Empleos en el PNUD - 79323- Groundwater Hydrochemist

Groundwater Hydrochemist

Localidad :

Riyadh, Arabia Saudita

Tipo de contrato :

Individual Contract

Fecha de comienzo del contrato :

19-Aug-2018

Fecha límite de postulación :

30-Jun-18 (Medianoche Nueva York, Estados Unidos)

Nivel de puesto :

International Consultant

Duración del contrato inicial :

One year with possibility of extension

Idiomas requeridos :

Árabe Inglés

Duración esperada del puesto :

El PNUD está comprometido con lograr la diversidad de su personal en términos de género, nacionalidad y cultura. Se alienta por igual a las personas que pertenecen a grupos minoritarios, a pueblos indígenas o que tienen alguna discapacidad a presentar su candidatura. Todas las solicitudes se tratarán con la mayor confidencialidad. UNDP no tolera la explotación y el abuso sexual, ningún tipo de acoso, incluido el acoso sexual, ni la discriminación. Por lo tanto, todos los candidatos seleccionados serán sometidos a una rigurosa verificación de referencias y antecedentes.

Antecedentes

During the last years, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) initiated an ambitious program for the investigations of its major surface and groundwater resources, for the monitoring of these resources, for the study of hydrological resources (research side), and for the management of the resources (management side). While most of these tasks have been completed or are about to come to an end, the implementation of most of the necessary measures is in its very early stages and hampered by the increasing workload in the ministry. The still rapidly increasing population mainly counteracts the successes the Saudi government and MEWA have achieved in sustainable resources water management through its reforms. In addition, newer and more precise predictions of the effects of climate change indicate that Saudi Arabia will be affected more than had been assumed only a decade ago.

To make a transition from the current patterns of water administration to sound water management mode, two things must happen. First, there is strong need to strengthen the technical and organizational capacities of the MEWA to deal with the triple challenge of water exploitation and distribution (operational side), research for additional resources and cutting-edge technologies to satisfy the increasing demand (research side), and rigid control and administration of all water-related aspects (control side). Second, a sound information base covering data on groundwater availability, quality, withdrawal, and usage is about to be put in place.

The transformation of this information into an all-encompassing water resources management requires sustained long-term efforts, especially since the MEWA has limited capacity and experience in this field. An UNDP program has been designed to initiate a systematic process of capacity development to help in sustainable development of water resources and management of water-related affairs the Kingdom to ensure permanent and sufficient supply. The program has five pillars: Groundwater Resources Management; Secondary Water Resources; Water Supply Management; Public Relations; and Capacity Building, each represented by a working group.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Groundwater is still the major source for water supply of all sectors of the Kingdom. While the general groundwater quality of most aquifers is known, this quality in many areas is progressively changing due to environmental influences and irrigation return flow. In addition, many siliciclastic aquifers show a highly variable natural radiation. The distribution of this radiation also is only roughly known. In order to control groundwater quality and to sustain permanent supply of potable water, has started to set up a groundwater monitoring system.

The data available and those from the newly to be established monitoring network will also be used by the modeling group, as hitherto groundwater density and temperature have not been considered in the available numerical models.

Hence, the MEWA has asked UNDP for assistance in selection of a qualified and competent international expert as a Hydrogeologist or Hydrochemist with strong academic background in order to amplify the monitoring network and to recognize patterns in the distribution of groundwater contaminations of all origin. The tasks described here belong to the pillar Secondary Water Resources of the UNDP Project. The Expert’s activities will be coordinated by the Director General of the Water Resources Directorate.

To evaluate all groundwater data and maps available from the Kingdom with respect to groundwater quality including its radioactive content;
To design a sampling campaign for those areas where data are scarce or questionable;
To supervise this campaign;
From the results of this campaign to propose an extension of the monitoring network;
To help in the mitigation of the contaminations, especially radioactivity, considering all technically possible solutions;
To help in the development of new technologies for groundwater treatment;
To attend conferences etc. to keep up with the latest evolutions in groundwater chemistry etc.;All experts are obliged to
present an activity and achievement report at the end of the service;
to handover the project with all electronic files including but not limited to reports, tables, graphics etc.;
evaluate and recommend suited colleagues (at the end of the service) for advanced education (postgraduate carrier);
cooperate as closely as possible with the members of the working group;
attend the quarterly project’s workshops;
incorporate MEWA personnel in the daily activities (training on the job);
teach one course per year (3-5 days) for MEWA personnel;
support potential research activities.

Competencias

Corporate behavioral Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity in values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the Ministry of Civil Service;
Displays cultural, gender, nationality, age, etc. sensitivity and adaptability; and
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Has proven knowledge of project cycle and log-frame design including budgeting abilities;
Has the ability to advocate and provide policy advice;
Perform leadership in the capacity development, strategic planning, re-engineering processes, results-based management, and reporting;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex
concepts to different stakeholders in a clear and concise style;
Manages multiple activities concurrently, work under pressure, and to meet tight deadlines; and
Displays a high level of respect, diplomacy, and tact when dealing with government officials, donors, and other stakeholders.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

MSc or PhD in Hydrogeochemistry or Hydrogeology with emphasis on groundwater contamination;
Minimum of 10 years experience in the groundwater sector;
An academic background with experience in hydrochemical investigations will be of great advantage;
Comprehensive list of successfully completed projects;
Demonstrated expert knowledge of standard practices within field of expertise, as well as applicable codes and regulations;
Good (and demonstrated) organizing skills, preferably with development project management competency;
Excellent and demonstrated communication, consultation, negotiation and drafting skills;
As the project language is English, excellent communication and writing skills in English; Arabic language skills will be an advantage.