ILRRI Consultancy - Improving Flash - Flood Forecasting Using WRF - HYDRO Model at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Scope of Work

The consultant will be expected to carry out the following tasks:

1. Assess the hydrological processes using an offline WRF-hydro model

• Install, configure and test offline WRF-hydro model
• Conduct preliminary forecast for selected flood prone areas

2.Build flood hazard early warning system using coupled WRF-hydro model.

• Install, configure and test coupled WRF-hydro model
• Conduct preliminary forecast for selected flood prone areas
• Prepare flood hazard early warning system for selected flood prone areas
• Assess the spatio-temporal variability of WRF-hydro simulated water fluxes in Ethiopia. This includes evapotranspiration, soil moisture, runoff, …etc

3.Investigate the major meteorological contributors of extreme flood in Ethiopia

• Conduct literature review
• Carrying out case studies
• Prepare peer reviewed journal article based on the case studies

4.Conduct capacity building training for NMA's and sub-national meteorological offices on the use of WRF-hydro:

• Prepare manuals on the configuration and use of offline WRF-hydro
• Prepare manuals on configuration and use of coupled WRF-hydro

Final Products

Expected deliverables to contribute to:

• The building of flood hazard early warning system using both offline and coupled WRF-hydro model
• Preparation of training manuals that is going to be used for capacity building training on the use of WRF-hydro models
• Manuscript for submission to a peer reviewed journal.

Consultancy Fee:  Monthly based on agreed milestones and deliverables

Post location:  Consultant’s base

Expected places of travel: Eastern Africa Region.

Duration:   5 months

Maximum working days:  100 days

Essential skills and qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Fluid Dynamics, Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, Hydrometeorology and related field
• Five years working experience within Eastern Africa
• Experienced user of WRF and WRF-hydro models
• Strong knowledge and experience of programming in Python, Matlab, and use of CDO, NCO, shell scripting and Linux operating system
• Impeccable English writing and editing skills
• Highly organized, detail oriented and strong self-starter
• Ability to work independently.