The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center committed to sustainable water management, is seeking a dynamic and multi-skilled professional to join its headquarters in Battaramulla, Sri Lanka, as a Water Data Analytics and Cloud Computing Lead.

The Manager – Water Data Analytics and Cloud Computing will oversee and support water data science and analytics activities on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud, meeting diverse project requirements and advancing CGIAR research initiatives within IWMI’s Water Data Science Strategic Program. The ideal candidate should bring strong expertise in remote sensing, geospatial modelling, and Python development to further water data science applications on the AWS platform. This role includes managing early career professionals and provides opportunities to contribute to other geospatial modelling and remote sensing hydrology research projects within IWMI.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply remote sensing and geospatial modelling expertise to analyze, process, and interpret data for water resource management.
• Develop and refine models for hydrological assessments and water productivity analysis using data from various Earth observation sources.
• Guide the development and execution of software development activities, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and research initiatives within the Water Data Science for Action (WDSA) research group.
• Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of early career data scientists, analysts, and engineers on water data science and analytics projects.
• Lead the development and implementation of Python-based scripts and tools for data processing, analysis, and visualization.
• Automate data ingestion, processing, and analysis workflows to streamline project workflows and enhance efficiency.
• Ensure code quality, version control, and documentation to maintain robust and scalable solutions.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative working environment, encouraging team growth and knowledge-sharing.
• Lead, supervise, and monitor day-to-day management of IWMI AWS account activities to ensure smooth cloud access for researchers within WDSA research group.
• Manage and optimize data science workflows and analytics on the AWS cloud platform, ensuring scalable, secure, and efficient processing.
• Oversee the integration of cloud-based data storage, processing, and analytical tools to support remote sensing, geospatial modelling, and hydrology research projects.
• Develop and implement best practices for cloud computing and data management, including cost optimization, security, and performance enhancement.
• Work closely with CGIAR research centres, IWMI teams, and external partners to align projects with organizational goals and strategic initiatives.
• Represent the Water Data Science Strategic Program in meetings, workshops, and conferences, effectively communicating project progress, findings, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop integrated solutions that address complex water resource challenges.
• Contribute to the advancement of water data science by engaging in research projects related to geospatial modelling, remote sensing, and hydrology.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and present findings at conferences to share knowledge and insights with the broader scientific community.
• Identify and explore new opportunities for applying data innovation tools and AI in water resource management.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in remote sensing, GIS, and water-related data science to drive innovative solutions and methodologies.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential,

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in remote sensing, hydrology, water resources, data science, AI, machine learning, or a related field, with at least five years of research and model development experience.
• At least five years of experience handling large-scale geospatial data on cloud platforms.
• Experience managing AWS cloud services for research computing.
• Proficiency in Python, including experience with numeric and geospatial Python packages such as NumPy, GDAL, or similar for geospatial data handling.
• Experience managing AWS cloud services (Identity and Access Management, instance creation, and S3 bucket setup).
• Experience collaborating in interdisciplinary and multicultural research teams.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential,

• Strong understanding of utilizing earth observation data to develop applications that improve water resources management.
• Ability to interpret and modify Python code as needed.
• Proficiency in using AWS Cloud for processing earth observation data, specifically for developing water-related applications.
• Solid background in managing extensive spatial datasets using open-source tools and software.
• Ability to create story maps and web apps with ESRI technologies.
• Knowledge of generating customized dashboards in Power BI.
• Basic understanding of geospatial data tools to support water resource solutions.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, and multicultural environment.
• Ability to clearly communicate and explain complex issues 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.