Hydrogeologist (Retainer) (Port Sudan) – UNOPS

Job Description

Organization	United Nations Office for Project Services
Job Title	Hydrogeologist (Retainer)
Vacancy code	VA/2025/B5312/29804
Department/office	AFR, ETMCO, Sudan
Duty station	Port Sudan with travel to project sites, Sudan
Contract type	Local ICA Specialist
Contract level	LICA Specialist-10
Duration	One year, not more than 180 days
Application period	26-Feb-2025 to 02-Mar-2025

 Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office is recruiting for this position  through a Desk Review process-Hydrogeologist  (Retainer) based in Port Sudan, Sudan with with travel to project sitesQualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply.

UNOPS HAMCO Sudan is engaged in a range of infrastructure projects across Sudan. The purpose of this role is to provide consultancy services and expert advice on projects that require specialized hydrogeological input for groundwater investigation and development.

The Hydrogeologist (Retainer) will be expected to travel to project sites within Sudan or surrounding countries as required and as permitted by UNDSS. This role involves conducting groundwater studies, geophysical surveys, ensuring accuracy in data collection, interpreting and analyzing the results, and overseeing borehole drilling, testing, and commissioning. Additionally, the Hydrogeologist will be responsible for preparing all relevant reports and documentation to be submitted to the Project Manager and/or Infrastructure Team Lead.

 Functional Responsibilities

The Hydrogeologist will report to the Infra Team Leader. The scope of work will generally include, but is not limited to, the following functions:

Groundwater Source Assessment

• Responsible for conducting field surveys using hydrological and geophysical investigation methods.
• Analyze hydrological and geophysical data collected from the field survey.
• Lead detailed groundwater potential assessments and evaluations.
• Determine the potential for groundwater recharge.
• Provide the required technical advice regarding groundwater quality and the suitability of water for the intended purposes.
• Define the preliminary well profile.
• Draw conclusions and make recommendations on the suitability of the site for groundwater, yield capacity, drilling methodology, casing requirements, etc.

Drilling Supervision

• Conduct the site handover for drilling and confirm the location of the water points, as per the recommendations of the study.
• Supervise and monitor the drilling activities to ensure the required depth is reached for water collection.
• Design the casing and supervise the installation of the casings, including the screening and blinding portions.
• Supervise the testing processes and ensure that the required yield of the well is achieved.
• Recommend the appropriate type of submersible pump based on the yield and the required head for water supply.
• Oversee the entire commissioning of the groundwater development process.

Knowledge Management

• Deliver training on aquifer and groundwater extraction management.
• Support relevant experts in the development of groundwater management strategies for inclusion in the master plans.
• Support the development and capacity building for a groundwater information management system in the local area.
• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for development planning and knowledge building.
• Hold regular meetings with peer site engineers to share and learn from each other’s experiences.

Monitoring and Progress Control

• Provide short monthly reports on progress regarding the implementation of monitoring systems, field-testing, and modeling.
• Produce reports on field-testing of the aquifer.
• Submit monthly progress reports.

Impacts of results

Improved efficiency in the delivery of infrastructure projects related to groundwater assessment and drilling technology; high-quality design documents for groundwater wells and reporting; improved staff capacity.

 Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in Groundwater, Hydrogeology, Geology, Water Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field, is required.
• A Master’s degree in one of the above-mentioned fields would be an asset and could replace some of the required years of experience.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience (or less, depending on academic credentials) in groundwater exploration, resource determination, and management is required.
• At least three (3) years of experience in aquifer yield determination and groundwater flow modeling, with experience in water well drilling technology, is required.
• Experience in any of the following fields would be a significant asset: Implementation of field programs for water networks, groundwater/aquifer modeling software, capacity building, and experience in developing and presenting training materials.

Language

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN Official Language is an asset.

 Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: Local Individual Contractual Agreement (LICA) – Retainer
2. Contract level: LICA-10 (ICS10)
3. Contract duration: One Year (not more than 180 days)

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

** IMPORTANT INFORMATION **

Retainer positions are not full-time positions. They constitute a contract whereby the Retainer may be requested to provide a specific output/deliverable within a specified period of time, on short notice. When holding a retainer contract, individuals may receive ad-hoc requests from the UNOPS project teams or country offices, and the quantity of requests will vary depending on the current needs. UNOPS shall have no obligation to obtain any minimum quantity of services from the Individual Contractor during the duration of the retainer ICA. It is possible to have multiple consultancy contracts with or outside UNOPS, as long as it is declared to the UNOPS Ethics Office. Read more about the ICA retainer modality here. 

 Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
• This is a local position and hence is open to Sudanese nationals only

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete)  in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.