Consultant in Geospatial Groundwater Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA works to support member states in achieving sustainable development goals through various initiatives, research, and policy recommendations. The organization focuses on issues such as water scarcity, economic development, and social equity, and operates in 22 member states across the Arab region. ESCWA aims to enhance regional cooperation and provide a platform for dialogue among member states to address common challenges.

Job Overview:
The Consultant in Geospatial Groundwater Analysis will play a crucial role in addressing the pressing issue of water scarcity in the Arab region, particularly in Lebanon. This position involves utilizing geospatial information system (GIS) technologies to support the Ministry of Energy and Water in updating its groundwater database and enhancing the analytical capacities of its staff. The consultant will be responsible for developing a draft framework for well permitting decision-making, which will include operational codes and commands based on collected data and regulatory criteria. The consultant will also contribute to the development of hydrogeological factsheets for priority aquifers, thereby facilitating informed decision-making regarding groundwater management. The expected duration of this consultancy is three months, and the work will be conducted remotely, allowing for flexibility in the execution of tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the update of an interactive WebGIS dashboard by integrating additional monitoring, climate, and remote sensing datasets into the platform.
• Developing a draft framework for well permitting decision-making that operationalizes collected data and information in conjunction with regulatory criteria.
• Creating comprehensive hydrogeological factsheets for selected national priority aquifers, utilizing data and information from the Arab Groundwater Knowledge Platform.
• Collaborating with the Ministry of Energy and Water to enhance their geospatial analytical capabilities and improve groundwater resource management.
• Engaging with stakeholders to ensure that the developed frameworks and tools meet the needs of the relevant authorities and contribute to sustainable groundwater management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in geoscience, hydrogeology, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a similar field is desirable but not mandatory. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational qualifications, as incomplete applications will not be considered. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of one year of professional work experience in geoscience and GIS analysis. Knowledge of groundwater modeling and proficiency in Python programming are considered advantageous for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree in geoscience, hydrogeology, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a similar discipline is preferred, as it would provide a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in groundwater analysis and management. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications as part of the application process.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least one year of professional work experience in the fields of geoscience and GIS analysis. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to apply geospatial technologies effectively in the context of groundwater resource management. Familiarity with groundwater modeling techniques and experience in utilizing programming languages such as Python will be beneficial and may enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations and ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four areas of language use: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, but it is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for three months, and the work will be conducted remotely, providing flexibility for the consultant. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Applicants should be aware that the organization does not request information regarding bank accounts during the recruitment process.