TEMPORARY VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR CONSULTANT

Posting Date: 12/09/2013

VACANCY NOTICE NO.: / NA-13-35
ORGANIZATION: / UNEP Division of Regional Cooperation (DRC), Regional Office for Africa (ROA).
DUTY STATION: / Nairobi
FUNCTIONAL TITLE: / Geophysicist Consultant
GRADE: / Level C
DURATION: / 67 daysincluding on site in Tendaho, Ethiopiaand work done at the consultant’s home country.
CLOSING DATE: /
26/09/2013

Background:

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations systems designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP's Division of Regional Cooperation (DRC) helps to implement UNEP's global programs in the regions by initiating, coordinating and catalyzing regional and sub-regional cooperation and action in response to environmental problems and emergencies.

In this context, UNEP is implementing the GEF Funded African Rift Geothermal Development Facility Project (ARGeo) with a view to promote geothermal resource development and utilization by reducing risks associated with resource exploration. The ARGeo support will facilitate attraction of investors and lowering the cost of geothermal power development projects. One of the ARGeo components is to provide technical and financial Assistance for surface exploration studies for the ARGeo member countries (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda).

On this basis, UNEP received the proposal on “Geothermal Resource Assessment of TendahoGeothermal Field in Ethiopia” from the Geological Survey of Ethiopia (GSE) for its technical assistance for surface exploration studies. GSErequired, in its proposal, provision of scientific equipment and high level experts in areas of: (i) Geophysics, and (ii) Principal Geothermal Scientist. UNEP selected this proposal as one of the prioritized projects to get a technical assistance for surface exploration studies. The results of these studies will provide useful information to identify the target sites for deep exploratory wells and minimize the risk of exploration.

In this regard, UNEP desires to recruit a “Geophysics consultant” to assess the geophysical methodologies proposed in the project document and indicate alternative technical approach and methodology (if any) to address the problem,review the existing geophysical data (resistivity, gravity, magnetics and seismics), guide the young geophysicists of GSE: (a) in using geophysical equipments, (b) new data generation, (c) data integration and processing using various geophysical software. This is with a view to develop the geophysical model for exploration well siting. In general, the Consultant will be required to provide advisory services and hands on training on geophysical data collection, processing and interpretation as well as modeling using gravity, magnetics, and resistivity to GSEGeophysicists and Technicians.

The consultant is expected to (i) review and prepare a report of the integrated geophysical data of Tendaho; and (ii) Develop an integrated geophysical model with a view to target sites for deep exploratory wells.

This position is located in the United Nations Environment Programme, Division of Regional Cooperation at the Nairobi duty station.The Consultant is expected to work under the general supervision of the Director, Geothermal Resource Assessment, GSE. UNEP in consultation with GSEwill follow up and monitor the performance of the consultant in undertaking the following duties:

Responsibilities

The consultant will be required to provide advisory services and hands on training on all aspects of geophysics including magnetics, resistivity and gravity. These consultancy services will include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Data review and interpretation of MT/TEM, seismic, magnetics and gravity data
  • Check and advise on geophysics field data quality
  • Interpret geophysical structures based on gravity, magnetic and resistivity
  • Model geological structures based on geophysical data
  • Carry out geophysical data (seismics, MT/TEM, gravity and magenetics) integration and develop a geophysical conceptual model with a view to siting exploration wells

Ultimate result of services

  • Review of existing data and interpretation of new geophysical data and models developed for Tendahogeothermal fields and advise on ways of improving data quality
  • Prepare and present reviewed geophysical models and reports for Tendaho
  • Prepare and develop an integrated geophysical model of Tendaho

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to understand and conceptualize integrated geothermal resource exploration in high enthalpy geothermal fields such as East African Rift System... Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Qualifications: The Consultant should hold Advanced Degree in Geophysics or a relevant discipline.

Experience:

  • Has served as a geophysicist for not less than 15 years in the geothermal industry or related field.
  • Have an in-depth knowledge of theoretical and practical understanding of gravity, magnetics seismics, and MT/TEM techniques.
  • Must have participated in field data collection using gravity, magnetic, seismics and resistivity (MT/TEM) in a geothermal environment mainly in a rift settings
  • Should have high-level skills in geophysical data processing using common software
  • Carried out integrated conceptualized models for a geothermal field.

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Other Skills: Excellent computer skills (Microsoft office, Internet, email) are required.

Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates.
All applications to be sent to the following address on or before the deadline of26/09/2013. Applicants should send a completed United Nations P.11 or Personal History Form together with a covering letter of one to two pages summarizing how they meet the requirements of the job to:
e-mail:
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PLEASE QUOTE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO.:NA-13-35(Applications without Correct Vacancy Number will not be Considered)
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.

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