Website International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
Research Officer – Socio-Technical Innovation
Description
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is seeking an innovative & multi skilled candidate to join its office in Kathmandu, Nepal, as a Research Officer – Socio-Technical Innovation.
The Research Officer – Socio-Technical Innovation will be involved in various projects in Nepal to support data collection, transcription, literature review, preliminary analysis, paper writing, and research outreach activities including capacity building for farmers, stakeholders in water, energy, agriculture, environmental sectors, and communities. The person will coordinate project activities on the ground, including the collection of socioeconomic, institutional, and water resources data for the project team(s). The incumbent may also be called upon to assist with IWMI’s project work in other countries.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Contribute to the study on climate-smart agriculture, resilience for watersheds, and water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus interventions in the project-specific geographic region.
- Support fieldwork planning and evidence gathering related to solar irrigation, groundwater management, agricultural water management, farmer-led irrigation, and integrated water resources management in IWMI’s project areas in Nepal and/or other countries.
- Assist in the design and scaling of socio-technical innovations of different projects that IWMI has been implementing in Nepal.
- Work closely with local governments, local partner organizations, and play a key communication and coordination role between partners.
- Assist in preparing research reports, journal articles, and other scientific manuscripts (e.g., policy guidelines, policy briefs, blogs, photo stories, visual aids, etc.) for dissemination and the uptake of research results.
- Support the development of communication materials that address the needs of different audiences in Nepal and aim to increase the visibility and impact of IWMI’s interventions.
- Perform other relevant socio-technical analyses as required by projects and prepare reports on these analyses.
- Assist in developing capacity-building materials and data analysis tools as required, and support training and workshops at national and sub-national levels.
- Coordinate with local and provincial level partners in planning field visits and other knowledge forums/workshops organized by IWMI.
- Travel within and outside Nepal to support relevant project activities on the ground.
- Provide support in preparing research-based articles and blogs for publication in Nepali.
- Participate in national and subnational level knowledge forums.
- Arrange logistics for site visits by IWMI and other international project partners.
Requirements
MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Essential:
- Master’s degree in agricultural water management, natural resource management, environmental science, geo-hydrology, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 2 years of research experience in water and natural resource management or renewable energy.
- Strong exposure to and a solid understanding of social and technical innovations in the water-energy-food nexus.
- Experience in conducting fieldwork for applied research in water, agricultural water, and natural resource management.
- Experience in research on water supply, efficient irrigation technologies, and climate change, including roles in literature review, primary data collection, analysis, and report preparation.
- Proven ability to plan and execute research fieldwork with limited facilities &
- Experience in project coordination and strengthening relationships with project partners and local stakeholders.
- Exposure to and knowledge of the water challenges associated with climate change and socio-economic transformation in Nepal.
- Proven experience in preparing project reports and publications.
Desirable:
- Proven experience in collaborating with research organizations and operating in the Terai regions of Nepal.
- Exposure in social and natural science research on water and irrigation management.
- Experience in field-based project implementation and monitoring.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Essential:
- Solid knowledge of social and biophysical aspects of water, WASH, farmer-managed irrigation, groundwater, and natural resources management issues, approaches, and innovations.
- Familiarity with the water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus and groundwater management challenges for promoting inclusive agri-food systems and environmental conservation.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with climate-vulnerable and marginalized communities, understanding their needs and priorities.
- Proactive in handling multiple tasks and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, database management, and PowerPoint design.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to work independently and reliably meet deadlines.
- Ability to travel to remote areas for extended field trips.
- Sensitivity & commitment to addressing gender, equity, and diversity issues in Nepal.
- Respect for and practice of organizational values, while maintaining professional integrity.
Desirable:
- Proficiency in one of the Terai languages.
- Working knowledge of ArcGIS and SPSS.
Benefits
What we are offering:
This is a nationally recruited position and only candidates who are eligible to work in Nepal 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.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.cgiar.org. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on September 26, 2023 (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.