Researcher - Hydrogeology

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is on the lookout for a talented researcher to join our team in Vientiane, Laos as a Researcher – Hydrogeology.

This is an internationally recruited position; therefore, individuals with relevant abilities from diverse locations around the world are encouraged to apply.

The role focuses on leading and supporting hydrogeological assessments, ground and surface water monitoring, and resource evaluation to inform inclusive and sustainable water management strategies. This role requires extensive practical experience of research activities that broadly relate to groundwater management from a rural livelihoods’ perspective in Laos and Southeast Asia, local capacity development expertise and socially inclusive development practices.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Initiate and lead multi-disciplinary research initiatives across a range of spatial scales and settings collaborating with colleagues and external partners to achieve sustainable groundwater management in Laos while shaping the research agenda at the project / program level.
• Lead field studies across a range of spatial scales and settings in Laos, Southeast Asia and Internationally to better understand hydrogeological conditions and/or processes in relation to a range of potential management interventions associated with key socioeconomic development challenges (CCA, SDGs etc.)
• Design & Lead research activities including data collection, quality assurance, and analysis, aligned with project goals and objectives and in collaboration with national and/or international research partners.
• Quantify groundwater balance components by applying GIS or other quantitative methods along with remote sensing or other datasets.
• Engage with external partners to explore funding opportunities, develop proposals and establish partnerships that strengthen water management in the region.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research projects within IWMI and other CGIAR centres under the CGIAR Science Programs to achieve impact.
• Integrate research findings into policy recommendations and disseminate through mediums such as workshops, guidelines, and policy briefs to inform practical applications.
• Write and publish research findings in high-quality formats such as seminar papers, peer-reviewed journals, and program reports, while presenting results at workshops and conferences to showcase scientific contributions.
• Organize peer-to-peer learning opportunities and knowledge-sharing platforms (e.g. workshops, meetings & policy dialogues) to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge uptake.
• Supervise and guide students and interns by identifying learning and development opportunities, overseeing performance, and fostering an inclusive and collaborative teamwork environment.
• Collaborate and maintain relationships with external stakeholders and partners to explore funding opportunities, develop proposals, advance research efforts, build capacity, and implement activities aimed at strengthening water management in the region.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• PhD in Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, River Basin Management, or a closely related water resources discipline.
• At least 05 years of experience in groundwater resource assessment and management, in Southeast Asia (SEA).
• A strong publication record and experience contributing to applied research or development projects.
• Experience with a range of modern software tools used for water resources assessment.
• Proven competence in quantitative methods for water balance analysis within the SEA region.
• Demonstrated experience in aquifer testing, well drilling supervision, groundwater modeling, and field-based hydrogeological investigations.

Desirable:

• Strong evidence as a contributor of national/ regional repute to one or more of the research areas associated with the position, as demonstrated by a solid track record in peer-reviewed publications, research impact and other acknowledgements.
• Demonstrated expertise in groundwater resource assessment and policy implementation.
• Experience working with government agencies and familiarity with Lao PDR’s institutional context is a strong advantage.
• Commitment to GEDSI principles and experience integrating inclusivity into project design and implementation.
• Experience in results-based management and donor reporting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential:

• Ability to design and execute systems for acquiring and collating information through the effective use of appropriate resources and equipment.
• Ability to capture and collate complex datasets and synthesize to address real-world issues.
• Ability to design, conduct and lead field research, often in remote locations and in collaboration with partners.              
• Strong analytical skills and a learning attitude.
• Strong capacity development and mentoring skills.
• Ability to work in team with people from different cultural and professional backgrounds
• Excellent oral and written language skills in English including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Willingness to live and work in developing countries, particularly Lao PDR.
• Willingness to travel upon request, often at short-notice for periods of up to 2 weeks.
• Genuine interest in understanding water issues affecting disadvantaged communities.
• Knowledge of soil-water or surface water hydrology principles and models.

Desirable:

• Detailed knowledge of the status of, and trends in, groundwater sector development, as well as the constraints and opportunities for groundwater development in the Mekong Region.
• Working knowledge of local languages.
• Strong facilitation, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with citizen science and participatory research methods.

Benefits

This is an internationally recruited position with a competitive salary, an attractive retirement plan, comprehensive international health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. Internationally recruited staff who are employed at a duty station outside of their home base/country of nationality will also receive relocation assistance, a housing allowance, home-leave plane tickets for self and eligible dependents and education assistance for eligible dependents. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of three years.

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 June 13, 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.