Hydrogeology Advisor
Organizational Context
The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, supports over 250 projects across 40 countries, focusing on fragile and conflict-affected settings. The Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO), based in Addis Ababa, delivers project management, procurement, and infrastructure services in Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan, with a focus on health, agriculture, and economic development. The Hydrogeology Advisor operates within HAMCO, supporting hydraulic and sanitation infrastructure projects.
Job Purpose
The Hydrogeology Advisor independently manages projects and programs related to hydrogeology, adapting policies to meet emerging water resource management needs. Reporting to the Senior Project Manager, this role provides authoritative technical advice and design support, supervises junior personnel, and resolves complex problems using best practices in hydrogeology and applied geology. The specialist is responsible for a specific work portfolio, ensuring reliable service delivery and contributing to the development and implementation of sustainable water management strategies, particularly for underground water resources in targeted regions.
Responsibilities
Provide specialist technical advice and design support in hydrogeology and applied geology, guiding teams in resolving geological and hydrogeological challenges. Support sustainable environmental resource management, particularly groundwater resources, and contribute to decision-support systems for natural resource allocation and conservation. Engage with stakeholders on data collection and modeling, ensuring accurate reporting of implementation progress and preparing reports for the Senior Project Manager. Coach and train project personnel in hydrogeological processes modeling, ensure high standards of knowledge management, and facilitate knowledge transfer. Assist the Senior Project Manager in delivering projects with hydrogeological components, providing technical supervision and coaching. Ensure integration of human rights, gender equity, and accountability principles, fostering a culture of respect and zero tolerance for misconduct.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience is required in groundwater modeling within the engineering sector. This includes expertise in statistical and numerical methods, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), environmental engineering statistics, contaminant modeling, and remediation methods. Experience in risk assessment of water systems, teaching, applied research, or capacity building in hydrogeology is desirable.
Skills
Hydrogeology, Applied Geology, Groundwater Modelling, Statistical Methods, Numerical Methods, GIS, Environmental Engineering, Risk Analysis, Water Resource Management, Knowledge Management, Training.