The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is seeking a motivated and talented professional to join its headquarters in Battaramulla, Sri Lanka as an Assistant Research Officer – Water Resources Management*.

The Assistant Research Officer – Water Resources Management will play a key role in supporting water resources projects using tools such as GIS, remote sensing, numerical modeling, and data analysis, with a focus on sustainable water resource practices. This position requires experience in groundwater-related research. It also involves coordinating on-site project activities, managing water demand and usage data collection, and collaborating with field staff and stakeholders, including government departments, universities, and NGOs.

The incumbent will also support national initiatives of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and contribute to the execution of research projects in Sri Lanka, funded bilaterally or through CGIAR research initiatives. The successful candidate should be able to plan and implement fieldwork, support data analysis, and coordinate stakeholder consultations, workshops, and the timely delivery of project outputs.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Organize and execute field research activities, ensuring that data collection aligns with project objectives and timelines.
• Oversee the logistics of field visits, including coordinating with field teams, securing necessary permits, and managing resources required for fieldwork.
• Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to gather relevant information and contextualize research findings.
• Assist in designing and executing primary and secondary data collection methods, including surveys, interviews, and other research tools.
• Collaborate closely with project teams to ensure the effective implementation of the FCDO-funded project on groundwater management in Jaffna.
• Liaise with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant partners to facilitate project activities and ensure compliance with local regulations.
• Perform data analysis using appropriate statistical and analytical tools to derive meaningful insights from the collected data.
• Contribute to preparing project reports, including drafting sections, reviewing content, and ensuring alignment with project objectives.
• Assist in developing research publications, including peer-reviewed articles, policy briefs, and other dissemination materials.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential,

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or a related field, with at least 01 year of research experience.
• Experience in GIS and remote sensing applications for groundwater management.
• Experience in collecting field datasets, as well as managing and analysing large spatial datasets using open-source tools and software.

Desirable,

• Working experience in the Northern Region of Sri Lanka.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential,

• Strong understanding of hydrological processes and modelling tools used for water resources assessment, including earth observation data.
• Proficiency in Python and familiarity with Google Earth Engine (GEE) for processing earth observation data.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, and multicultural environment.
• Ability to communicate complex groundwater-related issues to diverse audiences.
• Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.

Desirable,

• Understanding of integrated surface water-groundwater modelling practices.

Benefits

This is a nationally recruited position and only Sri Lankan nationals will be considered. IWMI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of three years with the possibility of extension.

*Please note that should a qualified candidate at the Assistant Research Officer level not be identified, or if a suitable candidate at the Research Officer level is found during the selection process, the position will be adjusted accordingly.

IWMI strongly values diversity; therefore, qualified women are highly encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on September 11, 2024 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.