Sudan: Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Expert

Jul 16, 2018 | ZOA
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ZOA is an international NGO that offers RELIEF to people who are affected by conflict or natural disasters. ZOA wants to contribute to a new perspective of HOPE in which people work together for a promising future in dignity and mutual trust. Together with the affected communities we work on the RECOVERY until they can provide to take care of their livelihoods. The work of ZOA is coordinated from Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. From Apeldoorn operates ZOA in multiple countries in Africa, Middle East Region and Asia. ZOA works approximately with 1000 employees worldwide.                                          

ZOA is looking for an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Expert.

The Country

ZOA started working in Sudan in 2004 in response to the Darfur crisis. In 2010 also programmes in the East of the Country were opened. Currently ZOA has 6 offices and a varied portfolio from humanitarian emergency to more developmental projects. Main sectors are Water, Food Security and Livelihoods, Peacebuilding and Education. Adaptation to climate change and migration issues are mainstreamed.

The Programme

The programme, which currently targets 600,000 people, is aimed at developing replicable models of catchment-level IWRM through the establishment of catchment-level water resources management committees in 25 catchment areas (this number is growing). These committees, comprising of local authorities and the different categories of water users, are then supported to develop water resources management plans for their catchment area. The programme provides technical support (water balance analysis, expert inputs on suitable infrastructure), but ownership over the planning process is with the committees. Once plans are agreed upon and formally approved, the programme implements priority elements of the plans, and the committees are encouraged to link to others (state government, development agencies, etc.) for implementing the rest of the plans.

The programme has components dealing with groundwater recharge, drinking water supply, water for livestock and grazing areas, water for cultivation, other measures to increase primary productivity, and documentation and sharing of lessons learnt. The lessons learnt are fed into debates at state and federal level, aimed at developing policies and regulations for IWRM.

Water is scarce in Sudan. Rainfall is highly variable, which directly affects the reliability of water for people, crops and livestock. On top of this, long-term climate patterns are expected to bring a new long period of reduced rainfall in the coming 10-15 years, which will further increase water scarcity. At the same time, population growth leads to an increase in demand for water. This means that it is essential to manage water resources carefully, to reduce vulnerability of water resources to drought, and to optimise the allocation of water among the different uses.

In order to address these issues, ZOA has been leading the implementation of a 50 million USD Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) programme since 2015. This programme is implemented by the Aqua4Sudan Partnership, which has seven INGO members. Day to day implementation of the programme is led by the Programme Coordination Unit (PCU), which provides technical support to partners, and leads the strategic development of the IWRM programme as it grows and moves towards a second phase.

The challenge

ZOA is currently looking for a new IWRM Expert, who will be responsible for leading the implementation and further development of the IWRM programme of the Aqua4Sudan Partnership. The IWRM Expert will be the head of the PCU, will be responsible for coordinating day-to-day implementation of the programme, and will be a member of the Project Steering Committee.

Main tasks and responsibilities

The IWRM Expert is responsible for the following tasks, responsibilities, and results:

  • Leading the implementation and further development of the IWRM programmes implemented by ZOA and its partners (together with the PCU Operations Manager and Finance Coordinator),
  • Providing technical expertise and engineering design support to ZOA and partners (together with the PCU technical staff),
  • Providing major input in programme formulation and monitoring as well as in the development and writing of successful project proposals, and
  • Maintaining active networks on IWRM and related topics with donors, government and other stakeholders at national level.

Candidate profile

Identity

  • The candidate is expected to fully support the vision and mission of ZOA

Knowledge/experience

  • Minimum 10 years' experience with catchment-level IWRM programmes in recovery or development settings in developing countries (experience in the Sahel is preferred)
  • MSc in hydrogeology, hydrology or irrigation engineering, with proven practical experience in designing and implementing (low-tech) engineering solutions
  • Demonstrated affinity with the social, political, gender and conflict aspects of catchment-level IWRM
  • Experience in leading a consortium of development organisations
  • Fluency in English; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage

Skills/Attitude

  • Strong conceptual and writing skills
  • High accuracy and attention to detail
  • Software literate in GIS and other relevant packages.
  • Advisory attitude
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organizational and prioritization skills
  • A highly ethical work standard
  • Demonstrable multicultural sensitivity
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-religious setting

Special conditions

  • Up to 50% of time required for travel to ZOA Sudan programme locations.

Need more information?

For more information about ZOA, please visit www.zoa-international.com. Contact Mrs. Nienke Maris, HR Officer, email zoa.vacancies@zoa.ngo, with any questions.

Interested and want to apply?

ZOA operates with an equal opportunities policy and is committed to diversity in the workplace. Qualified women and men, people of all nationalities, and cultural backgrounds, and candidates with disabilities are welcome to apply.

If interested in this position, please apply directly via our website.

CV’s of no more than 5 pages in length are appreciated. Please provide at least 3 references related to previous employment listed in the application. References of previous positions held should not be older than five years.

Only selected candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the process of recruitment. It is ZOA’s aim to inform all other candidates of their status in the recruitment process within 4 weeks after the vacancy has closed. A written test will be part of the recruitment procedure. Documents that do not match the profile above will not be considered.