WASH Officer - Hydrogeology

Organizational Context

UNICEF is mandated to advocate for children's rights and their development, focusing on the most disadvantaged. In Madagascar, water resources are unevenly distributed, exacerbated by infrastructure deficits and poor management. While groundwater constitutes 20% of water supplies, increasing population pressure strains this resource. This role supports strengthening national groundwater and surface water monitoring frameworks to ensure sustainable water resource management and development.

Job Purpose

The UN Volunteer will contribute to UNICEF Madagascar's efforts in improving water resource management by conducting a baseline study on national water resources. This involves collating and analyzing existing hydrogeological, hydrological, and climate variability data. The assignment aims to produce an updated hydrogeological map, identify gaps in monitoring networks and partner capacities, and develop a comprehensive long-term monitoring framework. This framework will be integrated with existing governance structures from local water user associations to national ministries, with a focus on building stakeholder capacity for effective water governance and sustainable development.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will conduct a comprehensive literature review to understand surface and groundwater resources, cataloging all findings. They will collate existing data on surface water, groundwater, meteorological parameters, geology, and hydrogeology. The role involves establishing water use volumes by sector at the hydrological basin level, forecasting future demand, and documenting hazards to water supply. Additionally, the volunteer will map relevant water sector partners, define their roles and capacities, and initiate a working group. Finally, they will develop updated hydrogeological maps using GIS, create a structured database, and report findings, gaps, and recommendations to inform a national workshop on water scarcity and governance.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required, specifically in handling, analyzing, and presenting hydrological and hydrogeological data using GIS. Experience in programme management and effective communication with diverse stakeholders is also necessary.

Skills

Required skills include expertise in hydrogeology, data analysis using GIS, and programme management. The candidate must possess strong communication and presentation abilities, be a good team player, and demonstrate commitment to continuous learning, creativity, integrity, knowledge sharing, self-management, and technological awareness.

Explore related opportunities