The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is seeking a dynamic and innovative researcher to join its office in Lahore, Pakistan, as a Senior Regional Researcher - Irrigation Systems Planning and Development.
This is a regionally recruited position; therefore, individuals with relevant abilities, from diverse locations in the Asian region are encouraged to apply.
The incumbent will be responsible for planning, designing, coordinating, and implementing research initiatives, analyzing data, and providing insights into sustainable water utilization practices. This role particularly focuses on next-generation irrigation systems, water management, and delivery under FCDO’s funded Water Resources Accountability Programme (WRAP): Component 1 [Climate Resilient Solutions for Improving Water Governance (CRS-IWaG)] in KP province.
The Researcher will serve as the technical lead on improving system-scale water resources management in irrigation schemes and on technology development/transfers to farming communities.
The person will contribute to the development of strategies, policies, and approaches aimed at optimizing water allocation, enhancing water productivity, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Working closely with local partners, stakeholders, researchers, high-level government officials, and communities, the incumbent will generate knowledge, develop solutions, and facilitate the widespread adoption of sustainable irrigation practices that balance the imperatives of food security, economic development, and environmental resilience.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan, conceive, and lead research and technical assessments of irrigation systems, focusing on designing appropriate interventions in support of the KP Water Act 2020.
- Design and develop innovative solutions to enhance the efficiency, equity, and sustainability of irrigation water systems, optimizing water allocations and productivity to align with the KP Water Act 2020.
- Develop a coordinated approach for utilizing surface water and groundwater resources sustainably in irrigation systems to comply with the KP Water Act 2020.
- Evaluate the performance of irrigation infrastructure, including surface and groundwater pumps and reservoirs, identifying opportunities for improvement and optimization.
- Serve as Team Lead for KP, coordinating all technical activities and reporting to the Team Leader and Deputy Team Leader of the WRAP project.
- Analyze data on water availability, demand, quality, and usage patterns to understand the dynamics of irrigation systems and their impacts on agriculture, the environment, and ecosystems.
- Provide technical backstopping to government, research and development partners, and public sector institutions in water resources integrated planning and management.
- Pilot-test and evaluate irrigation technologies, practices, and governance mechanisms to enhance water productivity and resilience.
- Undertake research on climate-related impacts on surface and groundwater availability in irrigation systems, from field to canal system scales.
- Engage policymakers, government agencies, and decision-makers to advocate evidence-based policies, best practices in irrigation, and investments promoting sustainable water management.
- Support management of relevant initiatives and projects under the One CGIAR framework, as directed by the IWMI Country Representative.
- Provide technical assistance, training, and capacity-building to project partners and stakeholders, including farmers, water user associations, and government agencies.
- Forge partnerships with research institutions, universities, and development organizations to leverage expertise, resources, and networks for advancing irrigation water research and development.
