Hydrology Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, established to oversee the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, focuses on fragile and conflict-affected settings. With more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices in Africa, it aims to advance national priorities through strategic initiatives in various sectors including Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security, and more. The office promotes excellence in project delivery and contributes to sustainable infrastructure and better quality of life for communities across the continent.

Job Overview:
The Hydrology Advisor position offers a unique opportunity to provide regional technical expertise and develop climate-resilient water engineering solutions within the Horn of Africa. The role involves integrating climate change adaptation and disaster mitigation strategies into major infrastructure portfolios, shaping sustainable water governance, and building institutional capacity in a region significantly affected by climate variability. The advisor will work under the Senior Portfolio Manager, providing technical guidance, conducting advanced hydrological analysis, and ensuring that infrastructure designs are climate-proofed. This position requires a proactive approach to solving complex hydrological challenges and informing regional water security strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist technical advice and strategic design support in hydrology, water resources, and climate change adaptation sectors.
• Assist in implementing climate-resilient methodologies to ensure infrastructures withstand extreme weather events and long-term climate shifts.
• Support decision-making systems for optimal water allocation, balancing ecosystem needs with agricultural and domestic demands.
• Engage with stakeholders on data collection, field verification, and hydro-meteorological modeling.
• Prepare and submit technical reports and risk logs summarizing progress on hydrological tasks.
• Support team collaboration and share advanced knowledge on hydrological assessments and modeling.
• Review and deliver multifaceted projects with hydrological or climate-adaptation components.
• Ensure adherence to principles of human rights, gender equity, and accountability in all activities.

Required Qualifications:
A Master's degree or equivalent in Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, Hydro-climatology, Environmental Engineering, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience. A Ph.D. in Hydrology, Hydraulic Engineering, or Water Resources Management with a climate focus is desired. Candidates should have experience in hydrological modeling, climate change impact evaluations, and real-time forecasting.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Hydrology or Environmental Engineering. A Ph.D. is preferred, particularly for those focusing on climate-related aspects of hydrology.

Experience:
A minimum of 7 years of combined relevant experience is required, including hydrological modeling, climate change evaluations on hydraulic infrastructures, and real-time forecasting. Experience in risk assessment of water systems and teaching or conducting applied research is desired. Candidates should also have a record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is a senior-level role under a retainer contract for an initial duration of one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and budget availability. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Background checks are conducted for all final candidates, and candidates must complete mandatory courses before providing services.