The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking a driven early  career professional to join its headquarters in Battaramulla, Sri Lanka, as an Assistant Research Officer – Water Data Applications.

The Assistant Research Officer – Water Data Applications, will play a key role in enhancing IWMI’s water resources assessment framework and its application across various spatial scales, from river basins to national and continental levels. Specifically, the incumbent will contribute to initiatives that leverage cutting-edge remote sensing techniques and data processing technologies. The incumbent will develop applications to integrate suitability mapping of agricultural land with water accounting data and information to identify sustainable areas for agricultural production.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop open-source codes in python for hydrological modelling and water balance studies, modify/customize existing codes for processing geospatial data, download, and process geospatial data, conduct spatial analysis on a regular basis.
• Develop custom applications utilizing machine learning or other relevant methods to enhance water management across large spatial scales.
• Develop suitability maps for agricultural production across various scales.
• Process and streamline water assessment outputs, ensuring the provision of accurate data to water assessment dashboard developers.
• Undertake additional tasks related to GIS/Remote sensing data processing and story map development as assigned.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential,

• Bachelor’s degree in remote sensing, hydrology, water resources or a related field with at least 02 years of research experience.
• At least one year of experience in handling large-scale geospatial data on the cloud.
• Prior experience of working on large spatial data sets and writing and executing scripts in Python for water resources assessments.
• Experience in the use of remote sensing data such as satellite rainfall, evapotranspiration, modelled discharge, GRACE storage, soil moisture, and land use data for hydrologic modelling.
• Previous research experience with a geospatial focus on developing countries, preferably in Africa.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential,

• Strong analytical and numerical skills, and the ability to process large temporal and spatial data sets in a Python environment.
• Ability to use advanced spatial analysis, geographic information system (GIS) tools and hydrological modelling approaches for multi-scale assessments.
• Independent and critical scientific thought, including a sound understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of spatial tools for water resource assessments at different scales.
• Strong understanding of utilizing earth observation data for generating applications leading to improved water resources management.
• Ability to interpret Python codes and modify the code as per the requirement.
• Capacity to create story maps and web apps using ESRI technologies.
• Proficiency in R and Python, with experience in numeric and geospatial Python packages like NumPy, GDAL, terra, aster or similar packages for handling geospatial data.
• Basic understanding of geospatial data tools to support water solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the capacity to work in a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, and multicultural environment.
• Ability to communicate and explain complex issues clearly to diverse audiences.
• Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.

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. This contract is coterminous with the project end date, January 2027. However, based on the availability of funding and the requirements of other projects, there is a possibility of extension.

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 November 15, 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.