Research Officer - Water Data Analytics

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Centre, is seeking a dynamic professional to join its team in Accra, Ghana as a Research Officer – Water Data Analytics.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to join a vibrant and expanding team of specialists dedicated to advancing IWMI’s suite of tools for water accounting and water resources assessments across Africa. The Research Officer will play a key role in advancing IWMI’s digital innovation tools and their application across various spatial scales, from river basins to national and continental levels. You will contribute to multiple projects by utilizing cutting-edge remote sensing techniques and data processing technologies in hydrological applications. In this role, the goal is to provide timely and high-quality insights into water availability, usage, and sustainable limits.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contribute to the scientific advancement and development of IWMI’s suite of water accounting tools and methodologies for sustainable irrigation development. Specifically, contribute to developing tools to:  
• Support sustainable water resources development.  
• Sustainable scaling of irrigation.  
• Understanding limits to surface and groundwater availability.  
• Assess water security for agriculture.  
• Map suitable locations for siting storage ponds.  
• Develop applications based on the use of remote sensing data and hydrological models to understand water resources and quantify water budgets across scales.  
• Contribute to high-quality research reports and journal articles.  
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to implement innovative, remote sensing-based approaches for improved water management across the regions in which IWMI works.  
• Assist researchers with stakeholder engagement, workshop planning and hosting to increase engagement and interactivity.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential,

• Masters degree in Hydrology, Remote Sensing, Geography, Environmental Science, or a related field. 
• At least 3 years of experience in a role in hydrology, geospatial analysis or related field. 
• Experience working with spatial data and using Python or R for water resources analysis.  
• Familiarity with remote sensing datasets such as satellite rainfall, evapotranspiration, discharge, or land use data for hydrologic applications.  
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to process large spatial and temporal datasets.  
• Experience with GIS tools and spatial analysis for hydrological assessments.  
• Ability to evaluate and apply spatial tools for water resource assessments at different scales.  

Desirable,

• Previous research experience with a geospatial focus on developing countries in Africa.  
• Previous research work experience in the CGIAR.  
• Previous experience organising and facilitation stakeholder workshops and training.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential,

• Research skills in geospatial hydrology and its applications in the water/agricultural sectors.  
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, with a proactive and self-motivated attitude.  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think creatively and propose innovative solutions.  
• Willingness to travel and a commitment to continuous learning.  
• Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.  
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.  

Desirable,

• Proficiency in other major language spoken in West Africa (French, Akan, Hausa, etc).
• Knowledge of agricultural and water management practices, policies, and challenges, particularly in developing countries.

Benefits

This is a nationally recruited position and only Ghanaian nationals will be considered. IWMI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, inclusive of health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of two years with the possibility of extension.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on May 18, 2025 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.