Reports to: Research Team Leader - Soil, Water, and Agronomy (SWA)
Location: Cairo, Egypt/Rabat, Morocco
Main purpose of the position
The ICARDA Soil, Water, and Agronomy (SWA) Team implements several joint research activities for building resilience and improving water productivity of rainfed and irrigated production systems. This is achieved by combining soil health management techniques, water-saving technologies, and agronomic practices into contextualized solutions for impact at scale. We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Hydrology and Water Management Specialist to join our dynamic team. This role involves the study and management of water resources in agricultural settings, ensuring sustainable water use and optimizing crop production. Conduct research and capacity building in hydrology/water resources in cooperation with researchers in developing countries and advanced institutions in dry areas and the world. To contribute to the improvement of the sustainable and productive use of water resources in agriculture to have a direct impact on the livelihoods of resource-poor rural communities.
About ICARDA
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR.
ICARDA’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development, and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organizations, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. For more information: http://www.icarda.org/.
Main responsibilities
- Water Resource Management: Develop and implement strategies for efficient water use in agriculture, including irrigation systems and water conservation techniques.
- Research and Analysis: Conduct field studies and research to analyze soil and water conditions, and assess the impact of hydrological factors on crop yield. Apply and develop new tools and technologies (hydrologic models, GIS, remote sensing).
- Sustainable Practices: Promote sustainable agricultural practices by advising on water management plans that minimize environmental impact.
- Data Collection and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and interpret hydrological data to provide actionable insights and recommendations.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with other ICARDA scientists to improve the impact of problem-solving and integrated natural resource management research. Work in interdisciplinary teams with water management, irrigation, agronomy, soil, crop, socio economic, and rangeland scientists on strategic and applied research problems. Work closely with farmers, agricultural engineers, and environmental scientists to develop integrated water management solutions.
- Education and Training: Provide training in all aspects and applications of agricultural hydrology for national programs in dry areas. Develop and contribute to training courses and
workshops/conferences. - Keep up to date with relevant technical developments and publications. Publish research results in ISI refereed journals, prepare reports, training materials, and other documentation as required.
- Represent ICARDA in the regional and international arenas.
Requirements
Education, qualifications, and experience
Essential qualifications and competencies
- Earned PhD degree in hydrology, water resource engineering or another relevant subject.
- Minimum of 8 years post PhD experience in conducting research, preferably in dry area hydrology. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis software.
- Proven expertise in monitoring and modeling surface water and groundwater systems.
- A strong publication record including ISI-refereed journals, in surface and groundwater and especially watershed research, modeling and stochastic analysis.
- Demonstrated capacity for producing high quality scientific outputs.
- Application of watershed hydrologic models, GIS and remotely sensed data to problems of water resources development and management.
- Capability to work collaboratively with international and national scientists in multidisciplinary teams.
- High level of competence in written and oral communication in English, report writing, and presentations.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams in a multicultural, international environment.
- Excellent verbal and written English language skills.
Desirable qualifications and competencies
- Previous work experience in an international and multi-cultural environment.
- Strong innovation and experience in the developing world.
- Experience in nonconventional water resources, rainwater and atmospheric water harvesting, and small- medium-scale desalination
- Arabic language skills and experience working and mobilizing resources in MENA region.
Benefits
Terms of appointment, salary, and benefits
This is a full-time internationally recruited staff position for which ICARDA offers an attractive compensation package including a competitive salary, medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, five months’ maternity leave, 15 days’ paternity leave. The successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of 3 years, renewable subject to continued need for the position, availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The first year will be probationary period.
Please be advised that ICARDA accepts applications only in English, as per the organization's standard communication language. Applications in other languages will not be considered.
Applications will be acknowledged, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
