HYDROGEOLOGIST

Job Description

Background Information - Job-specific

Urban water supply projects in Darfur and specifically in El-Fasher have become areas of concern regarding the wise use of the non-renewable water resources that require technical know-how to ensure sustainable water supply without compromising to the available water sources, which entails optimization of ground water pumping techniques and use of appropriate technology to monitor ground water movement within the framework of an integrated Water Resources Management System. In line with this fact, UNOPS observed the need for supervision of water well submersible pump installations coupled with the need for training the government counterparts.

Therefore, this position of Hydrogeologist is expected to be a senior level position with major responsibility of supervising, provide technical support and facilitate on-Job training to the government staff to achieve a compliance standard water well systems and facilitate having a complete ground water technical profile in place for water wells in Shagra wellfield, North Functional Responsibilities

The hydrogeologist will be responsible for three aspects related to ground water: A) Supervision of submersible pump installation B) Capacity building of government staff involved in ground water management and C) initiating ground water monitoring system.

A. Supervision role:

• Assess the hydraulic and the hydrogeological characteristics /well performance of water wells located at Shagra well field prior to pump installation/replacement process towards insuring the appropriate capacity pump and the corresponding installation process.
• Insure proper supervision of pump installation including the constructor’s procedure to follow the pump manufacturer’s manual and appropriate positioning of the pump.
• Supervise the pipes and electrical connections in each well and at the well field including installation of water meters and/or well loggers as appropriate
• Ensure the installed pump has no significant impact to a water well capacity and a severe well drawdown/drop.
• Provide periodic supervision report on water well installation progress performance by partners at the well field.

B. Capacity Building Role

• Provide technical support to State Water Corporation (SWC) staff on how to determine a water well pump setting depth relevant to a water well design and its current well performance.
• Provide technical support and on-job training to State Water Corporation and/or Ground Water and Wadies Directorate (GWWD) staff in water well monitoring system including installation of a monitoring pipe along with a pump installed into each borehole.
• Facilitate on job training for both SWC and GWWD staff to establish a complete profile including hydro-geological, hydraulic and mechanical information for each installed well.
• Organize a training on borehole completion and management including: casings and screens, gravel packing, sealing, borehole protection, centralisers, borehole specification, and borehole management methods.
• Train SWC/UWA on well development methods such as using surge plungers and compressed air methods linked to pump testing
• Provide on-the-job training on borehole operation and operational parameters including detecting any possible deterioration of the boreholes before resulting in decrease of borehole yield
• Train SWC/UWA staff on identifying corrective maintenance on how to remove accumulated sand and silt, clay deposits and bacterial slimes

C. Ground Water Monitoring Role:

• Facilitate /provide technical support to integrated monitoring system for water source to ensure effective data in place that would inform proper decision making process on a well field.
• Establish monitoring system of borehole performance over a period of years including methods of measuring borehole water level fluctuation.
• Identify the need for tools/equipment such as water level recording unit complete, multi-range universal electrical test meter, etc for proper well monitoring unit
• Initiate further research linking the different studies conducted in the area towards ensuring the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Master degree in Water Engineering, Hydrology, Ground water resources and other related/relevant disciplines.
• A combination of a Bachelor’s degree in one of the above fields with 7 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above
  
  

Work Experience :

• Minimum of five years-experience in the field of groundwater monitoring works
• Experience of working in fragile and conflict affected areas is highly advantages.
• Work experience in the UN system is highly desirable.
• Computer knowledge especially knowledge of ground water modelling software is desirable
• Knowledge and/or work experience of the Shagra Basin in NOrth Darfur, Sudan is an asset

Language

• Fluent in both English and Arabic languages is required

About the Organization

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.