Consultant- Citizen Science Program Project Lead

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking an innovative and multi-skilled firm to join its South Africa Office as a Consultant - Citizen Science Program Project Lead.

The Enable Project aims to enhance water resource management in the Limpopo River Basin through an innovative and participatory citizen science approach. This initiative integrates community-driven data collection into a Digital Twin for the basin, fostering inclusive and transparent decision-making.

By leveraging digital tools, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions, the project empowers citizens to monitor and contribute real-time water quality and quantity data. These data feed into the LIMCOM Digital Twin, enabling more effective, real-time water resource management to address the challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and transboundary water governance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Activity 1 -

Activity 1.1: Model Design - Design and document the citizen science model, including the development of the website, mobile applications, and data collection protocols.

Activity 1.2: Training Development - Develop and distribute comprehensive training materials in two languages.

Activity 1.3: Community Engagement - Collaborate with LIMCOM and local communities to establish a citizen scientist network. Facilitate "train-the-trainer" sessions and community engagement activities.

Activity 1.4: Program Incentives Management -Design and implement the distribution of incentives to participants through YOMA.

Activity 1.5: Data Collection and Reporting - Establish data collection protocols and reporting mechanisms, including the development of websites and data repositories.

Activity 1.6: Environmental Impact

Activity 2 -

Activity 2.1: Data Privacy and Protocols

Activity 2.2: Development of miniSASS - Upgrade the miniSASS app and website to enhance functionality and improve user experience.

Activity 2.3: Development of Water Clarity Monitoring - Establish an Enviro-Champs network of citizen scientists to collect water clarity data, focusing primarily on wastewater effluents while also monitoring ambient water quality.

Activity 2.4: Localization - Translate citizen science tools and related media into local languages to ensure accessibility and engagement across diverse communities.

Activity 3 -

Activity 3.1: YOMA engagement

Activity 3.2: Citizen Scientist engagement

Activity 3.3: Data Collection and Assimilation

Activity 3.4: Embed citizen science data

Activity 4 -

Activity 4.1: General publicity

Activity 4.2: Report on Digital Twin Citizen Science

Activity 4.3:  Final reporting

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale citizen science programs, particularly in the Limpopo River Basin or similar contexts.
• Proven track record in leading initiatives utilizing miniSASS and Enviro-Champs tools for water quality and river health monitoring.
• Strong organizational skills in managing multi-stakeholder coordination, training, and facilitation.
• Established relationships and networks with community groups, local authorities, and civil society organizations in the Limpopo River Basin.
• Expertise in capacity building, participatory engagement, and advocacy.
• Proven experience in financial management, reporting, and risk mitigation.
• Knowledge of and compliance with ethical data management practices and open data principles, aligned with the FAIR guidelines (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable).

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY:

• Proficient in English.

More details on the consultancy position can be found through following ToR;

ToR - Citizen Science Program Project Lead.docx

Benefits

This is an internationally hired consultancy, and firms with relevant expertise, preferably from the Southern African region, are encouraged to apply. Payment for services will be based on deliverables. The duration of the contract will be eighteen (18) months.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on February 08,2025 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Organizations’ application must include a company profile, project proposal, financial proposal and three (3) references. The referees may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical to our mission. We offer a multicultural, multicolored, multigenerational, and multidisciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability statuses, sexual orientations, and gender identities.