Freshwater Expert

Freshwater Expert 

Earthwatch is an international non-profit organization. We work with a wide range of partners across the globe, from individuals who work as conservation volunteers on research teams through to corporate partners, governments and institutions. We are currently seeking to contract: 

An expert on water issues and policy in the Middle East 

Earthwatch is looking for someone to join ourMiddle Eastteam on a short term, consultancy basis.  You will have an academic background in, and knowledge of, the science, politics and business practices key to one of the Middle East’s most pressing concerns: water.  

You will provide the expertise needed to develop a water curriculum for a field-based environmental research and learning programme with a focus on freshwater issues in the Middle East.  

This training is being offered to a large number of different Middle Eastern stakeholders, particularly business employees, as part of a wider, five-year programme being run from the ‘Water Research Centre’, in Wadi Wurayah, a RAMSAR site and Protected Area in Fujairah Emirate, United Arab Emirates. 

 Thanks to a unique collaboration between Earthwatch, Emirates Wildlife Society –WWF, the Government of Fujairah and HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd this programme will influence the thinking of business professionals, local government officials and educators in theMiddle East on the important environmental matter of freshwater consumption and usage - and the future for the region’s most precious resource.

Delivery will commence in September 2013 so we are looking for someone to start immediately to assist in programme design.  

Location of contract: Preferably home-based in UK with some travel to Earthwatch office in Oxford, although internationally based applicants will be considered. 

Consultancy fee:  £300 per day inclusive of VAT 

Contract duration: Initially 30 days (with likelihood of extension), starting as possible, with work taking place over the summer.  

Work requirements: 

• Identify critical water issues in theMiddle Eastregion
• Research and advise on up to date content about topical issues (i.e. desalination, water conflict, waster water, business and water issues)
• Lead on the design of theMiddle Eastwater curriculum - work with the Earthwatch Learning team to develop manageable and engaging learning objectives & outcomes and produce materials (PowerPoint slides, case studies etc). 

To be successful in this consultancy role, you will have: 

• An appropriate academic background with a focus on water in theMiddle Eastwith a publication record in a relevant field
• Strong research expertise:
  • A knowledge of information relevant to different countries in theMiddle Eastand the ability and network to seek out further information and check accuracy
  • A knowledge of global water issues and how the region fits into this
  • Demonstrable experience of identifying and mitigating the business risk associated with freshwater issues and familiarity with The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity
  • Preferably some experience of curriculum development / pedagogy.  At the very least, the ability to be able to find and distil a lot of complex information into something understandable and inspiring to the lay-person. 
  • Excellent writing skills
  • A strong affinity with and preferably living experience within the Middle East and convincing familiarity with Middle Eastern culture, politics and business
  • An ability and willingness to collaborate with others to achieve objectives

If you are interested in applying please submit a CV and covering letter to uk.hr@earthwatch.org.uk.The application deadline is14th June 2013 and we will contact shortlisted applicants the following week.