Especialista en Recursos Hídricos (Water Resources Specialist / Hydrologist) – El Salvador

Aninver Development Partners SL (www.aninver.com) is looking for a Especialista en Recursos Hídricos (Water Resources Specialist / Hydrologist) for a water sanitation, health, urban consultancy assignment financed by UNDP in El Salvador.

Aninver Development Partners is currently preparing a proposal for an upcoming initiative funded by UNDP in El Salvador, focusing on water-sanitation, health, and urban sectors. We are seeking an expert Water Resources Specialist / Hydrologist to join our team for this short-term assignment.

The project addresses growing climate vulnerability, water governance challenges, and resource-related tensions in target northern border communities. The expert will play a critical role in developing a comprehensive initial diagnosis of water resources management, identifying current and potential conflicts, and evaluating existing dialogue platforms.

Aninver is preparing a proposal for this assignment. The selected expert will be part of the proposed team; the engagement is conditional on the contract being awarded to Aninver. The full Terms of Reference for the position are shared with shortlisted candidates.

Objectives of the assignment

• Develop an initial diagnostic report on existing institutional, community, formal, and informal dialogue platforms related to water resource management.
• Identify current and potential conflicts regarding water access and use, assessing differentiated needs across domestic, human consumption, agricultural, agro-industrial, and ecosystem uses.
• Analyze governance structures and tenure arrangements using specialized assessment methodologies.
• Establish baseline data on the capacities of local institutions, civil society organizations, and rural communities in water governance and conflict prevention.

Scope of work

• Design the methodological framework for the consultancy, incorporating qualitative approaches, data collection techniques, and ethical procedures.
• Conduct preliminary legal and contextual analyses regarding formal and customary water tenure arrangements and governance structures.
• Perform preliminary field research and select specific research zones in consultation with local stakeholders.
• Execute field interviews with water users, community groups, and key institutional actors.
• Complete analysis forms and map correlations between water governance arrangements and practical resource uses.

Your role as Especialista en Recursos Hídricos (Water Resources Specialist / Hydrologist)

• Lead technical activities related to water resources, hydrology, and water tenure assessments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to apply participatory methodologies for conflict identification.
• Assess water availability, distribution, and quality issues affecting different user groups in the target area.
• Analyze water governance mechanisms and security of tenure following established international guidelines.
• Contribute to the drafting and finalization of comprehensive diagnostic reports and deliverables for UNDP.
• Ensure integration of technical water findings with social, legal, and gender-inclusive perspectives.

Requirements

• Education: Licenciatura or Engineering degree in water resources areas, with post-graduate studies at the Master's level in Project Management, Water Resources, Local/Territorial/Sustainable Development, Water Resources Management, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Gender, Human Rights, Environmental Management, Public Policies, Community Development, or International Cooperation for Development
• Languages: Proficiency in Spanish

Desirable

• Previous experience working on UNDP or international cooperation projects in Central America.
• Familiarity with water tenure assessment methodologies and community-based resource management.

An experienced water resources specialist with a Master's degree and a strong background in hydrology, water governance, and stakeholder dialogue in Latin America.

Assignment details

• Location: El Salvador
• Financed by: UNDP
• Sector: Water sanitation, health, urban
• Estimated duration: 3 months
• Contract: individual consultancy (conditional on award)

About Aninver Development Partners

Aninver is an international development consulting firm headquartered in Spain. It supports governments, development banks, UN agencies and bilateral donors with feasibility studies, technical assistance, evaluations and capacity building across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Asia-Pacific, working with a network of international and national experts.

Why apply

• Join a multidisciplinary team on a UNDP-financed project in El Salvador.
• Individual consultancy: flexible, output-based engagement with an experienced proposal team.
• Your CV stays in Aninver's expert network for future assignments that match your profile.

How to apply

Sign in (or create a free account) and upload your CV in English. Add your LinkedIn profile, indicative daily rate and availability to speed up the assessment. Aninver will contact the shortlisted candidates.

Frequently asked questions

Is the position confirmed? The engagement depends on the contract being awarded to Aninver. Shortlisted experts are included in the proposal with their consent.

Can I apply if I am not based in the country? Yes, unless the requirements say otherwise; relevant regional experience is an asset.

What happens with my CV? It is used to assess your fit for this and future positions and is not shared with third parties without your consent.