Senior Regional Researcher

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Description

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The incumbent will be responsible for planning, designing, coordinating, and implementing research initiatives, analyzing data, and providing insights into sustainable water utilization practices. This role particularly focuses on next-generation irrigation systems, water management, and delivery under FCDO’s funded Water Resources Accountability Programme (WRAP): Component 1 [Climate Resilient Solutions for Improving Water Governance (CRS-IWaG)] in KP province.

The Researcher will serve as the technical lead on improving system-scale water resources management in irrigation schemes and on technology development/transfers to farming communities.

The person will contribute to the development of strategies, policies, and approaches aimed at optimizing water allocation, enhancing water productivity, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Working closely with local partners, stakeholders, researchers, high-level government officials, and communities, the incumbent will generate knowledge, develop solutions, and facilitate the widespread adoption of sustainable irrigation practices that balance the imperatives of food security, economic development, and environmental resilience.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, conceive, and lead research and technical assessments of irrigation systems, focusing on designing appropriate interventions in support of the KP Water Act 2020.
• Design and develop innovative solutions to enhance the efficiency, equity, and sustainability of irrigation water systems, optimizing water allocations and productivity to align with the KP Water Act 2020.
• Develop a coordinated approach for utilizing surface water and groundwater resources sustainably in irrigation systems to comply with the KP Water Act 2020.
• Evaluate the performance of irrigation infrastructure, including surface and groundwater pumps and reservoirs, identifying opportunities for improvement and optimization.
• Serve as Team Lead for KP, coordinating all technical activities and reporting to the Team Leader and Deputy Team Leader of the WRAP project.
• Analyze data on water availability, demand, quality, and usage patterns to understand the dynamics of irrigation systems and their impacts on agriculture, the environment, and ecosystems.
• Provide technical backstopping to government, research and development partners, and public sector institutions in water resources integrated planning and management.
• Pilot-test and evaluate irrigation technologies, practices, and governance mechanisms to enhance water productivity and resilience.
• Undertake research on climate-related impacts on surface and groundwater availability in irrigation systems, from field to canal system scales.
• Engage policymakers, government agencies, and decision-makers to advocate evidence-based policies, best practices in irrigation, and investments promoting sustainable water management.
• Support management of relevant initiatives and projects under the One CGIAR framework, as directed by the IWMI Country Representative.
• Provide technical assistance, training, and capacity-building to project partners and stakeholders, including farmers, water user associations, and government agencies.
• Forge partnerships with research institutions, universities, and development organizations to leverage expertise, resources, and networks for advancing irrigation water research and development.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential,

• A PhD in hydrology, irrigation engineering, agricultural engineering, or a closely related field, coupled with a minimum of 04 years of relevant post-doctoral experience, OR; Master’s degree in aforementioned fields, or a closely related field, coupled with a minimum of 09 years of relevant experience.
• Experience working on research and development donor-funded projects that promote, plan, design, and implement next-generation irrigation systems.
• Experience in managing and navigating partner and stakeholder relationships with governmental, private sector, community counterparts, and policymakers.
• Experience in overseeing planning, formulation, and implementation of large-scale public sector agriculture water management projects.
• Experience in planning, designing, and implementing enhanced productivity and agribusiness/value chain development, as well as technology transfer and demonstration.

Desirable,

• Prior experience working with international leading development organizations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential,

• Strong expertise in conceptualizing and executing development projects aimed at advancing sustainable water management practices, particularly in irrigation system planning and management.
• Contemporary knowledge of irrigation, agricultural water management (i.e. crop water requirements), and water management, acquired through relevant research qualifications and/or independent inquiry.
• Proven understanding of irrigation systems and water resources management processes, policies, and practices.
• Excellent ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate technical, social, and environmental considerations into irrigation water management strategies and interventions.
• Skill in facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues and knowledge-sharing platforms to promote learning and collective action for sustainable water management.
• Strong management and leadership skills, coupled with personal attributes such as high standards of conduct, respect, flexibility, diplomacy, and strong work ethics.
• Effective organizational skills, adept at multitasking, prioritizing work, managing time efficiently, and adapting quickly to new procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, managers, project partners, focal points, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate development challenges and complex interdisciplinary topics in water, environment, and climate sectors clearly and effectively.
• Persuasive written and oral communication skills in English, including report development, writing, editing, and strong presentation skills for addressing diverse audiences.

Desirable,

• Experience in mentoring early career researchers.
• Proficiency in Urdu and Pashto language is advantageous.

Source: https://apply.workable.com/international-water-management-institute/j/0AFAF14BC6/

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