Job Description Senior Water Resources Specialist

About the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.

The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.

About the Program

DFAT invests in ‘water for development’ through the Australian aid program to share our experience and expertise in managing complex water and sanitation challenges for sustainable economic growth and for good health.

Australia is investing in water for development consistent with three strategies of Australia’s aid program:

• Water Resource Management - Strengthening markets, innovating for productivity and sustainable resource use and in promoting effective policy, governance and reform
• Increasing access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene as pre conditions for good health
• Large scale water and sanitation infrastructure is built, operated and maintained

About the Role

Based in Bangkok, the SWRS is a senior specialist position, providing leadership in the development of DFAT’s water resources management policies and the provision of technical and strategic advice on water resources issues. 

The SWRS will primarily be involved in the Mekong Region Water Resources Program, South Asia Sustainable Development Investment Program and the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Program.

The occupant of this position will be required to undertake regular international travel, including (but not limited to) countries where DFAT has major water resources investments, such as the Mekong region and South Asia.

The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Provide expert technical and policy advice and support on all matters relating to water resources management in the Australian aid program, including identifying related areas other DFAT’s operations and responsibilities.
• Provide expert technical and strategic advice and support in the identification of engagement opportunities, preparation of proposals and implementation of partnership activities.
• Lead strategic planning for longer term project initiatives and programs that may have a broader impact, in consultation with DFAT.
• Contribute to thinking on water resources issues and policy formulation in DFAT.
• Drive, manage and coordinate cross-stakeholder collaboration initiatives, activities and relationships.
• Establish and maintain good relations with key stakeholders across the region and provide a liaison role for the Australian Water Partnership to facilitate access for Australian expertise in water resource management.
• Represent DFAT at relevant regional and international meetings, negotiations and events.
• Develop DFAT staff knowledge and capability in water resources management and support broader collective learning.

Qualifications/Experience

Essential

• Applicants must be Australian citizens, able to obtain an Australian security clearance.
• Formal qualifications/demonstrated expertise in water resources management.
• Willingness/ability to undertake regular international travel.

Desirable

• Good understanding of water resource needs and challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Experience working in the Mekong region and /or South Asia.
• Good understanding of Australian aid program programing procedures and management approaches.