Senior International Hydrogeological Modelling Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa (ROEA) is dedicated to implementing a variety of groundwater initiatives aimed at enhancing groundwater assessment, sustainable management, climate resilience, drought preparedness, and evidence-based decision-making across Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The organization focuses on developing advanced hydrogeological modelling techniques to improve the understanding of groundwater systems and support effective resource planning. UNESCO is committed to fostering scientific excellence and innovation in groundwater governance, ensuring that its initiatives are aligned with international best practices and contribute to sustainable development goals.

Job Overview:
The Senior International Hydrogeological Modelling Specialist will play a crucial role in leading and providing high-level technical expertise across multiple groundwater projects. This position involves the development, review, and application of conceptual and numerical groundwater models, which are essential for groundwater forecasting and decision-support systems. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring technical quality assurance and strengthening institutional capacities through mentoring, training, and knowledge transfer. The role is vital in addressing the increasing pressures on groundwater resources due to climate change, urbanization, and population growth, and it aims to enhance the scientific basis for groundwater governance and sustainable management practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Leading the development and refinement of conceptual and numerical groundwater models to support sustainable groundwater management and climate resilience.
• Developing and applying groundwater forecasting tools and conducting climate change scenario analyses to evaluate groundwater system responses under varying conditions.
• Providing technical quality assurance for groundwater modelling outputs and ensuring adherence to international best practices.
• Strengthening the technical capacities of national institutions and project partners through training and knowledge transfer initiatives.
• Collaborating closely with UNESCO Headquarters and project partners to ensure alignment and integration of groundwater initiatives.
• Preparing detailed work plans for specific projects, outlining methodologies, implementation schedules, and expected technical outputs.
• Regularly updating project stakeholders on progress and incorporating feedback to enhance project outcomes.
• Submitting all technical deliverables in accordance with agreed timelines and ensuring that all outputs become the property of UNESCO.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in Hydrogeology or a closely related discipline. Additionally, they should have at least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in groundwater studies and hydrogeological modelling. Demonstrated experience in developing and applying conceptual and numerical groundwater models is essential, along with proven expertise in integrating hydrogeological and hydroclimatic data into modelling workflows. Research experience related to climate change and its impacts on groundwater systems is also required. Candidates must have an excellent command of English, both written and spoken, and a working knowledge of French is preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a PhD in Hydrogeology or a closely related field. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of groundwater systems and for developing innovative modelling techniques that can address the challenges posed by climate variability and change.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in groundwater studies and hydrogeological modelling. This extensive experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can provide high-level technical leadership and strategic guidance across various groundwater initiatives, as well as to effectively mentor and train national counterparts and project partners.

Languages:
A strong command of English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNESCO and for technical documentation. Additionally, a working knowledge of French is considered beneficial, as it may facilitate collaboration with French-speaking partners and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this consultancy is set for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on project needs and performance. The position is classified as Level 3 - Senior, indicating a high level of responsibility and expertise required. The consultant will be expected to work on-site in Nairobi, Kenya, and will be open to external candidates. The application process includes an online submission of applications, and candidates will be evaluated based on technical and financial criteria, with a focus on achieving the best value for money. UNESCO emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages applications from individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities.