Consultant (homebased) – Review National Laboratory Analytical Capacity in Developing countries

Overview

The consultant will establish an evidence-based overview of national water analysis laboratory capacity in 36 least developed countries that are IAEA Member States, and how this capacity relates to national water policies, regulations, monitoring obligations and key water challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare an implementation plan outlining the methodology, information sources, country coverage, report template and assessment criteria.
• Compile and review available national water policies, legislation, regulations, key national water priorities, monitoring guidelines, laboratory records, project documents and other relevant sources.
• Prepare one concise country report per least developed country, summarizing national laboratory infrastructure, isotope hydrology capacity, analytical methods, staffing, quality assurance arrangements, accreditation status, data management practices and key capacity gaps.
• Assess and document how laboratory capacity is linked to national water policy, including whether water analysis is legally required, formally recommended or not clearly specified, and identifying available requirements for sample types, parameters, sampling frequency, responsible institutions and reporting obligations.
• Develop a comparative matrix and final synthesis report highlighting country-level findings, regional and cross-country trends, evidence gaps, priority needs for scientific, human capacity and technical support, possible links to relevant IAEA activities and the added value of isotope hydrology.

Required Experience

• Minimum five years of relevant professional experience in water quality monitoring, water laboratory analysis, isotope hydrology, water resources assessment, environmental policy review, laboratory capacity assessment, or related technical and regulatory work.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing national policies, legislation, regulatory frameworks, monitoring programmes or institutional arrangements related to water resources management or water quality.
• Experience compiling and analysing information from multiple sources and preparing structured country profiles, comparative assessments, technical reports or policy-relevant synthesis documents.
• Experience working with or supporting developing countries, international organizations, technical cooperation programmes or laboratory capacity-building initiatives is considered an asset.

Qualifications

Advanced degree (masters) in environmental science, water resources management, hydrology, hydrogeology, analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental policy.

Other Details