Hydrogeology Advisor

Duty Station(s)

Home based.

Contract Type

ICA - LICA - Specialist - Retainer.

Duration

One year initially, renewable based on satisfactory performance and budget availability

Role Purpose

Reporting to the Senior Project Manager, the candidate provides authoritative technical advice and design support, supervises junior professional personnel, and solves complex problems by applying existing rules and best practices in hydrogeology and applied geology. The specialist is responsible for a specific portfolio of work, ensuring reliable service delivery and contributing to the development and implementation of sustainable water management strategies.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Technical Expertise

• Provide specialist technical advice and design support in hydrogeology and applied geology.
• Guide the team in resolving geological, hydrogeological, and geomorphological challenges.
• Support sustainable environmental resource management, particularly groundwater resources.
• Contribute to decision-support systems for optimal allocation and conservation of natural resources.

2. Monitoring and Reporting

• Actively engage with the WASH team and all relevant stakeholders on data collection and modeling.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of implementation plan progress.
• Prepare and submit to the Senior Project Manager, as requested, reports summarizing the progress of tasks, risks, issues, and any other pertinent information.
• Work closely with the Senior Project Manager in responding to emerging project needs.

3. Knowledge Sharing and Knowledge Building

• Coach and train project personnel in the modelling of dominant hydrogeological processes for design and/or planning/monitoring purposes.
• Ensure the highest standards of knowledge management, including quality assurance and complete archiving of work.
• Contribute to the implementation phase of projects by highlighting challenges and providing feedback to support continuous improvement.
• Provide training and facilitate knowledge transfer to UNOPS and stakeholder personnel.
• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for development planning and organizational knowledge building.

4. Personnel Management

• Assist the Senior Project Manager from a technical perspective in delivering projects that include hydrogeological components.
• Assist the Project Executive in coordinating the technical work of the team, providing technical supervision and coaching during the implementation phase.
• Support the attraction, retention, and development of personnel with the skills and competencies required to ensure optimum performance, providing guidance to enable responsible, effective, and efficient performance.
• Ensure that the principles of human rights, gender equity, peace, voice, accountability, "do no harm," and aid effectiveness are integrated into all activities

Education Requirements

Required

• Master's degree or equivalent with 7 years of relevant experience on the subject.

Desired

• Ph.D./Doctorate/Post Doctorate with 7 years of relevant experience.

Experience Requirements

Required

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in groundwater modelling in the engineering sector, including experience in statistical methods, numerical methods, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related geoservices, statistics applied to environmental engineering, contaminant modelling, and remediation methods

Desired

• Experience in risk assessment of water systems.
• Experience in teaching, conducting applied research, and/or capacity building in the hydrogeological or applied geology sectors.
• Author or co-author of articles published in international journals or proceedings of international conferences in the hydrogeological or applied geology sectors.

Language Requirements

English, fluent

This is a unique opportunity to apply specialized hydrogeological expertise to critical water and sanitation infrastructure projects across the Horn of Africa. The role offers the chance to independently manage significant technical aspects, provide authoritative guidance, and contribute to sustainable environmental resource management, directly impacting community well-being and regional development within a leading UN organization