Water Resources Assessment Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization that focuses on addressing the challenges of agricultural production systems, particularly in the Global South. Established with the mission to improve the quantity, quality, and reliability of basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, and millets, CIMMYT works through applied agricultural science and strong partnerships. The organization aims to enhance the livelihoods and resilience of resource-poor farmers while striving for a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. CIMMYT operates in multiple countries, engaging in various initiatives to foster agricultural innovation and sustainability. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
The Water Resources Assessment Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing the water resources assessment framework and its application across various spatial scales, from river basins to national and continental levels. The incumbent will be responsible for data collection efforts across various river basin organizations, which will aid in the validation of use case tools and water data products. This position will leverage cutting-edge remote sensing techniques and data processing technologies to support water resource management and conservation efforts. The specialist will work closely with researchers and stakeholders to ensure that the data collected is accurate and useful for decision-making processes regarding water usage and conservation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Water Resources Assessment Specialist include supporting the routine collection, preparation, and organization of field data for integration into hydrologic models, ensuring that all data is complete and accurate according to defined protocols. The specialist will perform spatial analyses within a scripting environment, utilizing predefined methods and templates provided by the researcher. They will apply pre-selected machine learning algorithms to analyze datasets, interpreting outputs with guidance from the supervising researcher. Additionally, the specialist will assist in preparing data inputs, scripts, and basic interface components for applications and tools, following designs and specifications provided by the researcher or development team. Other responsibilities include carrying out assigned coding tasks in Python and R to support hydrological modeling and water balance studies, preparing maps and graphics for story maps, implementing and adapting existing open-source tools, executing routine tasks to download and preprocess geospatial datasets, maintaining documentation related to code execution and data processing, and performing remote sensing data preparation and analysis activities to support water resource monitoring.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in remote sensing, hydrology, water resources, or a related field, along with at least 3 years of research experience. A Master’s degree will be considered an added advantage. The ideal candidate should have prior experience in handling large-scale geospatial data on cloud-based platforms such as Amazon Web Services. A working knowledge of Scale Invariant Water Accounting Plus (SIWA+) assessment methods for water resources estimation is essential. Experience in developing and working with Large Sample Hydrology (LHS) datasets for hydrological research is also required. The candidate should be able to apply machine/deep learning scripts to simulate river discharge data and have experience using lumped and semi/distributed hydrological modeling approaches to estimate streamflow across various watersheds. Additionally, prior experience in developing content for story maps and web apps using ESRI technologies is necessary, along with experience working with local and regional river basin organizations in Africa.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in remote sensing, hydrology, water resources, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and will be considered an advantage. The educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in the principles of hydrology and water resource management, as well as familiarity with remote sensing technologies and data analysis techniques.

Experience:
The position requires at least 3 years of research experience in the field of water resources, hydrology, or remote sensing. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with large-scale geospatial data and applying machine learning techniques to hydrological datasets. Experience in developing and implementing hydrological models and working with river basin organizations is also essential for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. The ability to communicate complex issues clearly to diverse audiences is crucial. While English is the primary language required, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a range of benefits including private health insurance, a pension plan, paid time off, and opportunities for training and development. The role may involve working in a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, and multicultural environment, requiring excellent interpersonal skills. The position is full-time and may involve collaboration with international partners.