Consultant - Hydrological Data Scientist at International Water Management Institute

Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

28 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

27 Feb, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Hydrological Modeling, Data Scientist, Remote Sensing, Bias-Correction, Validation, Python, R, Geospatial Analysis, Data Preprocessing, Environmental Flow Assessment, Quantitative Skills, Analytical Skills, Technical Reporting, Cloud Computing, Water Resources Management, Data Visualization

Industry

International Trade and Development

Description

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is an international, non-profit, research-for-development organization that works with governments, civil society, and private sector partners to address water-related challenges in developing countries and scale up sustainable solutions. IWMI is headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and is a CGIAR research center with offices in 15 countries and a global network of researchers operating in approximately 56 countries. This consultancy supports two projects. The first project is the Google Mexico Project, which applies AI, Earth Observation, and hydrological modeling to improve sustainable water use, water reuse, and environmental flow (e-flow) monitoring in the Lerma–Santiago River Basin. The second project is the DIWASA Phase II Project, which aims to enhance water security across scales in Africa through improved water data availability, accessibility, and institutional capacity, and to leverage innovative digital techniques for sustainable water resources management. Under both projects, the consultancy will support the e-flow assessment, at the basin scale for the Google Mexico Project and at the continental scale (Africa) for the DIWASA Project. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT To preprocess, bias-correct, and validate remote sensing–based precipitation and modeled discharge datasets for application in basin-scale e-flow monitoring in the Lerma–Santiago River Basin. To contribute to continental-scale environmental flow assessments in Africa and to support the scaling and application of the Securing Water in Agriculture tool under the DIWASA Phase II Project. To generate reproducible datasets, analytical outputs, and technical reports that can inform sustainable water resources management and decision-making. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Google Mexico Project – Lerma–Santiago River Basin: Review and compile relevant hydro-climatological datasets, including remote sensing–based precipitation products and modeled discharge data. Preprocess remote sensing precipitation datasets (e.g., quality control, spatial and temporal harmonization). Apply appropriate bias-correction techniques to remote sensing precipitation and modeled discharge data using available in-situ observations. Validate corrected datasets against ground-based hydrological and meteorological observations. Document methodologies, assumptions, limitations, and validation results. Deliver processed datasets and a final technical report summarizing methods, results, and recommendations. DIWASA Phase II Project – Continental Africa Compile and preprocess required spatial and tabular datasets for continental-scale SWAG analysis using: a) The L-WRSI (Landscape Water Requirement Satisfaction Index) approach, and b) The SPAM dataset (crop type) approach. Compare and interpret results across the two CWR approaches, highlighting spatial patterns and uncertainties. Compare and interpret results from continental hydrological modeling: a) Naturalized flow conditions (VegET/MizuRoute), and b) Current reservoir-regulated flow conditions (VegET/MizuLake). Generate reproducible analytical outputs, maps, and datasets suitable for integration into DIWASA project platforms. Prepare technical reports documenting methodologies, results, and policy-relevant insights. DELIVERABLES: Final report and outputs from preprocessing, bias correction, and validation of remote sensing precipitation and modeled discharge data for the Lerma–Santiago Basin. Report and outputs of CWR analyses for Africa using two approaches: Landscape Water Requirement Satisfaction Index (L-WRSI) and crop evapotranspiration approach using IFPRI’s Spatial Allocation Model (SPAM). Report and outputs of continental-scale environmental flow assessments comparing naturalized flows versus current/reservoir flows. MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Essential: Master’s degree (or advanced-stage PhD) in Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Earth Sciences, Geospatial Sciences, Data Science, or a related field. Demonstrated experience in processing and analysis of hydro-climatological datasets, including remote sensing–based precipitation and/or modeled discharge data. Experience applying bias-correction and validation techniques using in-situ observations. Experience working with large spatial and temporal datasets. Experience with cloud computing environments for data processing. Experience using programming languages commonly applied in hydrology and geospatial analysis (e.g., Python, R). Desirable: Experience with environmental flow assessments or water resources assessments at basin or larger scales. Experience working with continental or multi-country datasets. Prior experience supporting applied research or development projects related to water security. SKILLS & ABILITIES: Essential: Strong analytical and quantitative skills. Ability to develop, document, and maintain reproducible analytical workflows and code. Ability to work independently and manage technical tasks within agreed timelines. Strong written communication skills for preparation of technical reports and documentation. Experience with visualization and mapping of large-scale hydrological and geospatial datasets. Desirable: Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary and geographically distributed teams. Familiarity with open-source data platforms and data-sharing best practices. This is a nationally hired consultancy; therefore, individuals with relevant abilities are encouraged to apply. IWMI offers a competitive monthly rate for this assignment. The duration of the contract will be for a period of nine (09) months. 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 March 06, 2026 (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.

Responsibilities

The consultant will preprocess, bias-correct, and validate remote sensing precipitation and modeled discharge datasets for basin-scale environmental flow monitoring in Mexico, and contribute to continental-scale environmental flow assessments in Africa. Duties also include generating reproducible datasets, analytical outputs, and technical reports to inform sustainable water resources management.