The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is seeking a critical thinker and innovative researcher to join as a Senior Researcher / Researcher* - Water Tracker Project Leader.
This is an internationally recruited position; therefore, individuals with relevant abilities from diverse locations around the world are encouraged to apply. Please disregard the preferred geographic location indicated above, as this is a technical limitation of the Workable software. The successful candidate preferably should be based in Sri Lanka; however, other IWMI offices may also be considered.
The incumbent is responsible for spearheading the design and implementation of the Water Tracker (WT) for National Climate Planning Program, funded by the United Kingdom\u2019s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which is a flagship project to successfully mainstream water resilience within national climate planning processes.
As a Senior Researcher / Researcher, the role will also entail participating in designing and delivering high-quality research outputs as pertaining to the program. As the Project Leader, the incumbent will be expected to leverage their considerable project management and coordination skills to successfully work with IWMI staff, consultants, and partner organizations, as well as high-level government representatives and technical staff to deliver targeted support to the countries participating in this pilot project.
The person will be responsible for external representation and engagement with the donor (FCDO), and other key stakeholders at various levels as an essential element of scaling and implementing the Water Tracker.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
As the Project Leader,
Lead the delivery of agreed activities on time and in line with FCDO's agreed planning and budget calendar and processes. Provide intellectual leadership and, together with the project team, partners, and stakeholders, build a shared vision for the project, its goals, and how it will deliver impact. Oversee the planning and implementation of project activities. Oversee and support the work of other project team members, including project partners and consultants. Facilitate the delivery of project outputs and contribute towards outcomes and impacts across the project. Sign off on key project deliverables and the release of funding as approved in the project proposal, work plan, and budget. Optimize financial resources, making decisions that maximize value for money, impact, and drive efficiencies. Be the internal and external \"face\" of the project, including interactions with FCDO, national focal points, project oversight bodies, as well as at events, project management and stakeholder meetings, etc. Liaise regularly with FCDO Project Management Unit for guidance and support. Coordinate to achieve synergies with other IWMI projects in the focal countries of implementation. Oversee project reporting processes and manage risks proactively and in line with the project risk register. Ensure implementation of the project's communication strategy and gender action plan. As required, support with wider IWMI strategy development, including contributing to research group priorities, and participating in workshops and conferences. Support a work environment that promotes a culture of collaboration, learning, effective knowledge sharing, knowledge transfer, and interdisciplinary teamwork.As the Technical Expert,
Evaluate the potential impacts of proposed WT outcomes in each demonstration project on water resources, different water users, stakeholders, and community members, especially women and youth. In collaboration with other project researchers, design and oversee the monitoring and evaluation (incorporating some citizen science components) of WT interventions/outcomes, including impacts on water resources, stakeholders, and communities, especially women and youth, to determine if anticipated impacts are achieved. Build a systematic understanding of the technical and institutional capacity needs (human and social capital components) for national government agencies, local government agencies, and communities to develop and deploy WT outcomes more widely. Raise awareness about the WT and how it can be used for climate change adaptation, especially in relation to women and youth, and build capacity at the required levels for their increased implementation. Organize training in WT application for relevant professionals and community members according to systematically identified, as well as nation-specific, needs. Conduct partner workshops, dialogues, and other mechanisms to discuss how upscaling of WT outcomes can occur, including through novel financing mechanisms. Drawing on evidence produced through analysis and learnings in the application of the WT, as well as partner and stakeholder interactions, provide impact pathways for designing and scaling sustainable climate finance projects via public sector, private sector, and multilateral funding. Synthesize and consolidate knowledge into various products, including adaptation and resilience planning and implementation guidelines, and/or standard operating procedures; use cases; awareness raising and training materials; and communications products, all targeting specific audiences, inclusive of academic (peer-reviewed journal) publications. Facilitate peer\u2010to\u2010peer learning opportunities, national and regional knowledge sharing, and co\u2010learning.Requirements
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Essential,
At Senior Researcher level: PhD in water resources management, climate studies, environmental studies, economics, rural development or a closely related field coupled with minimum of 10 years of relevant post-doctoral experience. At Researcher level: PhD in the aforementioned fields coupled with a minimum of 05 years of relevant post-doctoral experience OR; Master\u2019s degree in the aforementioned fields coupled with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. Experience working on research and development and/or public sector-funded projects that promote, plan, design, and implement water management and climate resilience. Experience managing large multi-partner, complex development projects Experience managing and navigating partner and stakeholder relationships with governmental, private sector, and community counterparts at various levels of organizational hierarchies (i.e., senior to lower management, and professional staff), and at the regional, national, and local levels. Proven experience undertaking participatory and/or co-development processes with national and local stakeholders. A record of peer-reviewed and/or technical report publications on subjects relevant to climate finance, policy, and water management, with a preference for interdisciplinarity. Experience in undertaking or overseeing hydrological, environmental, and social monitoring and evaluation. Experience working in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams. Experience in capacity-building and training programs for diverse participants. Proven experience of working with an international organization abroad.Desirable,
Experience implementing FCDO funded projects. Qualification in Project Management (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2 or similar) and/or substantial, successful project management experience.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Essential,
Proven understanding of climate finance, policy, and water management principles and practices. Excellent ability to interpret, summarize, synthesize, present, and utilize outputs of environmental (i.e., hydrological, agricultural, and/or climate) and socio-economic models for evaluation purposes, to support planning, and/or to inform decision-making processes. Excellent analytical skills and the ability to communicate the relevance of analyses in a succinct and understandable manner to various audiences and stakeholders. Ability to prioritize work and achieve stretch targets, including through strong time management. Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask effectively. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and new procedures quickly. Attention to detail, precision, and strong problem-solving skills. Personal attributes include high standards of conduct, respect, flexibility, diplomacy, and sound work ethics. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, managers, project partners, focal points, community members, and other stakeholders. Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities. Ability to Frequently travel in the region of posting and beyond.Desirable,
Proficiency in French is preferred but not required.Benefits
This is an internationally recruited position with a competitive salary, an attractive retirement plan, comprehensive international health insurance, life insurance accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. Internationally recruited staff who are employed at a duty station outside of their home base/country of nationality will also receive relocation assistance, a housing allowance, home-leave plane tickets for self and eligible dependents and education assistance for eligible dependents. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of three years.
DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that the availability of this position is contingent upon the receipt of donor funding.
*Please note that should a qualified candidate at the Senior Researcher level not be identified, or if a suitable candidate at the Researcher level is found during the selection process, the position will be adjusted accordingly.
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 April 19, 2024 (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.