Consultant- Citizen Science Program Project Lead at International Water Management Institute

• 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)