International Consultant – UNESCO Hydrogeological Modelling Specialist Vacancy (24-Month Consultancy)
💼 Position: International Consultant (Senior Hydrogeological Modelling Specialist)
📍 Location: Nairobi, Kenya
💰 Salary: Consultancy Fee (Based on approved financial proposal)
📅 Application Deadline: 14 August 2026
📧 Apply via: nairobi.recruitment@unesco.org and the UNESCO Careers Portal
📌 Application Method: Submit via UNESCO Careers website and send application to nairobi.recruitment@unesco.org.
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UNESCO is inviting experienced groundwater and hydrogeology professionals to apply for the position of International Consultant (Senior Hydrogeological Modelling Specialist). The consultancy supports UNESCO’s expanding groundwater initiatives across Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), helping strengthen groundwater assessment, climate resilience, drought preparedness and sustainable water resource management.
The successful International Consultant will provide high-level scientific and technical expertise while leading the development of advanced hydrogeological models that support evidence-based groundwater planning and decision-making across multiple UNESCO projects.
| Job Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | UNESCO |
| Position | International Consultant (Senior Hydrogeological Modelling Specialist) |
| Contract Type | Consultant Contract |
| Level | Level 3 – Senior |
| Contract Duration | 24 Months |
| Duty Station | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Work Arrangement | On-site |
| Hiring Type | External Candidates |
| Application Deadline | 14 August 2026 |
| Application Method | UNESCO Careers Portal and Email Submission |
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About the International Consultant Position
UNESCO’s Regional Office for Eastern Africa is expanding its groundwater programmes to strengthen groundwater governance, climate resilience and sustainable water resource management across Africa and Small Island Developing States. As climate change, urbanisation and increasing water demand continue placing pressure on freshwater resources, UNESCO is investing in advanced hydrogeological modelling to improve groundwater assessment and long-term planning.
The International Consultant will provide strategic scientific leadership across multiple groundwater initiatives by developing advanced conceptual and numerical groundwater models, improving groundwater forecasting systems and supporting evidence-based decision-making. Working closely with UNESCO Headquarters, national governments and technical partners, the consultant will help deliver innovative scientific solutions that strengthen groundwater management and climate adaptation.
Key Responsibilities
The successful International Consultant will lead the development, refinement and application of conceptual and numerical groundwater models across UNESCO’s groundwater portfolio. This includes integrating hydrogeological, hydroclimatic, hydrogeochemical, remote sensing and groundwater monitoring data into sophisticated modelling systems that improve groundwater resource assessment and management.
The International Consultant will also develop groundwater forecasting models, climate scenario analyses, Decision Support Systems (DSS) and Groundwater Early Warning Systems (EWS) that assist governments and stakeholders in preparing for droughts and improving water security. These tools will support sustainable groundwater planning while providing scientific evidence for long-term policy development.
In addition to technical modelling work, the consultant will provide quality assurance across UNESCO groundwater projects, prepare technical reports and modelling documentation, facilitate technical workshops, mentor project partners and strengthen institutional capacity through knowledge transfer and stakeholder engagement. The role also includes supporting validation workshops, field missions and providing strategic scientific advice throughout project implementation.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must possess a PhD in Hydrogeology or another closely related scientific discipline.
Candidates should have at least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in groundwater studies and hydrogeological modelling. Demonstrated expertise in developing conceptual and numerical groundwater models, integrating hydrogeological and hydroclimatic datasets, and conducting groundwater research related to climate change and drought impacts is essential.
UNESCO is seeking a highly experienced professional with advanced analytical skills, strong scientific research capabilities and extensive experience working on groundwater resource management projects. Applicants should also demonstrate excellent communication skills, experience producing high-quality technical reports and the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary international teams.
Fluency in both English and French is required for this consultancy.
Why Join UNESCO?
This consultancy offers a unique opportunity to contribute to major international groundwater initiatives that directly support climate resilience, sustainable development and water security across Africa and Small Island Developing States.
The successful consultant will work alongside internationally recognised scientists, governments and development partners while influencing groundwater policies and technical approaches that improve long-term water resource management. The consultancy also provides opportunities to contribute to innovative scientific research, capacity development and technology transfer across multiple countries.
Professionals with expertise in hydrogeology, groundwater modelling and climate resilience will gain valuable international exposure while contributing to UNESCO’s mission of advancing scientific knowledge and sustainable natural resource management.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their application through the UNESCO Careers Portal and also send the required application to nairobi.recruitment@unesco.org before 14 August 2026.
UNESCO’s recruitment process may include written assessments, technical evaluations, interviews, reference checks and verification of academic qualifications. Applicants are encouraged to complete their online application carefully, as modifications cannot be made once submitted.
UNESCO is committed to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity employment. Applications from qualified women, persons with disabilities and candidates from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged.
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