Senior International Hydrogeological Modelling Specialist

The Senior International Hydrogeological Modelling Specialist will provide high-level technical expertise and strategic scientific guidance in hydrogeological modelling across UNESCO groundwater initiatives. The role involves leading the development and application of groundwater models, supporting groundwater forecasting and decision-support systems, and strengthening institutional capacities through mentoring and training.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, refinement and application of conceptual and numerical groundwater models to support groundwater assessment, sustainable groundwater management and climate resilience across UNESCO groundwater initiatives.
• Develop and apply groundwater forecasting tools and climate change scenario analyses to assess groundwater system responses under different climatic, hydrological and management conditions, and support groundwater drought preparedness and early warning.
• Provide high-level technical expertise and strategic scientific guidance in hydrogeological modelling across UNESCO groundwater initiatives.
• Support groundwater forecasting and decision-support systems.
• Provide technical quality assurance and strengthen institutional capacities through technical mentoring, training and knowledge transfer.
• Prepare and submit detailed work plans outlining methodology, implementation schedules, coordination arrangements, project-specific priorities, expected technical outputs and reporting timelines.
• Prepare and submit all technical deliverables in accordance with the agreed work plan and implementation schedule.
• Provide regular progress updates throughout the consultancy to ensure timely delivery of outputs and effective coordination with project partners.
• Ensure all reports, modelling outputs, datasets, technical documentation, training materials and other products developed under this consultancy are submitted in electronic format and become the property of UNESCO.
• Obtain prior written authorization from UNESCO for any publications or dissemination of information arising from this consultancy.

Requirements

• PhD in Hydrogeology or a closely related discipline.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in groundwater studies and hydrogeological modelling.
• Demonstrated experience in the development and application of conceptual and numerical groundwater models.
• Proven experience in integrating hydrogeological and hydroclimatic data into groundwater modelling workflows.
• Research expertise in climate change and drought impacts on groundwater systems.
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken).
• Working knowledge of French.

Skills

• Hydrogeological Modelling
• Groundwater Studies
• Conceptual Groundwater Modelling
• Numerical Groundwater Modelling
• Hydroclimatic Data Integration
• Climate Change Impact Research
• Drought Analysis
• Groundwater Forecasting
• Decision-Support Systems
• Scientific Guidance
• Capacity Building
• Training and Mentoring

Languages

English, French