Programme Policy Officer (Senior Hydrologist)
.
WFP encourages female candidates and people with disabilities to apply.
WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles. Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis. We are committed to promoting diversity and the principle of equal employment opportunity for all our employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of religion or belief, ethnic or social background, gender, gender identity and disability.
ABOUT WFP
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Since 2015, WFP Nepal is working closely with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology in defining relevant triggers and thresholds for early warnings, specifically focusing on flood hazard. Since 2020, WFP piloted an innovative approach for anticipatory action, where cash was delivered to households-at-risk before the flood occurred. With a view to strengthen the existing systems, policies and procedures enabling anticipatory action, WFP has developed a project for advancing the systems at all levels of Government and sustainably systematize the initiative.
At this level, job holders are expected to demonstrate responsibility and initiative to respond independently to various queries with only general guidance. There is a requirement to use judgment in dealing with unforeseen operational problems on a daily basis. Job holders are expected to manage resources and coach and coordinate support staff.
JOB PURPOSE
The main objective of this study is to undertake a detailed climatological and hydrological investigation for Karnali, Babai, West Rapti, Sapta Koshi and Kankai basins.
The specific objectives of this task include but not limited to the followings:
a) To determine critical precipitation thresholds of amount/duration based on past flood events, and
b) To recommend future works to improve the existing EWS in the region
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Position Title: Programme Policy Officer (Senior Hydrologist)
Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA)
Level: SSA-10 (Equiv. to NOC)
Contract Duration:4 months
Duty Station: Kathmandu, Nepal
Vacancy Number: 828555
Date of Publication: 21 July 2023
Deadline of Application: 30 July 2023
WFP offers a competitive benefits package including salary plus a medical insurance (https://www.henner.com/en/accueil-english/)
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Evidence, Policy and Innovation (EPI) unit and the direct supervision of the Programme Policy Officer for Forecast based Anticipatory Action (FbAA); the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
- Appraise, review and refine all available scientific data and information generated by previous assessments undertaken by different organizations and institutions to collect baseline information on meteorological and hydrological results and any other studies on early warning and threshold calculation.
- Assess current status of Flood Early Warning Systems in the selected river basins comprising monitoring and warning service.
- Undertake consultative meeting with Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for acquiring, compiling, and analysing relevant data and information.
- Develop a workplan to address high priority features required for research, testing, validation and deployment of the technology for wider application in risk monitoring and forecasting for multi-hazards, with the Project Policy Officer for Anticipatory Action.
- Prepare and submit inception report with clear methods and work plan including list of experts.
- Collect historical flood event data and fine resolution (hourly to sub-hourly) rainfall data of Karnali, West Rapti, Babai, Koshi and Kankai basins
- Match historical flood event (warning and danger level) with rainfall event
- Find peak rainfall intensities for 1-h, 3-h, 6-h, 12-h, 24-h, 48-h and 72-h that have initiated floods (both warning and danger level) in the area
- Analyse and find the lower limit of intensity-duration relationship as threshold intensity for both warning level and danger level
- Calculate probabilities of flood across each river networks upstream as contribution to flood peak downstream
- Corelate rainfall intensity, water level and flood inundation for identifying threshold and triggers at community level
- Involve hydrologists from Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for acquiring, compiling, and analysing relevant data and information.
- Compile the results and submit draft report based on key findings from modelling
- Provide capacity building to government officials on the use and maintenance of the dashboard, including training on data collection, analysis, and interpretation, as well as guidance on institutional strengthening.
- Integrate the system into existing DHM portal for wider accessibility after testing of indicators with ground validation of products
- Develop operational manual and conduct hands-on training to DHM officials for operational use to implement
STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Advanced University Degree (Masters Degree) in Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering or other related field. PHD is an added advantage.
Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Nepali.
DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE
At least 5 years of post graduate professional experience in hydrological and hydraulic modeling.
Knowledge & Skills:
working experience in hydro-meteorological analysis and in-depth understanding of rainfall thresholds.
WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK: COMMON STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR
Leads by example with Integrity
Drives results and Delivers on commitments
Fosters inclusive and collaborative teamwork.
Applies strategic thinking
Builds and maintains sustainable partnerships
.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered, interested candidates are invited to apply via (https://www.wfp.org/careers/job-openings). Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Request for Disability related Reasonable Accommodations:
It is important to WFP to create an accessible and inclusive workplace for everyone. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection and hiring process, please direct your request and inquiries to [email protected]. A member of the HR team responsible for reasonable accommodation will contact you to confidentially discuss your needs.
This email is only to be used for any disability related accessibility requirements and not for sending the application itself. Due to the volume of applications, any applications or CVs sent through this email address will not be considered a formal application and will not receive a reply from WFP.
WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment
WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.
