Senior Research Officer - Water and Climate Policy

Tags: international relations climate change English language Environment
  • Added Date: Tuesday, 11 July 2023
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The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is seeking an innovative & multi skilled candidate to join its office in Lahore, Pakistan, as a Senior Research Officer - Water and Climate Policy.

The Senior Research Officer - Water and Climate Policy will primarily work on the \u201cAustralia Pakistan Water Security Initiative\u201d (APWASI) project, which encompasses study areas in the twin cities of (Islamabad and Rawalpindi) Pakistan. The role will involve contributing to research activities, such as literature reviews, field data collection, analytical work, policy analysis, and collaboration with stakeholders and project partners in the water and climate sectors.

The successful candidate will be responsible for organizing project-related events, workshops, training sessions, and field visits involving various stakeholders. Additionally, the incumbent will actively engage in organizing science-policy-practice dialogues and workshops at the local, provincial, and federal levels within the water and climate sectors.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Be an integral part of the research team during fieldwork, actively participating in interdisciplinary research activities including data collection, processing and analysis, related to thematic issues such as policy, institutions, water governance, urban livelihoods, impact evaluation, gender equality, and social inclusion within the APWASI project. Coordinate project activities in the twin cities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad) in the province of Punjab and the Federal Capital City, Pakistan. Assist project partners (WWF and government counterparts) to collect primary and secondary data, both qualitative and quantitative, specifically for the twin cities. Represent IWMI in major interagency forums, effectively communicating IWMI's priorities and program activities in the water and climate sector. Prepare briefing notes and talking points for project meetings, offering continuous guidance and assistance to the supervisor on project-related issues. Provide advice and actively participate in negotiations to establish operations, develop guidelines, and define terms of reference related to urban water management. Build institutional networks to promote IWMI's position and establish IWMI as a center of expertise on critical policy issues; Identify program synergies with collaborating partners and establish collaborative frameworks of engagement in the water and climate sector within the urban environment. Contribute to build positive relationships with government entities, civil society, and other stakeholders. Provide support in organizing meetings, dialogues, and workshops for the project. Assist in preparing high-quality project reports within project timelines & project-specific communication materials. Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Master's degree in public administration, development studies, public policy, international relations, or a related social science discipline, with a specialization in social science approaches. Specializations can include economic geography, rural sociology, impact evaluation, policy analysis, governance, and institutional analysis. Minimum of 5 years\u2019 experience in development and/or research project management preferably in the field of water and climate sector. Extensive experience in conducting field research, specifically in impact evaluation studies and/or the application of social science in water resource management. Demonstrated experience in preparing high-quality project reports and publications. Sound understanding of key public actors in water and climate sectors. Work expertise in the field of urban development and/or research. Good working knowledge of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods in the field of social science research, particularly in areas such as public policy, impact evaluation, institutions and governance issues, or economic geography. Knowledge of peri-urban livelihoods, urban systems, and climate change. Familiarity with nature-based solutions for improving groundwater aquifers in the face of climate change and other drivers of change. Expertise in engaging with various governmental or public sector authorities, including but not limited to ministries and civil societies at all levels. Knowledge of critical social, economic, ecological, technical, institutional, and policy issues in the water and climate sectors in Pakistan. Understanding of water governance and management within the Pakistani context. Ability to travel regularly between research sites located in the twin cities to support project activities. Knowledge of diversity, inclusion, discrimination and gender issues in Pakistan. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

LANGUAGE PROFICINECY:

Excellent oral and written language skills in English & Urdu, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities. Proficiency in Punjabi language will be considered an asset.

Benefits

This is a nationally recruited position and only candidates who are eligible to work in Pakistan 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 two years with the possibility of extension.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on July 25, 2023 (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.

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