OVERVIEW

Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station: Doha

Classification of duty station: [[filter12]]

Standard Duration of Assignement : [[filter13]]

Job Family: Natural Sciences

Type of contract : Non Staff

Duration of contract : From 1 to 6 months

Recruitment open to : External candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 25/07/2023

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

BACKGROUND

Under the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and UNESCO’s Medium-term Strategy (2022-2029), the UNESCO Office for Gulf States & Yemen is focusing its efforts on promoting Science Technology and Innovation (STI) and scientific cooperation, natural resources management and biodiversity protection, climate change as well as addressing water security agenda in the region.

In Yemen, decades of aquifer depletion, increasingly extreme climate events, and several years of conflict have combined to create a humanitarian crisis in which 17.8 million people lack adequate access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene resulting in outbreaks of cholera and diphtheria. Refugees and internally displaced people are often facing severe barriers to the access of water supply and sanitation services and their numbers are higher than ever before.

The water crisis in Yemen is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires urgent attention and action from the international community to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.

However, addressing these challenges requires profound knowledge and detailed information about, but not limited to, the status of water resources, the location and spatial distribution of damaged and/or destroyed water infrastructure, its geographical interdependency, role within the regional socioeconomic functioning, climate change impact assessment and water quality assessment, etc.

To this end, UNESCO Office for the Gulf states and Yemen requires the services of a Data Expert to gather essential information on the existing data landscape, infrastructure, and stakeholder ecosystem related to water management in Yemen. The findings will feed into a study of the “situation analysis of water security in Yemen” and serve as the basis for designing and implementing a Water Information System (WISY) for the rehabilitation of water infrastructure and services in Yemen.

TASK 1

Assessment report (Deliverable 1), a comprehensive report detailing the findings, analysis, and recommendations based on the tasks outlined below:
a) Review existing water-related data sources, including databases, reports, and relevant documents available from government agencies, research institutions, and other stakeholders in Yemen.
b) Identify gaps in data availability, including geographical coverage, frequency, and granularity, and prioritize data needs to support strategic planning for water infrastructure rehabilitation.
c) Evaluate the existing data infrastructure (if any), including hardware, software, networking, and storage capabilities, and identify areas for improvement or enhancement.
d) Update on the status of the national hydrological/hydrogeological databases that were established pre-2015 and identify opportunities for the re-establishment/re-activation of the database and/or the information systems.
e) Assess the capacity of relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, institutions, and individuals, in terms of data collection, analysis, management, and utilization for decision-making.
f) Identify potential partners, stakeholders, and data-sharing mechanisms to support the establishment of the Water Information System (WISY).
g) consult with relevant stakeholders, including water management authorities, engineers, and local communities, to identify specific data requirements for the rehabilitation of water infrastructure in Yemen.
h) Provide recommendations on the necessary technical, institutional, and capacity-building measures required for the successful implementation of WISY.

TASK 2

Preparation of PowerPoint presentation (Deliverable 2) of no more than 20 slides in English and Arabic summarizing the results of the assessment study and recommendations.

TASK 3

Preparation of Excel Datasheets (Deliverable 3) with for each of the categories a description of 1) the dataset 2) the data type 3) the file extension 4) the available time period 5) the source 6) link to an online location or offline storage/data owner.

Data collection: the expert is expected to collect available data and maps focusing on, but not limited to:

1. Water supply data:

• Water sources: Information on the location, capacity, and quality of water sources, such as rivers, lakes, groundwater wells, and reservoirs.
• Water abstraction: Data on the volume of water abstracted from different sources for various purposes.
• Water treatment: Information on the treatment processes, capacities, and performance of water treatment plants.
• Distribution networks: Data on the layout, condition, and capacity of water distribution networks, including pipelines, pumps, and storage facilities.

2. Water demand and consumption data:

• Population data: Information on the population served by the water infrastructure, including demographic trends and projections.
• Water demand: Data on water consumption patterns, including residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, as well as seasonal variations.
• Water metering: Information on the installation and performance of water meters to measure and monitor water usage.

3. Infrastructure status data:

• Infrastructure inventory: Data on the location, type, age, and condition of water infrastructure assets, such as pipelines, pumps, valves, and storage tanks.
• Maintenance and repairs: Records of maintenance activities, repairs, and upgrades performed on water infrastructure assets.
• Leakage and losses: Data on water losses due to leaks, pipe bursts, and inefficient distribution systems.

4. Water resource maps, including hydrological maps (rivers, watersheds, and groundwater basins) providing insights into water availability and flows.

5. Land use and land cover maps: GIS-based maps illustrate the different land uses within a region, including urban areas, agricultural lands, forests, and protected areas, providing insights into water demand and potential pollution sources.

6. Socio-economic maps: GIS maps display population density, distribution, and growth rates, assisting in understanding water demand patterns and service coverage.

COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
– Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in the field of statistics, computer sciences, ICT (information and communications technology), civil engineering, data science, or other related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with five additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience:
– At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in data assessment and analysis, preferably in the field of water resources management or a related area.
– Demonstrated knowledge of data management principles, data infrastructure, and capacity-building requirements for effective water management.

Skills/Competencies:

– Strong analytical and report writing skills, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with stakeholders and facilitate data collection processes.
Language:
– Excellent written and spoken Arabic and English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

-Familiarity with the Yemeni water sector, including relevant institutions, stakeholders, and challenges, is highly desirable.

– Candidates who are based in Yemen are encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

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