Technical Officer / Hydrologist

The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), established in 1986, is a regional non-profit foundation with headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand supporting the advancement of safer communities and sustainable development, through implementing programs that reduce the impact of disasters upon countries and communities in Asia and the Pacific. The primary geographical focus of ADPC’s activities is Asia with the South, South East and East Asia being the primary sub-regions.

ADPC has more than 26 years of working experience in Asia along with the national and local Government of its charter member countries as well as countries of the Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) on Disaster Management. ADPC addresses the region’s preparedness needs in development of capacities and promotion of learning; dissemination of information and knowledge management; provision of technical and advisory services; implementation of pioneering regional programs; preparations and follow up of global and regional mechanisms; establishment of new regional mechanisms; support for inter-agency coherence and coordination and catalytic facilitation and partnership to sub-regional mechanisms. ADPC works to build preparedness at all levels, from regional, to national, to sub-national and even to individual communities. Further details on ADPC and Programs can be found at www.adpc.net.

Statement of Intent:

Technical Officer / Hydrologist reports to the Department Head of CCCRM. He/She will be responsible to provide technical support for hydrological and hydraulic modeling and assistance in implementing relevant project activities under CCCRM directed by Department Head.

Required Qualifications/ Selection Criteria:

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Hydrology or related filed;
• Recent hands-on experience with hydrological and/or hydraulic modeling is essential; knowledge of/experience with Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Risk Management, and/or Climate Change Adaptation will be an advantage;
• At least 6 years relevant experience with 3-4 years in the field of hydrology; flood hazard mapping, risk assessment, and/or setting up flood early warning systems. A good understanding of early warning information dissemination to vulnerable sectors and communities will be an advantage;
• Ability to develop Decision Support Systems (DSSs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Concept of Operations (CONOPs) for effective dissemination of flood early warnings to communities at risk will be an added advantage;
• Experience in training and capacity building in the above mentioned fields;
• Proficiency in verbal and written communication, presentation, and report writing English language ( fluency in other Asian languages an advantage);
• Proven analytical skills; self-confident; a creative problem-solver; willingness to undertake new challenges;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, team-oriented work style, interest and experience in working in a multi-cultural and international context;
• Essential computer skills include LINUX and Windows operating systems. , Experience with graphical visualization software such as Grads, NCL, Vis5D, etc. an added advantage;
• Willingness to travel under sometimes adverse conditions.

General Requirements:

• Represent ADPC to the highest of professional and scientific standards at all times;
• Operate within all ADPC Guidelines & Procedures / Policies;
• Contribute in ongoing internal capacity building, training, and professional development to ADPC staff as
required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate the knowledge on the “state of play” in the areas of hydrology/hydraulic-related modeling, decision support systems development, and early warning systems development in target countries of ADPC including understanding on information generation, systems requirements, and capacity-building needs.
• Draw on personal professional networks, scientific literature, and other professional sector-specific resources to remain up-to-date on relevant developments in this field. Be prepared to advise the CCCRM team and other ADPC departments on relevant programs/ projects/ activities as necessary;
• Build, refine, customize, and otherwise provide technical inputs into hydrological and hydraulic models, flood hazard assessments (covering various types of flood events), decision support systems, and early warning systems for ADPC and partner organizations and agencies;
• Plan, coordinate, and lead capacity building activities related to hydrological and hydraulic modeling and development of user specific models for ADPC partner organizations and agencies;
• Understand and contribute to further defining and developing the role of hydrology, hydraulics, and river system-related work within ADPC and with partner institutions;
• Assist in developing strategic approach to achieving program goals and ensuring the sustainability of climate risk management and climate change adaptation programs undertaken by ADPC;
• Assist in increasing program relevance, impact, and effectiveness of ADPC’s CCCRM and especially hydrology-related work through the development of new programs, advocacy for mainstreaming, fundraising, enhancing existing partnerships, and developing new partnerships;
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director/ Director /Department Head.

Reporting Relationship:

• Reports directly to the Department Head of Climate Change and Climate Risk Management (CCCRM);
• Works closely with other staff of ADPC.

Note: It is not the intent of this Position Description to cover every aspect of the position requirements, rather to highlight the most important areas of personal and joint responsibility.