• Take care of water. See the world!

    Position: International Water Rights Advisor

    Duty Location: Kabul, Afghanistan

    Summary

    U.S. based non-governmental organization, is working in Afghanistan providing assistance to various national government ministries under the auspices of the USAID-funded Human Resources and Logistics (HRLS) program. Within the scope of the HRLS Task Order, contractor provides assistance to Ministry of Energy & Water (MEW) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in the development of policies and strategies to support the planning, development and management of water resources of Afghanistan. The successful candidate will be working closely with the Director General of Economic Affairs of the MoFA from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) and will provide expert advice on international water rights. The International Water Rights Advisor will work with other IRD Advisors and GIRoA agencies under the umbrella of the Technical Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Water Affairs Management (SCWAM).

    The International Water Rights Advisor will carry out the following tasks:

    Tasks:

     

  • Collect, compile and review readily available national and international water laws and policies and prepare a summary of key documents for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Collect, compile and review readily available national and international water rights and trans-boundary agreements, treaties and accords including water rights treaties between Afghanistan and neighboring countries and prepare a summary of key documents for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Establish a library of national and international water laws and treaties literature at the MoFA.
  • In close coordination and consultation with the MoFA, consult key GIRoA officials and stakeholders concerned with international water rights related to Afghanistan to identify priority issues and contribute to a draft strategy for trans-boundary water issues for the GIRoA including a summary of urgent concerns for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • In close consultation with key Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff, analyze international water rights issues and policy options including likely alternative negotiation scenarios for the GIRoA.
  • In close consultation with the Director General of Economic Affairs of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the framework of Afghanistan and neighboring countries’ regional commitments, advise the GIRoA, particularly the Ministry of Energy and Water, on the drafting and negotiation of key international water rights agreements between Afghanistan and neighboring countries (as appropriate).
    1. Provide advisory services to the National Environmental Protection Agency with respect to their role in trans-boundary water management.
    2. Establish a training program for the GIRoA on trans-boundary issues and mentor and train key MoFA, MEW, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, and NEPA staff including diplomats on international water rights issues and negotiating techniques.
    3. Work closely with the International Water Rights Advisor at the Ministry of Energy Water to develop a common understanding of the international water rights needs and priorities of the MoFA and the MEW.

     

  • Other related tasks as assigned.

  • Qualifications:

    1. Thorough knowledge of international law paradigms on trans-boundary waters.
    2. Minimum of 15 years of experience with trans-boundary water cases.
    3. Experience participating in and consulting on trans-boundary negotiations.
    4. Excellent coaching and mentoring skills.
    5. Ability to work in difficult environments.
    6. Knowledge of Afghanistan trans-boundary water history and associated legal issues is highly desired.
    7. Good managerial and training skills, including experience in staff supervision in complex (e.g., post-conflict) environment.
    8. Computer skills including MS Office and internet applications.
    9. Advanced degree(s): Juris Decorate (JD) in law and/or Master of Law (LLM) with specialization in international water law.

    Duration:

    A one-year contract, based in Kabul, with the option to extend.