VACANCY NOTICE NO: SSA-2025-HWR-HWC-S 23
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:
28 September 2025
10 day(s) until closing deadline
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Consultants
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POST
CONSULTANCY: Snowmelt Runoff modelling Training Development for Afghanistan
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GRADE
N/A
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DUTY STATION
Home-based, Remote
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COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined
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NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Variable (depending on needs of Department/Division)
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ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
Hydrological Forecasting - Hydrology and Water Resources Services - Hydrology, Water and Cryosphere
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WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age after 1 January 2014 is 65. Pursuant to WMO Standing Instructions, the minimum age to be eligible for consideration for vacant positions is 18, and the maximum age must enable the candidate to serve for at least the term of the contract before reaching mandatory age of separation.
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DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Project Officer, Hydrological and Water Resources Services, the incumbent will enhance WRD's capacity to apply model snowmelt runoff and use it to assess water availability and climate impact on water resources. The expert will build WRD's technical capacity in model setup, calibration, snow and glacier melt runoff assessment and scenario modelling for GLOF risk mapping. Key tasks include:
a) Data Review and Pilot Basin Selection
- Review snowpack and glacier data availability and assess their suitability for modelling.
- Select at least one pilot basin representing common Afghan hydrological conditions.
b) Modelling and material development
c) Training on hydrological modelling fundamentals (5 days).
- Introduction to snowmelt-runoff model.
- Pre-processing of hydro-met and spatial datasets (using Python/R and GIS tools).
- Model installation (e.g. MODSNOW or SNTHERM and SRM), setup, and input preparation.
d) On-the-job training on advanced hydrological modelling application
- Model calibration/validation using observed data.
- Assessment of snow and glacier runoff:
- Monthly/seasonal contributions of snowmelt to river flows
- Assessment of water availability for irrigation and drinking purposes
- Water year status analysis based on snow-water equivalent contributions
- Scenario modelling for GLOF risk mapping.
e) SOP development and follow-up mentorship between trainers and trainees
- Draft simplified SOPs for model setup, calibration, advanced application.
- Assignments and guidance to trainees.
f) Final Reporting and trainee evaluation
- Conduct pre/post assessments of participants and identify potential Trainer of Trainers candidates.
- Deliver a final report including:
- Curriculum delivered and performance matrix.
- Recommendations for sustaining model use.
- Roadmap for integration into WRD workflows.
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QUALIFICATIONS
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Education
PhD or master's degree or higher in hydrology, cryosphere studies, or related fields.
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Experience
- A minimum 10 years of experience with snow/glacier runoff modelling using tools.
- Experience in GIS software (QGIS or ArcGIS) for spatial data analysis and model inputs preparation.
- Experience in programming languages (Python and/or R) for data processing, analysis and visualization.
- Prior experience in theoretical plus practical training and capacity building in developing countries.
- Experience in developing SOPs and technical materials.
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Other requirements
- Familiarity with Afghanistan or similar data-sparse environments preferred.
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to adapt to diverse technical environments and project needs.
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Languages
Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written) and working level language skills of the scope country (Dari, Pashto) would be advantageous. The language for all documents and reports as well as for all communication will be in English. A representative from WRD may assist with translation.
(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)
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Remote (Nepal and remote support for data preparation)
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Additional Information:
Proposed fee: 350-500 USD per day depending upon experience, knowledge and skills.
Focal point email for additional information: fkaya@wmo.int
Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system at https://erecruit.wmo.int/public.
Do not send your application via multiple routes. Only applicants in whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview.
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| Date of issue of vacancy notice:
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E-RECRUITMENT
