Hydrologist,
Geneva
UNITAR - United Nations Institute for Training and Research
Closing date: Tuesday, 25 September 2018
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Vacancy Announcement - Hydrologist
Title: Individual Contractor
Area of Specialization: Early Warning Systems, Hydraulic-Hydrological modelling applications, Flood mapping
Unit/Department: UNOSAT / Division for Satellite Analysis and Applied Research
Date of issuance: 12 September 2018
Deadline for applications: 26 September 2018
Duration of contract: 10 months renewable
Background
UNOSAT is the operational satellite applications programme of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). It is a technology-intensive programme active since 2001 in applied research and innovative applications relating to geospatial information technology and satellite analysis, and mapping.
Within the project named “Strengthening Women’s Disaster Management Capacities in Guyana and Dominica”, UNOSAT is the responsible party for the development of a national flood EWS in Guyana to improve decision-making as well as for the implementation of tailored capacity building activities targeting identified stakeholders from national agencies and ministries.
The incumbent, in close collaboration with project partners and national stakeholders, will be supporting the technical implementation and calibration of the Early Warning System (EWS) in Guyana including the preparation and delivery of training and capacity building activities.
Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of UNOSAT Specialist in charge of Training and Capacity Development, the incumbent will be:
- Supporting the implementation of hydro-meteorological related applications and services including data quality assessment, flood hazard mapping, and the set-up of a flood early warning system in Guyana;
- Conducting hydrological studies and assessments for the implementation of hydrological and hydraulic modelling covering selected study areas;
- Ensuring proper level of technical coordination with project partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries by organizing meetings and calls;
- Supporting project management related activities including drafting of workplans, communication material and undertake M&E activities;
- Supporting the design, preparation and delivery of training and capacity development activities targeting selected national stakeholder in Guyana;
- Supporting implementation of UNOSAT climate services;
- Performing any other duties/tasks as required.
Results Expected
- Efficient day-to-day support to the implementation of a flood EWS and related training and capacity development activities in Guyana;
- Timely contribution to training material, workplans, M&E reports, e-news and technical reports.
- Technical meetings and calls with project partners and beneficiaries held on weekly basis.
Performance indicators for evaluation of results
- Outputs are delivered in a timely fashion;
- High quality inputs to all tasks/activates outlined;
- Ability to complete tasks independently;
- Demonstrated competence to work within a team;
Reporting structure
The incumbent will report to the Specialist, UNOSAT Training and Capacity Development.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Ability to set-up climate/hydrological modelling and EWS applications, to perform GIS/RS analysis, to independently write reports and follow up on project tasks according to defined work-plans. Knowledge and understanding of UN system. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; ; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
- Planning & Organizing: Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Based on the supervision received, develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments with minimal supervision; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary in a coordinated manner; uses time efficiently.
- Commitment to continuous learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.
- Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; very good inter-personal skills and a demonstrated capacity to deal with colleagues and counterparts from different backgrounds, and proven ability to function in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnical environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;.
- Technology awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
- Communication: Excellent communication skills (spoken, written and presentation), including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written documents, such as technical and scientific papers, reports, studies, and other communication materials, articulating ideas in a clear and concise style; ability to prepare and deliver targeted and results-oriented presentations; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; strong interpersonal and communication skills including facilitation skills in training related activities.
Qualifications
Education: Advanced university degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in civil/hydraulic engineering, hydrology, flood risk management or related fields.
Experience: Minimum 3 to 5 years of professional experience in the management and implementation of similar projects with a strong component in the operational set up and development of hydro-meteorological forecasting chain, flood early warning systems and hydrological-hydraulic modelling applications.
Demonstrated experience in the delivery of trainings and capacity building activities is also required for this position.
Experience of working within the United Nations system or on international development projects is an asset.
Other skills: GIS/RS analysis, GIS web application, flood hazard mapping.
Languages: Fluency in oral and written English is essential. Knowledge of another official UN language would be an advantage.
UNITAR shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8).
English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Priority will be given to the applicants from the under-represented regions at UNITAR.
How to apply
All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
Only complete applications will be considered. A letter of motivation as well as the P11 form/ Curriculum Vitae are to be sent at unosat@unitar.org