Alvar Closas, Phd

Alvar Closas, Phd Email and Phone Number

Senior Expert - Groundwater and Climate Resilience @ United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)
Bogotá, Bogota, CO
Alvar Closas, Phd's Location
Bogota, D.C., Capital District, Colombia, Colombia
Alvar Closas, Phd's Contact Details

Alvar Closas, Phd work email

Alvar Closas, Phd personal email

n/a
About Alvar Closas, Phd

I am a water management specialist with a PhD in Human Geography and 15+ years of professional experience in the fields of water policy and management, international technical assistance and applied water research for development. Based in Bogotá, Colombia, I am currently working as an international consultant providing strategic and technical expertise in water policy and management to different international organisations. I have worked across four continents, most recently in Australia where I led strategic management and policy initiatives for surface and groundwater resources at the Department of Planning and Environment in New South Wales. Previously, I was Acting Office Head for the Middle East and North Africa region with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in Cairo, Egypt. I oversaw the research portfolio across the region and managed multi-partner technical and applied research projects on groundwater management and governance, agriculture water management and irrigation technology improvement.My past professional experience also includes working for the World Bank on climate change and water resource management across North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. I have also been a visiting researcher at the Universidad Complutense in Madrid and lecturer assistant at the School of Geography at the University of Oxford.

Alvar Closas, Phd's Current Company Details
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for  Western Asia (ESCWA)

United Nations Economic And Social Commission For Western Asia (Escwa)

