WASH Officer – Hydrogeology

Volunteering Environment

Overview

Support the monitoring of groundwater and surface water in Madagascar.

You have:

• Experience in water management and governance.
• Proficiency in GIS and hydrological data analysis.
• Knowledge of climate variability and its impact on groundwater.
• Ability to work in a transdisciplinary team environment.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for diverse stakeholders.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

Nationally, Madagascar is not a water-poor country on paper, but the reality is that water, over time and geographically, is not distributed equitably, which is compounded by a lack of appropriate infrastructure and poor water management and governance.

This inequity in the distribution of water resources is manifested with ample rainfall in the East of the country, resulting often in flooding, with the opposite extreme in the south, with frequent drought. Erratic precipitation and drought affect groundwater availability and community well-being in southern Madagascar, with a series of dramatic drought events, the latest during 2021-2022.

20% of water supplies in Madagascar come from groundwater. With the growing population, the reliance on and importance of accessible freshwater supplies is growing, given its often easier access, protection from floods and droughts, and ability to buffer against long-term climate change impacts. With a growing population, there's increasing pressure to further exploit groundwater to reach developmental goals, potentially impacting socio-economic growth and environmental security. To support the analysis of existing data available for groundwater monitoring and surface water monitoring, and suggest additional measures for strengthening the monitoring of groundwater and surface water in Madagascar.

The overall objective of the deployment will be to collate all available existing hydrogeological and hydrological data, and climate variability data, as part of a baseline study on water resources nationally. The baseline data will result in the production of an updated hydrogeological map at the hydrological basin levels and, in doing so, identify gaps in both knowledge on surface and groundwater monitoring networks and also the capacity of partners to allow a comprehensive long-term monitoring framework to be developed. This monitoring framework will be intrinsically linked to governance structures from the local level, building on the existing community development charter (CDC) from which water user associations exist, to the sub-basin and basin level management authorities, inclusive of both Provincial (PRD) and Urban Water Authorities, to the national level Ministries (MRRD, MEWs, etc.). Furthermore, the Volunteer will work closely with national stakeholders to ensure the capacity can be built.

Under the direct supervision of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL ) Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Baseline Understanding of Surface and Groundwater from Existing Data • Inventory of all existing hard copy and online reports, papers, theses as part of comprehensive literature research; • Review of all relevant documentation with a synthesis report on the understanding of surface and groundwater; and • Catalogue of all reports to allow open access on any developed information management platform.

2. Collation of All Available Surface and Groundwater Information • All surface water data, such as the location of stream gauges, flow data, surface water quality, etc.; • Meteorological data, including the location of climate stations and historical and present data of available parameters; • Groundwater data, including location of all boreholes with lithological logs, test pumping, water chemistry, and, if possible, monitoring data on flow, water level, and field-measured water quality (electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and temperature); • Geology maps and cross-sections at any scale; and • Hydrogeology maps and cross-sections at any scale.

3. Collation of All Available Surface and Groundwater Use Information • Establish approximate water use as a volume (million cubic meters (Mm3)) at the hydrological basin level of both surface and groundwater by all sectors—domestic (rural and urban), agriculture (subsistence and broad scale), industry, and groundwater-dependent ecosystems—thereby developing a water balance across watersheds and aquifers; • Forecast water demand for each sector; and • Document hazards to water supply as part of comprehensive risk analysis, focusing on high to very high risks. Such information would include land uses and the risks they pose (over abstraction, use of pesticides), urbanization (over abstraction, unregulated drilling and use of water, and complex contamination to water sources), mining, and groundwater under direct influence (GUDI ) wells.

4. Catalogue/Map All Relevant Partners in the Water Sector and Initiate a Working Group • Collate all information on relevant ministries and partners with a vested interest in water; • Define their respective accountability with respect to water, including roles and responsibilities; • Assess their respective technical and institutional capacities in water assessments, management, monitoring, and governance; and • Organize regular meetings involving key identified stakeholders.

5. Develop Updated Maps, Database, and Report on Findings • Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), develop an updated hydrogeological map identifying the location of principal and local aquifers with their type (unconfined, semi-confined, or confined), relative productivity (low, moderate, or high), and vulnerability (low, medium, or high). The map should also indicate regional groundwater flow from recharge to discharge areas; • Develop a well-structured database aligned with existing ones; and • Report on findings, gaps, priorities, recommendations, and work plan and budget to provide the basis for a national-level workshop on water scarcity and governance.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with their direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check‑ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

• Commitment to Continuous Learning,
• Communication,
• Creativity,
• Integrity,
• Knowledge Sharing,
• Self-Management,
• Technological Awareness,
• Working in Teams.

Hydrogeology,handling, analysing, and presenting hydrological and hydrogeological data using GIS

Skills in:
- Programme management and ability to communicate and present both verbally and in written form to a wide variety of stakeholders; - Ability to work in a transdisciplinary team and, in general, be a good team player

The UN Volunteer will live in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, with some travel outside of the capital to project areas. Living conditions in Antananarivo, Madagascar, offer a mix of advantages and challenges. The city is known for its affordable cost of living, friendly locals, and unique cultural experiences. Modern accommodation is available in various areas of the city; however, infrastructure can be lacking, with unreliable internet and limited public transportation. Healthcare access is also limited, but available at various levels. Safety can be a concern, particularly in crowded areas, some parts of the city, and dark, but the city is considered fairly safe when precautions are taken. 

Conditions of Service The Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 17 days ago - Updated 8 hours ago - Source: unv.org