National Researcher - Wastewater and Evidence Synthesis

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center is seeking a versatile researcher to contribute to our mission in Egypt as a National Researcher – Wastewater and Evidence Synthesis.

The National Researcher will contribute to the follow-up of the ReWaterMENA project under the MENA Water Scarcity Initiative, for which FAO hosts the secretariat. The researcher may also support other projects in the future.

The incumbent will be responsible for conducting regional assessments in Arab countries on the potential of water reuse to address water scarcity, with the objective of informing future investments. Additionally, the researcher will carry out a regional assessment of water quality used for irrigation to evaluate agronomic and food safety risks.

The incumbent will focus on data collection from peer-reviewed publications, grey literature, and official websites. It will include systematic literature reviews and mapping related to wastewater generation, collection, treatment, and reuse for beneficial purposes, as well as water swaps and the quality of water used for irrigation in Arab countries and beyond.

The National Researcher is expected to design and supervise the work of consultants and interns, and work collaboratively as part of a project team. He or she will also contribute to stakeholder engagement (including with the media) and support training activities on wastewater assessment, management, and reuse.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead regional assessments, evidence synthesis, systematic literature reviews, and meta-analyses on wastewater generation, treatment, and reuse, as well as water quality used in irrigation.
• Contribute to AI-assisted assessments of wastewater treatment plants and water reuse potential.
• Contribute to IWMI’s research portfolio on wastewater, reuse, water quality, pollution control, and health risk assessment and mitigation—both within the country and the MENA region—and assist project leaders and research group leaders with project reporting.
• Lead and contribute to the writing of papers for peer-reviewed journals, scientific and technical reports, and communication outputs such as blogs and policy briefs.
• Ensure that project-specific deliverables and deadlines are met, working closely with peers, project leaders, supervisors, internal and external research teams, and partners to ensure timely delivery of research outputs.
• Initiate, develop, and strengthen collaboration with research partners, other CGIAR centers, uptake partners, the private sector, investors, and civil society.
• Represent IWMI at conferences, trainings, workshops, seminars, and other events related to the researcher’s field of work.
• Advice policymakers and translate research findings into knowledge products for non-scientific audiences.
• Manage small projects and components of larger projects, and supervise consultants and Interns.
• Lead or contribute to proposal development in the researcher’s field of expertise.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential,

• PhD in civil engineering, environmental sciences, or closely related discipline coupled with at least 3 years of relevant work experience or; Master's degree in civil engineering, environmental sciences, or closely related discipline coupled with at least 08 years of relevant work experience.
• Hands-on experience in regional assessments and systematic evidence synthesis in the fields of water and/or wastewater.
• A solid track record of relevant scientific publications and experience working in the field of wastewater management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential,

• Strong knowledge of the wastewater cycle, including wastewater management and technologies—from generation to reuse—at both regional and national levels.
• Ability to effectively set priorities and to plan, organize, implement, and monitor work activities with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail, with experience in data collection, storage, and processing.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.

Benefits

This is a nationally recruited position and only Egyptian 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 two years with the possibility of extension.

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 April 30, 2025 (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.