Senior Project Manager - Artificial Intelligence & Digital Innovations (Water Data Science)

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a CGIAR Research Center, is on the lookout for a dynamic Project Manager to join our headquarters in Colombo, Sri Lanka as the Senior Project Manager - Artificial Intelligence & Digital Innovations.

This is an internationally recruited position; therefore, individuals with relevant abilities from diverse locations around the world are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate is expected to be based in Sri Lanka; however, remote working may be considered under exceptional circumstances.

The successful candidate will manage the implementation of a range of projects within the Water Data Science Strategic Program, especially Digital Innovations & AI related Projects, ensuring the timely delivery of project objectives and outputs.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee project execution and completion lifecycles, working closely with the project team and IWMI Program Management Office (PMO) to ensure timely delivery of project outputs and alignment with project objectives
• Work with project leads, coordinators, and pillar leads in the implementation of projects to ensure coordinated execution and achievement of project milestones
• Take part in regular meetings with donors, project Strategic Advisory Committees (SAC), and support follow-up actions to maintain transparency and ensure donor engagement and satisfaction
• Oversee, manage, and support the work of other project team members, including project partners and consultants, to foster collaboration and ensure high-quality contributions across all stakeholders
• Oversee project administration, operations, implementation, and fiscal management to ensure technical and financial activities align with the scope, budget allocations, internal policies, and donor requirements
• Support monitoring of key project deliverables and the release of funding as approved in the project proposal, work plan, and budget to ensure progress is tracked and challenges are addressed proactively for smooth implementation
• Organize regular team coordination meetings and other events to foster closer collaboration between team members
• Optimize financial resources to maximize value for money, improve impact, and drive operational efficiencies
• Develop annual and quarterly results-based work plans and budgets in coordination with technical leads to guide project execution and ensure alignment with strategic and technical priorities
• Lead the preparation of results-based reports (technical as well as financial) as required (quarterly, semi-annual, and annual), following IWMI procedures and donor requirements to inform decision-making through evidence-based insights
• Ensure implementation of project communication strategies and gender action plans to promote inclusivity, visibility, and alignment with IWMI's values and donor expectations
• Closely monitor deviations from the work plan, and devise and implement measures to ensure the timely delivery of project outputs
• Assist in the development of strong monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, project monitoring tools, and efficient systems to ensure high-quality implementation
• Manage and oversee all contract management and implementation tasks based on established processes and procedures, including consultants and other services as part of project implementation, to ensure compliance and timely execution of deliverables
• Identify issues and risks related to activity implementation and take mitigating actions in a timely manner to ensure uninterrupted progress
• Track deliverables and coordinate with relevant technical leads to ensure timely and on-budget completion of activities
• Support a work environment that promotes a culture of collaboration, learning, effective knowledge sharing, knowledge transfer, and interdisciplinary teamwork
  
  

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Water Resources Management, Environmental Management, or a field closely related to IWMI's mandate
• Minimum of 10 years of work experience in various geographies, including at least 7 years of demonstrated experience in managing projects
• Qualification in Project Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, or similar) and/or substantial, successful project management experience
• Demonstrable track record of managing complex multi-country projects
• Experience in undertaking or overseeing environmental and social monitoring and evaluation
• Experience working in interdisciplinary and multicultural teams
• Experience in capacity-building and training programs for diverse participants
• Proven experience working with an international organization abroad
• Experience working on research and development and/or public sector-funded projects that promote, plan, design, and implement water management and climate resilience
  
  

Desirable:

• Experience in leading digital, geospatial, and/or AI projects
• Experience managing CGIAR projects
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Essential:

• A problem-solving mindset and strong organizational capacity across multiple projects and geographies
• Ability to effectively establish priorities and plan, organize, implement, and monitor work activities with limited supervision
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and new procedures quickly
• Strong Attention to detail and, precision
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in a professional manner
• Excellent ability to interpret, summarize, synthesize, present, and utilize outputs of environmental (i.e., hydrological, agricultural, and/or climate) and socio-economic models for evaluation purposes, to support planning, and/or to inform decision-making processes
• Personal attributes include high standards of conduct, respect, flexibility, and a sound work ethic
• Excellent oral and written English language skills, including effective listening and strong verbal and written communication abilities
  
  

Desirable:

• Knowledge of French will be considered an asset
  
  

Benefits

This is an internationally recruited position with a competitive salary, an attractive retirement plan, comprehensive international health insurance, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and long-term disability coverage. Internationally recruited staff who are employed at a duty station outside of their home base/country of nationality will also receive relocation assistance, a housing allowance, home-leave plane tickets for self and eligible dependents and education assistance for eligible dependents. The duration of the contract will initially be for a period of three years.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs. We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on November 18, 2025 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include a CV, cover letter, and three (3) references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

IWMI believes that diversity powers our innovation, contributes to our excellence, and is critical for our mission. We offer a multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-generational and multi-disciplinary working environment. We are consciously creating an inclusive organization that reflects our global character and our commitment to gender equity. We, therefore, encourage applicants from all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, and gender identities.