Researcher - AI for Agricultural Water Management (Globally Recruited)

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is seeking a dynamic and technically skilled Researcher to lead impactful research and contribute to global water security from our office in Nairobi, Kenya as a Researcher – AI for Agricultural Water Management.

This is an internationally recruited position; therefore, individuals with relevant abilities from diverse locations around the world are encouraged to apply.

The Researcher – AI for Agricultural Water Management will lead the design, development, and deployment of AI models for water management applications while ensuring scalability. The incumbent will collaborate with stakeholders and interdisciplinary teams to translate research into practical solutions and contribute to the advancement of data-driven decision-making tools for sustainable water resources.

This role is ideal for a technically skilled AI professional with expertise in machine learning, cloud computing, MLOps, and AI deployment within the field of hydrology and/or agricultural water management.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

AI Model Development & Technical Implementation;

• Develop machine learning, forecasting, and generative AI models for hydrology and environmental applications.
• Work with large-scale geospatial, hydrological, and sensor datasets to improve predictive capabilities.
• Optimize cloud-based AI workflows using AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Deploy AI solutions for water data processing, risk analysis, and sustainability modeling

Data Science & Open Data Integration;

• Support the integration of AI models into IWMI’s open data platforms and digital infrastructure.
• Work with remote sensing, GIS, and hydrological models to enhance AI-driven decision support systems.
• Ensure FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) are applied in all AI solutions.

Collaboration & Research Advancement;

• Work closely with data engineers, hydrologists, and policymakers to develop impactful AI-driven tools.
• Mentor early career researchers and data scientists in best practices for AI and cloud-based data science.
• Contribute to scientific publications, funding proposals, and strategic research initiatives.

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• PhD in AI, Data Science, Machine Learning, Hydrology, or closely related field, coupled with a minimum of 5 years of relevant post-doctoral experience; OR Master’s degree in the aforementioned fields, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Strong experience in AI & ML (forecasting, Generative AI, LLMs, NLP, predictive modelling).
• Experience deploying AI solutions in real-world projects & industries.
• Technical leadership experience including guiding small teams in AI/ML implementation.

Desirable:

• Experience with AI for remote sensing & IoT data.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential:

• Proficiency in Python & AI frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenAI APIs, Hugging Face).
• Understanding of digital twins, GIS, and environmental AI applications.
• Expertise in Cloud computing (Azure ML, AWS, Databricks, Docker, MLFlow).
• Excellent oral and written language skills in English, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with MLOps & AI ethics for water management.
• Ability to engage with non-technical stakeholders & explain AI concepts.
• Excellent oral and written language skills in French.

Benefits

This is an internationally recruited position with a competitive salary, an attractive retirement plan, comprehensive international health insurance, life insurance accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. Internationally recruited staff who are employed at a duty station outside of their home base/country of nationality will also receive relocation assistance and housing allowance. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of two (02) years.

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 June 25, 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.