The Geohazard Specialist – EWS / Impact Based Forecasting will assist RIMES technical efforts in assessing landslide risk, designing early warning systems, and building institutional capacities to enable anticipatory actions and risk-informed, will assist the IT/data analytics technical team and the hydrometeorological team in generating impact forecasting (IBF) DSS.

The role involves drawing from and contributing to multi-disciplinary datasets, working closely with a multi-disciplinary team within RIMES for generating IBF DSS, developing contingency plans, automating monitoring systems, and contributing to Post-Disaster Needs Assessments (PDNA. This position requires a strong understanding of meteorological, hydrological, vulnerability and exposure patterns, and translating data into actionable insights for disaster preparedness and resilience planning.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

● Master’s or higher degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geology, Geomatics, or Earth Sciences.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

● Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, and modelling tools for risk assessment.

Knowledge/experience in data engineering, analytics, or IT systems for disaster management, meteorology, or climate services.

● Knowledge/experience with big data platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), APIs, and real-time data pipelines.

● Proficiency in technical documentation and user training.

● Excellent communication skills, especially in multidisciplinary and multicultural team settings.

Experience:

● Minimum 3 years of experience in landslide hazard assessment and/or early warning systems.

● Familiarity with early warning systems, disaster risk frameworks, and sector-specific IBF requirements is a strong asset.

● Experience in multi-stakeholder projects and facilitating capacity-building programs.

Personal Qualities

● Strategic thinker with strong analytical and solution-oriented capabilities in applied climate science.

● Self-driven and capable of working independently while maintaining accountability and initiative.

● Effective collaborator with the ability to work in multicultural, interdisciplinary teams and manage cross-sectoral engagement.

● Detail-oriented and results-focused, with adaptability in dynamic and evolving operational environments.

● Professional, respectful, and proactive in both independent and team-based work settings.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Landslide Hazard Identification and Mapping

● Conduct landslide hazard mapping using geospatial, geological, and hydrometeorological data.

● Analyse remote sensing and field survey data to identify high-risk zones.

● Develop GIS-based susceptibility and hazard maps for use by decision-makers.

● Assess the exposure of populations, infrastructure, and ecosystems to landslide hazards.

● Analyse socio-economic vulnerabilities and integrate them with hazard data.

● Create composite risk maps to support risk-informed decision-making.

Risk Modelling and Early Warning System Development

● Develop landslide risk models combining hazard, exposure, and vulnerability data.

● Use probabilistic and deterministic modelling tools for scenario generation.

● Estimate potential impacts, including damage, casualties, and disruptions.

● Generate landslide impact-based forecasting in collaboration with RIMES Hydro, meteorological and IT teams.

● Integrate monitoring instruments (e.g., inclinometers, piezometers) into alert systems.

● Coordinate with meteorological and geological agencies to operationalise warnings.

Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement

● Conduct training for government and community-level stakeholders on risk interpretation.

● Develop SOPs, manuals, and communication materials tailored to different user groups.

● Facilitate knowledge-sharing and regional cooperation on landslide risk management.

● Develop and implement a self-training plan to enhance personal expertise, obtaining a trainer certificate as required.

● Prepare and implement training programs to enhance team capacity and submit training outcome reports.

Deliverables

● Landslide susceptibility, hazard, and risk maps for designated regions.

● Technical reports detailing assessment methods and findings.

● Operational early warning thresholds and alert protocols.

● Capacity-building workshop materials and session reports.

● Integration of findings into regional Decision Support Systems.

● Prepare progress updates and outreach materials for stakeholders.

● Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including strategies, milestones, and outcomes.

● Capacity-building workshop materials and training reports.

Other Responsibilities

● Utilise domain knowledge to assist in system implementation plans and decision support system (DSS) development.

● Assist in 24/7 operational readiness for client early warning systems, with backup support from RIMES Headquarters.

● Undertake additional tasks as assigned by the immediate supervisor or HR manager based on recommendations from RIMES technical team members and organisational needs.

● The above responsibilities are illustrative and not exhaustive. Undertake any other relevant tasks that may be needed from time to time.

Contract Duration The contract will initially be for one year and may be extended based on the satisfactory completion of a 180-day probationary period and subsequent annual performance reviews.

RIMES promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Well-qualified applicants, particularly women, are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to ₹100,000.00 per month

Schedule:

Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

Chepauk, Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

Do you have any experience or interest in working with international or non-profit organizations? Please explain.
What are your salary expectations per month?

Education:

Master's (Preferred)

Experience:

in landslide hazard assessment and/or early warning systems.: 3 years (Required)
with early warning systems: 3 years (Preferred)
disaster risk frameworks: 3 years (Preferred)
sector-specific IBF : 3 years (Preferred)

Location:

Chepauk, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (Required)

Willingness to travel:

25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person