VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT (CONSULTANT)
Posting Date: 07/08/2013
VACANCY NOTICE NO.:
ORGANIZATION:
DUTY STATION:
FUNCTIONAL TITLE:
GRADE:
DURATION:
CLOSING DATE:
NA-13-30
UNEP Division of Regional Cooperation (DRC),
Regional Office for Africa (ROA).
Nairobi
Geochemistry Consultant
Level C
35 days including on site in Silali, Kenya and some
work done at the consultant’s home country.
15 th August 2013
Background:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations systems designated
entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to
coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment
under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international
community for action. UNEP's Division of Regional Cooperation (DRC) helps to implement UNEP's
global programs in the regions by initiating, coordinating and catalyzing regional and sub-regional
cooperation and action in response to environmental problems and emergencies.
In this context, UNEP is implementing the Global Environmental Facility Funded African Rift
Geothermal Development Facility Project (ARGeo) with a view to promote geothermal resource
development and utilization by reducing risks associated with resource exploration. The ARGeo
support will facilitate attraction of investors and lowering the cost of geothermal power development
projects. One of the ARGeo components is to provide technical and financial Assistance for surface
exploration studies for the ARGeo member countries (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania
and Uganda).
On this basis, UNEP received the proposal on “Geothermal Resource Assessment of Silali
Geothermal Field in Kenya” from the Geothermal Development Company Limited (GDC) for its
technical assistance for surface exploration studies. GDC required, in its proposal, provision of
scientific equipment and high level experts in areas of: (i) geology, (ii) geochemistry and (iii)
geophysics.UNEP selected this proposal as one of the prioritized projects to get a technical
assistance for surface exploration studies. The results of these studies will provide useful
information to identify the target sites for deep exploratory wells and minimize the risk of
exploration.
In this regard, UNEP desires to recruit a “Geochemistry consultant” to review the existing
geochemical data ( chemical, gas and isotope), guide the young geochemists of GDC in (a) taking
water and gas samples from hot springs and fumaroles in Silali (ii) analyzing the samples and , (iii)
data integration and processing using various geochemical sorftwares. This is with a view to
develop the geochemical model for exploration well siting. In general, the Consultant will be
required to re-evaluate the geochemical field data from fumaroles and hot springs with a view to
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developing a working conceptual model for the prospect to locate target sites for deep exploratory
wells.
This position is located in the United Nations Environment Programme, Division of Regional
Cooperation at the Nairobi duty station. The Consultant is expected to work under the general
supervision of the Manager, Geothermal Resource Assessment, Geothermal Development
Company,Limited (GDC). UNEP in consultation with GDC will follow up and monitor the
performance of the consultant in undertaking the following duties:
Responsibilities
The consultant will be required to provide advisory services and hands on training on geochemical
(Water and Gas) sampling, data processing, interpretation and modeling of data obtained from Silali
geothermal prospect.
The Geochemistry consultancy services will involve re-interpretation and modeling of the following
key areas:
• Chemical thermodynamics – water rock interactions and mineral-gas equilibria
• Develop hydrological and fluid mixing models
• Conduct isotopic geochemistry studies of the fluids
• Re-interpretation of gas geochemical data
• Re-compute cation and gas geothermometry
• Conduct geochemical data integration and modeling
Ultimate result of services
At the end of the consultancy, the geochemist should be able to:
• analyse, integrate and process existing and new generated chemical, gas and isotope data
using various geochemical softwares;
• Produce a mixing model for the hot springs and fumaroles at Silali
• Re-compute the chemical and gas geothermometry for the prospect.
• Produce a revised geochemical conceptual model of Silali geothermal prospect with the aim
of siting the best drill sites
Competencies:
Professionalism: Ability to understand and conceptualize integrated geothermal resource
exploration in high enthalpy geothermal fields such as East African Rift System. Shows pride in
work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing
deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or
challenges.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets
messages from others and responds appropriately; tailors language, tone, style and format to
match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; is willing to
learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance
with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares
credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate
amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies
when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Qualifications: Advanced degree in Analytical Chemistry, Geochemistry or a relevant discipline.
Experience:
• At least 15 years’ experience in geothermal chemistry: sampling and analysis of geothermal
samples and laboratory operations.
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Have an in-depth knowledge of theoretical and practical understanding of geochemical
exploration, data handling and interpretation, and constructing mixing models.
Have intensely participated in different field excursions with particular interest in
geochemical sampling mainly in East Africa or similar terrains and analysis of geothermal
solutes and volatile gases.
Well knowledgeable in chemical thermodynamics and experienced in developing
geochemical models.
Expert in several analytical equipment, e.g., IC, AAS, GC, ICP-OES, ISE, UV-Vis, etc
Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For
the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN official
language is an advantage.
Other Skills: Excellent computer skills (Microsoft office, Internet, email) are required.
Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates.
All applications to be sent to the following address on or before the deadline of 15/08/2013.
Applicants should send a completed United Nations P.11 or Personal History Form together with
a covering letter of one to two pages summarizing how they meet the requirements of the job to:
e-mail: recruitment@unon.org
PLEASE QUOTE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO.: NA-13-30
(Applications without Correct Vacancy Number will not be Considered)
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to
participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary
organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations
Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
(APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED
NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.
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