ABOUT THE COMPANY:

IWMI is a Research Center of CGIAR, the global research partnership for a food-secure future. The 2019-2021 CGIAR System Business Plan calls for innovation to transform the global system to address the world’s urgent challenges. In its commitment to this shared ambition, IWMI leads the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE), which, with other CGIAR Centers and partners develops, disseminates and catalyzes solutions for sustainable and resilient land and water management.

Job Summary: The successful candidate will oversee the implementation of the “Digital Innovation for Water Secure Africa (DIWASA)” project, ensuring the timely delivery of project objectives. The incumbent will provide both project management and technical leadership in executing the project, ensuring that end-users are equipped with the necessary skills to effectively utilize DIWASA data products and tools across Africa.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Project Management:

Lead the DIWASA Phase 2 project execution, and completion lifecycle closely working with the DIWASA and IWMI PMO team and manage the project in line with donor and IWMI guidelines within set timelines to achieve objectives.
Oversee project administration, operations, implementation, and fiscal management to ensure technical and financial activity aligns with the scope and budget allocations, internal policies, and donor requirements.
Develop annual and quarterly result-based work plans and budgets in coordination with Pillar Leads.
Lead the preparation of result-based reports (quarterly, semi-annual, and annual) following IWMI procedures and donor requirements.
Closely monitor deviations from the work plan, devise, and implement measures to ensure the timely delivery of project outputs, supporting the development of strong monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, project monitoring tools, and efficient systems to ensure high-quality implementation.
Organize regular team coordination meetings and other events to foster closer collaboration between DIWASA team members and, as needed, with other IWMI staff.
Supervise and support the DIWASA project coordinator to ensure the effective use of time and quality support to the DIWASA team.
Manage and oversee all contract management and implementation tasks based on established processes and procedures, inclusive of consultants and other services as part of project implementation.
Identify issues and risks related to activity implementation and take mitigative actions in a timely manner.
Product Development and Delivery:

Organize end-user and stakeholder engagement events (consultation meetings, workshops, webinars, etc.) to raise awareness, identify demand for DIWASA products, and enhance the visibility of DIWASA across Africa.
Supervise assessment of existing and emerging end-user and stakeholder needs for DIWASA products. The needs will be assessed at national (initial focus on the four priority countries Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Zambia), regional (river basin organization), and continental (e.g., AMCOW, AUC) levels.
Oversee the development of Use Cases to capture user needs (the Use Cases provide a detailed description of user needs and are aligned with key water management decisions which DIWASA products are going to support).
Provide technical oversight in product specifications development by DIWASA team to meet the identified end-user and stakeholder needs.
Review products developed as per user needs, provide feedback to the DIWASA team to ensure products meet user needs, and vet final products for dissemination.
Work closely with end-users in priority countries (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Zambia) to disseminate the data products and tools, train users to enhance the use of the products in practical applications, and address user feedback on the delivered products.
Develop concept notes and initiate fundraising to expand DIWASA activities.
Author/co-author publications, blogs, and other write-ups to share/disseminate DIWASA results.
Lead assessment of end-user and stakeholder capacity development needs to ensure effective use of DIWASA products and tools.
Provide oversight and support to Pillar 2 lead in the preparation for and organization of capacity development events.
Develop a productive working relationship with Digital Earth Africa and oversee the integration of DIWASA products into the DE Africa platform.
Provide technical oversight in the establishment and running of user communities.

Requirements
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Essential,

PhD in water resources management, remote sensing, hydroinformatics, hydrology, environmental engineering/science, or a closely related discipline, with strong training in the application of Earth Observation and digital innovation for water resources management.
Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral work experience in various geographies, including at least 05 years of demonstrated experience in technically leading/managing projects aimed at enhancing the application of Earth Observation data for water resources management as a core objective.
At least 05 years of hands-on experience in developing and applying analytical tools for water resources management across different scales.
Hands-on exposure in applying Earth observation across scales to address challenges in water management, agriculture, or climate change.
Demonstrable track record of managing complex multi-country projects.
Experience in addressing water management challenges in Africa.
Experience preparing scientific information and papers.
Proven experience in building and sustaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Desirable,

Demonstrable experience of satellite image processing and analysis for environmental applications.
Qualification in Project Management (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2 or similar) and/or substantial, successful project management experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Essential,

A problem-solving mindset and great organizational capacity across multiple projects and geographies.
The ability to effectively establish priorities and plan, organize, implement, and monitor work activities with limited supervision.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Demonstrable proficiency in scientific programming in one or more languages (e.g., Python, R) with the ability to quickly learn new technical skills.
Demonstrated skills in employing facilitation methods for participatory decisions and shared visions with stakeholders.
Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential information in a professional manner.
Personal attributes include high standards of conduct, respect, flexibility, and a sound work ethic.
Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.
Desirable,

Proficiency in French will be considered an asset.