Helvetas is an organization specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland. Our vision is a just world in which all people determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner.
We are looking for a result-oriented and innovative Team Leader Groundwater Expert based in Tashkent with frequent travels within Central Asia
We are currently recruiting for a position related to a tender proposal, contingent upon funding approval by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
The project aims to support the countries of Central Asia in protecting and sustainably using groundwater resources by enhancing scientific understanding, management, cooperation, and governance of transboundary aquifers in five countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The project has four key outcomes:
- Awareness and capacity development on groundwater resource development and management.
- Policies, laws, institutions, and groundwater governance.
- Sustainable groundwater monitoring and appropriate technologies at local, national, and regional levels.
- Coordinating, harmonizing, and sharing data and knowledge at regional and national levels.
The project is divided into two phases over a period of 11 years, including an inception phase starting in May 2025 until January 2026, followed by two main phases of five years each (from 2026 to 2030, and from 2031 to 2035). The position covers both the inception phase and the implementation of the first phase from May 25 until December 30).
YOUR MAIN TASKS
During the nine-month inception phase, your primary responsibility will be to establish an operational project team. You will conduct context analyses, various mapping/studies and participatory processes to identify the needs, opportunities, and risks for the project intervention, in collaboration with relevant water stakeholders and partners in the focus area of the project. Based on the outcomes of the inception phase, you will develop a comprehensive Project Document for the implementation of the five-year regional project (01.02.2025 – 31.12.2030). As the Team Leader of the project, you will work closely with the Swiss Regional Water Hub at the Embassy of Switzerland in Uzbekistan.
During the main phase, you will lead the management of the project and its team, ensuring high-quality implementation by developing effective working relationships and cooperation with all actors involved in groundwater (including state organizations), project partners/academies as well as relevant SDC-funded projects in the project area. You will support and facilitate policy processes and dialogues at national, transboundary and regional levels, demonstrating the benefits of groundwater governance and cooperation between countries. This includes coordination with national decision-makers, partners/donors, transboundary water institutions and regional organizations. You will contribute to building awareness and capacity of national and regional stakeholders working on groundwater and integrated water resources management (IWRM) through various platforms, expert groups and training centers in Central Asia. At national and regional levels, you will promote and strengthen mechanisms and innovations to ensure that key stakeholders involved in groundwater play an active role in governance, in investment financing and in developing appropriate groundwater monitoring tools. Throughout the implementation of the project, you will contribute to the development and implementation of a robust system of monitoring and evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) to ensure a high level of quality in the results achieved and their impacts, in the accountability of stakeholders and ultimately in knowledge management. Your tasks in administrative and financial supervision will ensure that the project complies with organizational requirements and procedures including reporting and controlling, preparation of financial statements with partners and other relevant requirements for a successful project implementation.
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
- Academic degree (Master or equivalent) in civil engineering, water resource management and/or environmental sciences. A specific degree in hydrogeology, groundwater management or integrated water resources management (IWRM) would be an asset.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience managing the implementation of projects on groundwater management and monitoring, IWRM, water cooperation, and confirmed experience in high level policy dialogues, preferably in Central Asia.
- Demonstrated competences and experience in managing and coordinating regional projects of similar size and scope. Experience of working with SDC will be an asset.
- Professional experience in working on influencing policy, capacity building on IWRM and water cooperation, and on groundwater monitoring and data collection for water policy.
- Proven ability to identify and facilitate systemic changes and learn from other projects.
- Proven track record in cooperating with many stakeholders and in strengthening and building capacities of regional and national organisations.
- Knowledge of the regional actors involved in groundwater in Central Asia will be an asset.
- Excellent facilitating and networking skills with demonstrated experience in facilitation processes at high level and with all types of actors from the public and private sectors and from civil society
- organisations as well as universities.
- Strong managerial skills, including results-oriented management, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, human resources management and financial management skills.
- Strong experience in steering and mentoring, capacity to anticipate issues and identify forward looking solutions.
- Well-respected individual with no political or other affiliation that could adversely affect the reputation of the project.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, moderation, and presentation skills. English (oral and written) and good knowledge of Russian , and/or Central Asian languages are an asset.
OUR OFFER
We offer a two-year international or regional employment contract with possible extension, and attractive working conditions. The position is based in Uzbekistan, with frequent travels in the Central Asia region.
We look forward to receiving your complete application including motivation letter, CV, relevant work certificates and diplomas by January 6, 2025. Please send your application via our online recruiting portal. Profiles will be assessed on a rolling basis.
For additional information, please contact Bruno Poitevin (Bruno.poitevin@helvetas.org), Regional Coordinator or visit our website www.helvetas.org