Consultant for Dam Vulnerability Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), which was established in 194

• UNESCO's mission is to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO is dedicated to fostering sustainable development through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information.

Job Overview:
The position involves providing technical support to Libya in the monitoring and maintenance of dams, particularly in the context of a recent disaster caused by Storm Daniel, which resulted in the collapse of two dams and significant flooding in the city of Derna. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a vulnerability assessment and evaluation of four selected dams in Libya, focusing on their structural and operational integrity, vulnerability to natural hazards, and operational risks. The consultant will also recommend remedial actions and risk mitigation measures, as well as strengthen emergency preparedness and resilience planning. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of dam safety management and the ability to work in accordance with international guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks as part of the project 'Technical Support to Libya in the Monitoring and Maintenance of Dams.' These tasks include:

• Stocktaking of dam documents to gather existing information and data.
• Developing a detailed description of the dam and reservoir system.
• Conducting site inspections of the selected dams to assess their current condition.
• Performing structural and geotechnical assessments to evaluate the integrity of the dams.
• Carrying out hydrological and hydraulic assessments to understand water flow and potential risks.
• Analyzing risks and failure modes to identify vulnerabilities.
• Drawing instrumentation and monitoring plans to ensure ongoing safety.
• Developing a rehabilitation and maintenance handbook based on the findings from the assessments, which will include systematic visual inspections covering all features of the dam. The assessments must adhere to international dam safety guidelines established by organizations such as ICOLD and the World Bank.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first degree in structural or civil engineering, along with postgraduate degrees (MSc. and/or PhD) in hydrology, hydraulic engineering, or dam safety. Additionally, candidates should have a strong background in inspection, monitoring, and maintenance of dams. Professional knowledge and direct experience in dam evaluation and vulnerability assessment are essential, as well as familiarity with dam safety protocols and practices.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first degree in structural or civil engineering, complemented by advanced degrees such as a Master's or Doctorate in relevant fields like hydrology, hydraulic engineering, or dam safety. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of dam design, construction, and maintenance.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 to 10 years of professional experience in dam design, construction, and maintenance. This experience should include technical training on dam safety and maintenance practices, as well as hands-on involvement in dam evaluation and vulnerability assessments. Previous experience working with UN agencies is also desirable.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNESCO and for the documentation involved. Additionally, knowledge of the Arabic language is considered a plus, as it may facilitate communication and understanding in the context of the project in Libya.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is classified as non-staff and has a duration ranging from 1 to 6 months. The recruitment is open to external candidates, and the application process requires candidates to submit their CV, methodology of work, and a detailed financial offer along with a timeline. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and individuals with disabilities. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.