The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is seeking an innovative & dynamic researcher to join its office in Okara, Pakistan, as a National Researcher – Hydrologist.
The National Researcher – Irrigation Water Management will be responsible for conducting irrigation water management activities, including water balance measurements at both the farm and irrigation system scale in the irrigated Indus Basin of Pakistan. The ideal candidate should possess advanced knowledge in monitoring hydrological parameters using state-of-the-art instrumentation for measuring different hydrological parameters such as actual evapotranspiration, soil moisture, and discharge in water resources and irrigation, along with modeling studies under the FCDO’s Water Resources Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) programme.
The Researcher will participate in various research activities, including literature reviews, field data collection, analytical work, high-level policy analysis, and coordination with stakeholders and project partners in the water and climate sectors. The Researcher will also be responsible for managing the field office in Okara and organizing project-related events, workshops, training sessions, and fieldwork that involve various stakeholders. Additionally, the Researcher will contribute to writing donor reports and research publications.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct relevant research and provide expertise in irrigation and agricultural water management to national programs aimed at improving water use efficiency and productivity of irrigated agriculture in Punjab.
- Lead research activities in the field, including primary data collection, field surveys, and using scientific equipment to measure various physical parameters as instructed by the Team Leader.
- Lead the implementation and delivery of the annual activity plans for different project components under the supervision of the Team Leader and Deputy Team Leader.
- Lead & conduct primary and secondary data collection in the field, including social and biophysical data, as required by the Team Leader.
- Contribute to proposal writing, securing grant funding, and enhancing project outputs through value-for-money contributions.
- Assist in setting up and installing state-of-the-art water management instruments to gather information on various hydrological variables in the study area.
- Perform irrigation operations alongside team members, including flow measurement, groundwater monitoring, irrigation crop water use, and instrumentation in Okara and Chakwal districts.
- Ensure the implementation of resilient irrigation water management practices suited to the specific conditions of the project sites and communities.
- Plan, conceive, contribute to, and lead various project activities, which may include developing hydrological models for water/river basins and irrigation systems across spatial scales under changing climate scenarios, and matching water management interventions to biophysical and social conditions.
- Build institutional networks that promote IWMI's position as a center of expertise on significant policy issues. Identify water management program synergies with collaborating partners and establish collaborative engagement frameworks in the water and climate sector.
- Communicate project outcomes with the wider research & development community and support the preparation of project-specific communication materials.
- Contribute to building positive relationships with government, civil society, and other stakeholders.
- Provide support in organizing meetings, dialogues, and workshops for the project.
- Assist in preparing high-quality project reports in accordance with project timelines.
- Perform other related duties as required by the Team Leader.
