Hydrology Advisor
Job Description
Hydrology Advisor
- Job Category: Engineer
- Seniority Level: Senior Level
- Duty Station: Home‑based
- Posting Start Date: 21 August 2026 Posting End Date: 10 September 2026
- Duration: One year initially, renewable based on satisfactory performance and budget availability
Role Purpose
The Hydrology Advisor serves as a senior technical and strategic expert, independently leading hydrological, climate‑adaptation, and disaster‑mitigation outputs across the office’s water‑related portfolio. Reporting to the Senior Portfolio Manager, the Advisor provides authoritative guidance, interprets complex environmental datasets, and delivers high‑quality technical products.
The role requires solving data‑scarce hydrological challenges, climate‑proofing specialized infrastructure designs, and shaping regional water‑security strategies in fragile and climate‑sensitive contexts.
Key Functions & Expected Results
- Technical Expertise
- Provide specialist technical advice and strategic design support across hydrology, water resources, and climate‑change adaptation sectors.
- Guide and verify the application of climate‑resilient methodologies, ensuring infrastructure is designed to withstand extreme weather events, long‑term climate shifts, and altered hydrological regimes.
- Support decision‑support systems for optimal, conflict‑sensitive water allocation balancing ecosystem needs with agricultural, domestic, and energy demands.
- Ensure all technical designs and assessments comply with international quality standards and UNOPS technical infrastructure guidelines.
- Monitoring & Reporting
- Engage with the broader team and stakeholders on data collection, field verification, and hydro‑meteorological modelling.
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting on implementation progress.
- Prepare and submit technical reports, risk logs, and issue briefs to the Senior Portfolio Manager.
- Provide rapid technical responses and adapt methodologies to emerging environmental and project needs.
- Knowledge Sharing & Capacity Building
Share advanced expertise in:
- Macro‑ and micro‑level hydrological assessments and multi‑scenario baseline modelling.
- Downscaling global (GCM) and regional (RCM) climate models for long‑term catchment and infrastructure impact analysis.
- Distributed hydrological modelling for arid and semi‑arid lands (ASALs).
- Hydro‑meteorological forecasting, impact‑based early warning systems (EWS), and real‑time flash‑flood/drought monitoring.
- Integrating Nature‑Based Solutions (NbS) and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS).
- Uncertainty quantification, sensitivity analysis, and managing data‑scarce environments in fragile contexts.
- Technical Portfolio & Team Support
- Support the Senior Portfolio Project Manager in reviewing, pitching, and delivering complex hydrology‑ and climate‑adaptation‑focused projects.
- Coordinate and technically supervise the team during implementation.
- Uphold principles of human rights, gender equity, peace, accountability, “do no harm,” and aid effectiveness across all activities.
Candidate Profile
Skills
- Capacity Building
- Climate Change
- Geographic Information Systems
- Hydrology
- Water Resource Management
Education Requirements
Required:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, Hydro‑climatology, Environmental Engineering, or a related field, with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.
Desired:
- Ph.D. in Hydrology, Hydraulic Engineering, or Water Resources Management with a climate focus.
Experience Requirements
Required:
- Minimum 7 years of combined relevant experience in:
- Hydrological modelling development within the engineering sector.
- Climate‑change impact evaluations on large hydraulic infrastructure and/or catchments.
- Real‑time drought and flood forecasting.
Desired:
- Experience in water‑system risk assessment.
- Experience in teaching, applied research, or capacity building in hydrological engineering.
- Authorship or co‑authorship of peer‑reviewed publications or conference proceedings in the hydrological field.
Language Requirements
- English: Fluent proficiency required.
Job Highlight
This role offers a unique opportunity to provide regional technical leadership and pioneer climate‑resilient water‑engineering solutions within the Horn of Africa. Working under the Senior Portfolio Manager, you will integrate climate‑adaptation and disaster‑mitigation strategies into major infrastructure portfolios, strengthen sustainable water governance, and build institutional capacity in a region deeply affected by climate variability and environmental fragility.
Opportunities for Learning & Growth
- Commitment to excellence across all organizational levels.
- Continuous professional development opportunities.
- Access to state‑of‑the‑art blended learning programmes, including leadership and technical development.
- Opportunities to pursue internationally recognized technical certifications and professional memberships.
- A collaborative internal culture that values knowledge sharing and multidisciplinary teamwork.
