Consultant - Operational Coordinator, e-ReWater Mexico

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is an international non-profit, research-for-development organization that collaborates with governments, civil society, and private sector organizations to address water-related challenges in developing countries and scale up sustainable solutions. Headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, IWMI is a CGIAR research center with offices in 15 countries and a global network of researchers operating in approximately 56 countries.

The Operational Coordinator will work closely with the Senior Advisor to implement a knowledge project on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for water management in Mexico, focusing on the needs and goals of CONAGUA. This role requires a hands-on, detail-oriented individual with strong organizational and data-handling skills to support workshops, stakeholder engagement, data collection, and reporting activities. The Operational Coordinator will play a key role in executing the engagement work plan, supporting data-driven research, and ensuring timely reporting to donors and stakeholders.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Execute the Stakeholder Engagement Plan
• Implement activities outlined in the stakeholder engagement work plan, fostering collaboration with CONAGUA and other relevant partners.
2. Workshop Planning and Organization
• Develop detailed plans for workshops and meetings, including timelines, agendas, logistics, and resource needs.
• Coordinate with CONAGUA and stakeholders to secure venues, technology, and materials.
3. Facilitate Workshops and Meetings
• Oversee the logistical setup and execution of workshops and meetings, ensuring smooth flow and active participation.
• Prepare and distribute materials in advance, coordinate speakers, and manage schedules.
4. Produce Workshop Reports
• Document discussions, insights, and outcomes from workshops.
• Write comprehensive reports summarizing findings, decisions, and next steps, ensuring all relevant information is accurately captured and shared.
5. Facilitate Communication and Follow-ups
• Serve as the primary point of contact for CONAGUA representatives and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate follow-up actions and ensure timely communication to keep all parties informed.
6. Support Data Collection and Management
• Gather and organize project-related data from CONAGUA and other sources.
• Ensure data security and maintain clear documentation of data provenance and processing steps.
7. Contribute to Data Processing and Analysis
• Perform basic data processing, including cleaning, formatting, and preliminary analysis to support research and reporting.
• Translate data from Spanish to English, as needed.
• Collaborate with researchers and analysts to ensure data quality and relevance.
8. Coordinate Project Logistics
• Manage logistical aspects of project operations, including scheduling, travel arrangements, and supply procurement.

Potential Second Phase Responsibilities

In a potential second phase, the consultant will continue with these tasks and additionally:

9. Prepare Data for Scientific Reports and Publications

• Work with the research team to format and prepare datasets for scientific papers and technical reports.
• Ensure alignment with reporting requirements and standards.

10. Support Monitoring and Evaluation Activities

• Track progress on engagement activities and workshop outcomes.
• Collect feedback from stakeholders and evaluate the impact of engagement efforts, making adjustments as needed.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Essential:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Water Management, Data Science, or a related discipline

KNOWLEDGE & EXPEREINCE REQUIRED:

Essential:

• Prior experience in water resource management, wastewater treatment, or related fields is an advantage.
• Familiarity with AI applications in water management and environmental data analysis.
• Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and coordinate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Problem-Solving Ability – Identifies challenges in stakeholder engagement, data collection, and logistics, and develops effective solutions.
• Attention to Detail – Ensures accuracy in workshop planning, data processing, and reporting.
• Adaptability – Thrives in a dynamic environment, adjusting to changes in project timelines and stakeholder needs.
• Teamwork and Collaboration – Works effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including researchers, government agencies (CONAGUA), and other stakeholders.
• Initiative and Proactivity – Takes ownership of tasks, anticipates project needs, and follows up on stakeholder actions independently.
• Multitasking – Manages multiple responsibilities, from workshop logistics to data processing, while maintaining quality.
• Effective Communication – Clearly conveys information in Spanish and English, facilitating discussions between international and local stakeholders.
• Cultural Sensitivity – Understands and respects the institutional and cultural context of water management in Mexico.
• Organizational Efficiency – Keeps project activities structured, ensuring the smooth execution of workshops, reporting, and data management.
• Technical Competency – Applies data handling, formatting, and basic analysis skills to support research effectively.

This is a nationally hired consultancy; therefore, individuals with relevant abilities are encouraged to apply. IWMI offers a competitive rate for this assignment. The duration of the contract will be for a period of three (03) 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 24,2025 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references, which 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 for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary 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 status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.