Senior Researcher

SCOPE OF WORK

USAID Karnali Water Activity

Project Background

The USAID Karnali Water Activity will create healthy, resilient, and water-secure communities at the watershed level through strengthened water and sanitation governance that improves water resource management (including water for more resilient and biodiverse ecosystems), enhances sustainable access to drinking water, improves agriculture water management, and reduces the fecal pathogen burden in the environment from poorly managed non-sewered sanitation through fecal sludge management. The USAID Karnali Water Activity team will methodically integrate Water Resources Management (WRM), watershed biodiversity conservation, and water and sanitation service delivery by mapping and strengthening the roles, connections, and capacities of key actors and stakeholders system-wide. The activity is working in 29 rural/municipalities of four watersheds located within the Karnali River Basin, which extends over Karnali, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim Provinces. 

Purpose

USAID Karnali Water Activity has developed several core documents, including the Hydrological Modeling Analysis Report, Spring Source Assessment Report, Integrated Watershed Management Plan, Water Use Master Plan, and Biodiversity and Water Source Baseline Report. The Activity is going to prepare 23 briefing documents, one for each of the 23 rural municipalities. The Senior Researcher will be responsible for preparing a briefing document, in the Nepali language which compiles the summaries of these core reports. The template will be provided in English and the STTA should finalize the task in the Nepali language. 

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

The Senior Researcher’s key tasks/responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Review relevant documents produced by USAID Karnali Water Activity, including the Hydrological Modeling Analysis Report (SWAT and WA+), Spring Source Assessment Report, Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP), Water Use Master Plan (WUMP), and Biodiversity and Water Resource Baseline Report prepared by the USAID Karnali Water Activity. 
• Prepare an outline of a briefing document in consultation with the Activity technical team, first in English and then in Nepali language. 
• Prepare a sample briefing document in English in coordination with the Watershed Biodiversity and Conservation Specialist, incorporating the feedback provided by the Activity team and home office. 
• Summarize the information for each of the twenty-three municipalities and prepare a briefing document of each municipality in the agreed outline, in Nepali language.
• Prepare a checklist including illustrative ways to utilize the briefing document for Local Governments and other concerned stakeholders involved in planning, implementation, and monitoring of service delivery.
• Facilitate an orientation (virtual or in physical presence) to the Activity staff on the key information mentioned in the briefing document for each municipality. 
• Participate and facilitate the events organized by the Activity. 

Qualifications 

• At least 10 years of experience in the research, writing and communication field.
• The Senior Researcher should have a master's degree in environment, hydrology, natural resource management, environmental engineering, or related fields. 
• A master’s degree and work experience in watershed management interventions is preferred.
• The candidate must also be comfortable with writing for different audiences according to their needs and with leading successful meetings and public speaking/presentations.
• Fluent in speaking and writing English and Nepali languages. 

Duty Station

The Senior Researcher will work remotely to conduct the tasks described above. 

Deliverables and Period of Performance

The Senior Researcher shall be required to submit deliverables as follows:

The estimated start date will be May 15, 2024, and the task is expected to be completed by the mid of August 2024.

Oversight and Technical Direction 

The Karnali Water Activity’s Chief of Party (COP), Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), Watershed Biodiversity Conservation Specialist (WBCS), and Watershed Managers will be responsible for providing technical direction and monitoring of the overall process of this assignment. Crosscutting and Watershed Team members will support the STTA in the assigned tasks to ensure the quality of the services. The STTA  will directly report to the Watershed Biodiversity Conservation Specialist (WBCS).

Application Instructions:

Interested and qualified candidates should email their curriculum vitae (not more than 4 pages), cover letter along with their proposed rate and level of effort (LOE) days, and PAN/VAT number Registration copy to karnaliwater_recruitment@dai.com with “Application for the Senior Researcher” in the subject line by April 30, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

The project will cover travel and other per diem costs as per the organization’s policies in the event of travel as required.

Applicants will be evaluated based on their qualifications, the proposed daily rate, and their availability.

About DAI

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work.  DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All of our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

DAI promotes workforce diversity and considers excluded groups to include women, Dalits, indigenous ethnic groups, Madhesi, Muslim, persons with disabilities, people living in remote areas, and sexual and gender minorities.