Research Officer - Data-Driven Water and Climate Modelling at International Water Management Institute

Tashkent, , Uzbekistan -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

13 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

13 Jan, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Data Analysis, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Geospatial Analytics, Python, R, MATLAB, GIS, Climate Science, Hydrology, Water Resources Management, Decision Support Systems, Data Sharing, Policy Analysis, Ecosystem Protection, Statistical Analysis

Industry

International Trade and Development

Description

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking a motivated early career researcher to join its office in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, as a Research Officer – Data-Driven Water and Climate Modelling. The Research Officer (RO) will support IWMI’s research and innovation agenda in data-driven water and climate systems management across Central Asia. The position focuses on developing and applying advanced modeling, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and geospatial analytics for sustainable water management, climate resilience, and ecosystem protection. The Research Officer will support the development and implementation of data-driven modelling tools, including Earth Observation-based analyses, AI/ML applications for climate studies, and a Decision Support System (DSS). The role includes contributing to data-sharing and exchange frameworks, benefit-sharing templates, and analytical reporting to support informed decision-making in a transboundary context. The RO will work at the intersection of policy, environmental (water, climate, ecosystems), and technical (modeling, data science, systems analysis) domains. The incumbent will also contribute to the development of comprehensive data-sharing agreements, benefit-sharing templates, and climate-informed data exchange protocols that promote transboundary cooperation and sustainable resource governance in Central Asia. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsibilities Related to the Thematic Area, Apply machine learning and AI approaches for analyzing large climate, hydrological, and remote sensing datasets to derive insights on droughts, water productivity, and ecosystem health. Conduct climate data analysis (trend detection, projections, and extremes) using statistical and AI-based approaches to support scenario planning, climate risk assessment, and adaptation strategies. Perform geospatial analyses using Earth Observation (EO) and GIS tools to monitor land and water use dynamics, evapotranspiration, water quality, and environmental conditions. Support the development of online tools, dashboards, and visualization systems for real-time data sharing, decision support, and user engagement across transboundary river basins. Contribute to ecological flow analysis, identifying minimum environmental flow requirements and supporting integrated water management planning in the context of climate change. Assist in developing and testing data-sharing platforms and APIs for improved inter-agency cooperation and regional transparency on hydro‑climatic data. Support preparing a comprehensive data‑sharing agreement template for sustainable benefit sharing, and a draft data exchange protocol to facilitate cross‑border collaboration and integration of climate change considerations in data governance. Contribute to preparing a technical report on the benefits of using Decision Support Systems (DSS) in a transboundary context, demonstrating their value for cooperative water management and joint decision‑making. Responsibilities Related to Assisting the Project Leader with Project Management, Review policy documents, strategies, and legal agreements related to water resources management, climate adaptation, and environmental governance. Provide analytical inputs and recommendations to policy briefs, technical reports, and project outputs, ensuring they promote sustainable benefit sharing, data transparency, and cross‑sectoral coordination. Support the formulation and harmonization of data exchange and benefit‑sharing mechanisms between national and regional partners. Engage with ministries, basin organizations, and partner institutions to align scientific findings and digital tools with ongoing policy processes, enhancing institutional cooperation and climate resilience. EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: Essential, Master’s Degree in Hydrology, Environmental Science, Climate Science, Data Science, Water Resources Management, or a closely related field. Minimum 03 years of experience in modeling, data analysis, or applied research in water, climate, or environmental systems. Demonstrated proficiency in Python, R, or MATLAB, and familiarity with machine learning tools like TensorFlow or Scikit‑learn. Desirable, Experience with geospatial and hydrological modeling tools (ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth Engine, SWAT+, Pywr, WEAP) and dashboard development (Power BI, Streamlit). Prior work on data‑sharing or benefit‑sharing agreements and DSS‑related policy outputs. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Essential, Strong analytical, programming, and problem‑solving skills. Excellent data management, visualization, and coding capabilities. Ability to synthesize complex technical information into accessible formats for policy audiences. Proven ability to prepare technical reports, peer‑reviewed papers, and policy briefs. Excellent organizational, coordination, and teamwork skills. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and commitment to producing high‑quality research outputs. Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required. Excellent oral and written language skills in English & Russian, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities. Desirable, Knowledge of Uzbek and/or other regional languages. This is a nationally recruited position and only Uzbek 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 one year. 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 January 20, 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 Research Officer will develop and apply advanced modeling and AI techniques for sustainable water management and climate resilience. Responsibilities include conducting climate data analysis, performing geospatial analyses, and supporting the development of decision support systems.