WASH Officer - Hydrogeology
Organizational Context
UNICEF is mandated to advocate for children's rights and their development, ensuring their survival, protection, and well-being. In Madagascar, despite adequate rainfall nationally, water resources are inequitably distributed, exacerbated by infrastructure deficits and poor management. Southern regions frequently face drought, impacting groundwater availability. With a growing population, groundwater is increasingly vital for development, necessitating robust monitoring to balance socio-economic growth and environmental security.
Job Purpose
The WASH Officer - Hydrogeology will support UNICEF Madagascar by analyzing existing hydrogeological and hydrological data to establish a baseline study of national water resources. The role involves collating data on surface water, groundwater, and climate variability to produce an updated hydrogeological map. This will identify gaps in monitoring networks and partner capacities, leading to the development of a comprehensive long-term monitoring framework. The framework will integrate local governance structures with national authorities, aiming to build stakeholder capacity for effective water resource management and address water scarcity challenges.
Responsibilities
The UN Volunteer will conduct a comprehensive literature review to understand surface and groundwater resources, cataloging all findings. Responsibilities include collating detailed data on surface water (stream gauges, flow, quality), meteorological data, groundwater (boreholes, lithological logs, water chemistry, monitoring data), geology, and hydrogeology maps. The role also involves gathering information on water use by all sectors (domestic, agriculture, industry) to develop water balances, forecast demand, and analyze hazards to water supply. Furthermore, the Volunteer will map relevant water sector partners, define their roles and capacities, and initiate a working group. Finally, the Volunteer will develop updated hydrogeological maps using GIS, create a structured database, and report findings, gaps, and recommendations for a national workshop.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required, specifically in hydrogeology. This includes hands-on experience in handling, analyzing, and presenting hydrological and hydrogeological data, particularly using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Experience in programme management and effective communication with diverse stakeholders is also beneficial.
Skills
Key skills include expertise in hydrogeology, data analysis using GIS, and programme management. The role requires strong communication and presentation abilities, proficiency in working within transdisciplinary teams, and a commitment to continuous learning, creativity, integrity, knowledge sharing, self-management, and technological awareness. Familiarity with community development, climate change, and environmental issues is also valuable.