Expert in Vulnerability Assessment and Dam Evaluation

Consultant

Overview

Conduct dam vulnerability assessments and evaluations for selected dams in Libya.

You have:

• A first structural/civil engineering degree is required with postgraduate degrees (MSc. and/or PhD) in hydrology/hydraulic, dam safety, including inspection, monitoring, and maintenance of dams.
• Minimum of 7 to 10 years of professional experience in dam design, construction, and maintenance, and technical training on dam safety and maintenance.
• Knowledge of English is required. Knowledge of Arabic language is a plus.
• Professional knowledge about, and direct experience in offering dam evaluation and vulnerability assessment, dam safety, including inspection of infrastructure and dam’s performance, monitoring, and maintenance.
• Previous experience working with UN agencies.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

**OVERVIEW** ------------ Parent Sector : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station: Rabat 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 Duty Station Time) : 15-AUG-2025 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism **I. OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST** -------------------------------------------- In Libya, dams play a vital role in water management, including the collection of surface water and protection against flood risks. The country has constructed 18 dams across its territory, with a total storage capacity exceeding 350 million cubic meters. These major infrastructures support agricultural projects, bottled water production, and aim to supply drinking water to major Libyan cities. In September 2023, Storm Daniel unleashed heavy rainfall along Libya’s northeastern coast, resulting in the collapse of two dams upstream of the port city of Derna—namely, the Derna and Abu Mansour dams. The resulting floods partially destroyed the city of Derna and devastated its infrastructure. In response to the disaster, the French Republic provided funding to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as part of urgent assistance under UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme in Libya. The project focuses on flood-prone areas and supports the development of a national risk reduction strategy, early warning systems, and institutional capacity building related to dam safety. Libya identified four major dams for vulnerability assessment and evaluation being essential components of dam safety management. These processes help to identify structural, functional, and environmental risks that may compromise integrity of dams or lead to their collapse. The main objectives of the dam vulnerability assessment and evaluation are to evaluate the structural and operational integrity of the four selected dams; assess their vulnerability to floods, other natural hazards, and operational risks; identify potential failure modes and the associated consequences; recommend appropriate remedial actions or risk mitigation measures; as well as strengthen emergency preparedness and improve resilience planning. II. Duties & Responsibilities --------------------------------- **II. Duties & Responsibilities** As part of the project 'Technical Support to Libya in the Monitoring and Maintenance of Dams,' the UNESCO Regional Office for the Maghreb will initiate the vulnerability assessment and evaluation of four dams in Libya: Gattara, Majanine, Ghan, and Kaam. Within the framework of the Natural Sciences Sector of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Maghreb, under the authority of Director of Office, and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Natural Sciences Sector, the consultant will undertake the following tasks: 1. Stocktaking of the Dam documents. 2. Develop the Description of Dam and Reservoir System. 3. Carry out site inspections of the Dams. 4. Perform Structural and Geotechnical Assessment. 5. Carry out hydrological and hydraulic Assessment. 6. Assess analysis of the Risk and Failure Mode 7. Draw Instrumentation and Monitoring. 8. Develop a rehabilitation and maintenance handbook based on the results of the above tasks along with detailed systematic visual inspection covering all features of the dam. The vulnerability assessment and dam evaluations must be conducted in accordance with international dam safety guidelines, such as those established by ICOLD and the World Bank. III. Deliverables ----------------- **III. Deliverables** 1. Inception report defining the methodology of work, action plan and timeline ; 2. Register of vulnerability assessment and evaluation of each of the 4 dams ; 3. Rehabilitation and maintenance handbook of each of the 4 dams. **IV. COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)** ---------------------------------------- Accountability (C) Communication (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Results focus (C) Teamwork (C) Professionalism (C) **-** ----- For detailed information, please consult the [UNESCO Competency Framework](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/competency_framework_e.pdf). **V. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** ------------------------------ **Education** A first structural/civil engineering degree is required with post graduate degrees (MSc. and/or PhD) in hydrology/hydraulic, dam safety, including inspection, monitoring, and maintenance of dams. **Work Experience** Minimum of 7 to 10 years of professional experience in dam design, construction, and maintenance, and technical training on dam safety and maintenance. **Languages** Knowledge of English knowledge is required. Knowledge of Arabic language is a plus. **VI. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS** -------------------------------- - Professional knowledge about, and direct experience in offering dam evaluation and vulnerability assessment, dam safety, including inspection of infrastructure and dam’s performance, monitoring, and maintenance. - Previous experience working with UN agencies. **VII. SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS** ------------------------------------------ Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. Candidates must upload their CV, methodology of work, and detailed financial offer and timeline. To apply, please visit the [UNESCO careers website.](https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/joblist.ftl) No modifications can be made to the application submitted. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and assessment of the merhodology of work, timeline and financial offer. UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted. **Footer** ---------- UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States ([last update here](https://www.unesco.org/en/geo-distribution)) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts. UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Please note that UNESCO is a non-smoking Organization.

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Added 10 months ago - Updated 10 months ago - Source: careers.unesco.org