technical seminars, workshops and training programs.
- Prepare Terms Of References (TOR) for MEWA’s water resources-related projects.
Competencies
Core
| Achieve Results: | LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact |
| Think Innovatively: | LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems |
| Learn Continuously: | LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences |
| Adapt with Agility: | LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands |
| Act with Determination: | LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results |
| Engage and Partner: | LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration |
| Enable Diversity and Inclusion: | LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity |
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
| Thematic Area | Name | Definition |
| Digital & Innovation | Geospatial analysis | Skilled in techniques which study entities using their topological, geometric, or geographic properties. |
| Business Direction and Strategy | System Thinking | Ability to conduct problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system. |
| Business Management | Communication | -Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience -Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels. |
| Environment | Professionalism | Shows pride and confidence in work and in achievements, and demonstrates professional competence in his/her work area. Shows high level in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Is not aggressive in stressful situations. |
| Environment | Planning& Organizing | Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identify priority activities and assignments, and adjusts as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. |
Education, experience and skills:
| Min. Education requirements | Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Hydrogeology or related field is required, or · A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. |
| Min. years of relevant work experience | Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level of work on groundwater resources |
| Required skills | Solid experience in Hydrogeology.Substantial experience in leading teams of national and international experts and working in a multi-cultural environment. Good advocacy and communications skills and demonstrated report writing skills.Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages |
| Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section | CommunicationTeamworkExperience in working, liaising, and collaborating with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and public international organizations.Knowledge of capacity building theory and capacity building/assessment methodologies. Relevant experience in Viet Nam or South-East Asia countries is an advantage. |
| Required Language(s) | Fluency in the UN language of the duty station is required (English)Fluency in the national language of the duty station is required for local personnel (Arabic) |
| Professional Certificates | NA |
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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