The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking a motivated early career professional to join its headquarters in Battaramulla, Sri Lanka, as an Assistant Research Officer - Climate Risk Analyst.
The Assistant Research Officer \u2013 Climate Risk Analyst will support the generation, processing, and integration of multi-source climate, hazard, exposure, and vulnerability data to inform climate risk assessments across agriculture, water, and disaster risk management sectors. The role involves remote sensing analysis, GIS-based modelling, climate diagnostics, indicator development, and preparation of technical reports that contribute to digital platforms, early warning systems, and climate resilience programming.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Climate & Hazard Data Processing,
Collect, clean, and process climate datasets (historical, real-time, and future projections) for risk analytics and modelling.Conduct hazard-specific analyses (flood, drought, heat, landslides, cyclones) using remote sensing, satellite\u2011derived indices, and climate indicators for risk assessment.Support the generation of climate risk layers using intensity, frequency, anomaly detection, and return\u2011period diagnostics.Exposure & Vulnerability Assessment,
Compile and analyse exposure datasets (population, agriculture, infrastructure, ecosystems) from statistical, survey, and geospatial sources to support comprehensive risk assessments.Support vulnerability profiling using socio-economic indicators aligned with standard risk assessment methodologies.Assist in developing composite risk indices and maps integrating hazard\u2013exposure\u2013vulnerability datasets to produce comprehensive, spatially explicit risk insights.Geospatial Data Integration & Modelling,
Integrate diverse datasets from remote sensing (Sentinel, Landsat, MODIS, GPM), GIS layers, hydrological models, and field data.Perform spatial analysis, classification, change detection, and geostatistical modelling using QGIS, ArcGIS Pro, and Python-based workflows.Support the creation of geospatial products for digital dashboards, early warning systems, and decision-support tools.Climate Risk Assessment & Future Scenario Analysis,
Analyse current and projected climate risks using CMIP6/CMIP5 models, downscaled datasets, and bias-corrected climate projections.Assist in scenario development for agriculture, water resources, and disaster risk management.Conduct sensitivity and exposure analyses for climate-smart planning and adaptation investments.Data Collection & Indicator Development,
Compile, validate, and manage field data and publicly available datasets for constructing risk indicators.Support monitoring frameworks, early warning triggers, and climate resilience indicators used in project evaluations.Document metadata, methodologies, and analytical procedures for reproducibility and quality assurance.Reporting, Documentation & Communication,
Prepare high-quality technical reports, climate risk summaries, analytical briefs, and methodological notes.Develop clear visual outputs: risk maps, infographics, charts, dashboards, and tables for diverse audiences.Contribute to scientific publications, proposals, and stakeholder presentations when required.Requirements
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Essential,
Bachelor\u2019s degree in Climate Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Remote Sensing & GIS, Hydrology, Data Science, or a closely related field.2\u20133 years of experience in climate risk analysis, geospatial modelling, remote sensing, or disaster risk assessment.Practical experience using QGIS and ArcGIS Pro for geospatial analysis.Experience in Python for data processing, modelling, or workflow automation.Desirable,
Experience working with satellite imagery, geospatial datasets, and climate projections is highly desirable.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Essential,
Strong understanding of climate risk components: hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and risk frameworks.Competence in handling satellite data (SAR, optical, precipitation, land surface datasets).Familiarity with climate datasets such as CHIRPS, ERA5, CMIP, GPM, NDVI/VCI/VHI indices, and other Earth Observation products.Ability to generate climate risk maps, hazard layers, exposure overlays, and vulnerability indicators.Proficiency in QGIS and ArcGIS Pro for spatial analysis, map production, and data visualization.Python programming skills for geospatial processing, modelling, and automation.Ability to manage large datasets, conduct geospatial analytics, and interpret results.Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.Ability to translate analytical findings into user-friendly graphics, maps, and insights.Comfortable presenting results to project teams, government partners, and stakeholders.Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to interdisciplinary teams.Strong commitment to data quality, accuracy, and methodological transparency.Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines under time-sensitive project environments.Desirable,
Expertise with cloud-based platforms (Google Earth Engine) is an advantage.Benefits
This is a nationally recruited position and only Sri Lankan nationals will be considered. IWMI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of three years with the possibility of extension.
HOW TO APPLY:ย Apply for the position by following the application instructions atย www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on January 18, 2026 (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.