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Senior Expert - Groundwater and Climate Resilience
Bogotá, Bogota, CO
Website:
unescwa.org
Employees:
464
Alvar Closas, Phd Work Experience Details
  • United Nations Economic And Social Commission For  Western Asia (Escwa)
    Senior Expert - Groundwater And Climate Resilience
    United Nations Economic And Social Commission For Western Asia (Escwa)
    Bogotá, Bogota, Co
  • The World Bank
    International Consultant
    The World Bank Jan 2024 - Present
    Bogota, D.C., Capital District, Colombia
    Providing technical expertise in water resource management, water security, policy and governance to a range of international organisations including The World Bank, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Castalia Advisors, and Nalanda Analytica. My consultancy activities include:• Technical and project management support to operations under the Global Water Practice of The World Bank, including technical input for analytical activities on borehole operation and lifespan… Show more Providing technical expertise in water resource management, water security, policy and governance to a range of international organisations including The World Bank, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Castalia Advisors, and Nalanda Analytica. My consultancy activities include:• Technical and project management support to operations under the Global Water Practice of The World Bank, including technical input for analytical activities on borehole operation and lifespan and agricultural water management and irrigation for the Climate Resilient Irrigation Global Solution Group.• Strategic input on water security and research for development on water systems for the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). • Technical input on innovative interventions in water resilience in the context of climate change for Castalia Advisors.• Business development and project design on water security in Colombia with Nalanda Analytica for various clients in country and overseas. Show less
  • Water International
    Associate Editor
    Water International Oct 2024 - Present
    Bogota, D.C., Capital District, Colombia
    Providing support to the Editorial Board of Water International, screening submitted manuscripts on a wide range of topics related to water resources management, and coordinating reviews of manuscripts.
  • Nsw Department Of Planning, Industry And Environment
    Senior Groundwater Strategist
    Nsw Department Of Planning, Industry And Environment Jan 2021 - May 2023
    • Support the delivery of a new Groundwater Strategy for New South Wales. • Contribute to water strategies to assist regions and the state meet their commitments under the State Infrastructure Strategy and other initiatives.• Design and coordinate research projects to develop new evidence to inform the NSW Groundwater Strategy.• Provide timely, expert strategy advice on directions, issues, trends and options relating to water markets and investment• Identify and determine… Show more • Support the delivery of a new Groundwater Strategy for New South Wales. • Contribute to water strategies to assist regions and the state meet their commitments under the State Infrastructure Strategy and other initiatives.• Design and coordinate research projects to develop new evidence to inform the NSW Groundwater Strategy.• Provide timely, expert strategy advice on directions, issues, trends and options relating to water markets and investment• Identify and determine changes in water demand and the impact of extreme drought events for key regions and sectors• Provide analysis of water data and provide expert advice to ensure that water is considered in land use planning• Assist in the development of business cases for water planning investment options.• Foster and maintain collaborative relationships with external and internal stakeholders to understand stakeholder priorities, provide appropriate data, and to effectively inform and guide water planning and strategy decision making.• Prepare a range of communications materials and consultation activities to support regional water strategies. Show less
  • Nsw Department Of Planning, Industry And Environment
    Senior Water Strategy Officer
    Nsw Department Of Planning, Industry And Environment Oct 2019 - Jan 2021
    Queanbeyan, New South Wales, Australia
    Coordinating a range of complex analytic and research activities to provide sound and reliable policy, management, and knowledge inputs to the delivery of the NSW Government’s regional water strategies, consistent with the State’s water sector strategic planning priorities, the State’s and Commonwealth’s water reform agenda, and relevant legislation. Some of the tasks include:• Providing informed advice and technical services to support the development, negotiation and resolution of… Show more Coordinating a range of complex analytic and research activities to provide sound and reliable policy, management, and knowledge inputs to the delivery of the NSW Government’s regional water strategies, consistent with the State’s water sector strategic planning priorities, the State’s and Commonwealth’s water reform agenda, and relevant legislation. Some of the tasks include:• Providing informed advice and technical services to support the development, negotiation and resolution of regional water strategies. • Provide expert input to strategic groundwater resource management policy.• Analysing priority issues, initiate research and consultation activities and prepare recommendations to inform the development of strategic options, policies and plans to improve water security and service provision. • Leading and managing projects to develop, assess, and prioritise water solutions including infrastructure, policy or planning issues. • Preparing advice in the form of briefs, policy and discussion papers on key water strategy issues to respond to Ministerial, Cabinet or Departmental requests. • Providing input to discussions to facilitate the understanding of water strategy matters, infrastructure, policies and planning solutions. Show less
  • Water International
    Associate Editor
    Water International Jan 2019 - Jun 2020
    Providing support to the Editorial Board of Water International, screening submitted manuscripts on a wide range of topics related to water resources management, and coordinating reviews of manuscripts.
  • Independent Consultant
    International Consultant - Water And Development
    Independent Consultant Jan 2019 - Sep 2019
    Canberra, Australia
    Providing expertise in water policy, governance and research in international development across a range of water and energy-related areas including: • Groundwater management, policy, regulation and governance• Drought management policy• Integrated Urban Water Management in Sub-Saharan Africa• Rainwater harvesting in the Middle East• Water Resources Management and Climate Change resilience in North Africa• Sustainable and inclusive ways to develop solar irrigation•… Show more Providing expertise in water policy, governance and research in international development across a range of water and energy-related areas including: • Groundwater management, policy, regulation and governance• Drought management policy• Integrated Urban Water Management in Sub-Saharan Africa• Rainwater harvesting in the Middle East• Water Resources Management and Climate Change resilience in North Africa• Sustainable and inclusive ways to develop solar irrigation• Irrigation management institutions (e.g. Water User Associations)• Socio-political aspects of irrigation management and water efficiency• Multi-stakeholder platforms• Knowledge and Learning platforms in water management projects• Business development and project management Show less
  • International Water Management Institute (Iwmi)
    Researcher - Groundwater Policy And Management
    International Water Management Institute (Iwmi) Oct 2013 - Oct 2018
    Cairo, Egypt
    Working as a researcher on groundwater management and governance in the Middle East and North Africa Region. Responsible for providing high-level scientific research expertise for activities associated with program initiatives as well as project management. Partner coordination, project management, financial reporting and budgeting for a USAID US$1 million project in 5 countries (Tunisia, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman, and UAE). Supervision of consultants and research teams on the field in… Show more Working as a researcher on groundwater management and governance in the Middle East and North Africa Region. Responsible for providing high-level scientific research expertise for activities associated with program initiatives as well as project management. Partner coordination, project management, financial reporting and budgeting for a USAID US$1 million project in 5 countries (Tunisia, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman, and UAE). Supervision of consultants and research teams on the field in Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia as well as Master and PhD students and regional and country-level multi-stakeholder meetings. Additional tasks include: 1) Developing the project portfolio for IWMI’s MENA regional office; 2) In Jordan, leading Learning and Knowledge activities for a USD 35 million USAID sub-awarded project with Mercy Corps on Water Innovation Technologies; 3) Coordination and editorial support for the global GRIPP programme on Groundwater Innovation Solutions for Policy and Practice;4) In Lebanon, leading work on needs assessments on water productivity and the use of ICT to agriculture productivity and irrigation efficiency funded by FAO.;5) Supporting the coordination of solar irrigation projects and activities and leading the strategic thinking in sustainable solar irrigation efforts for IWMI (West and East Africa, North Africa and Near East). Show less
  • International Water Management Institute (Iwmi)
    Acting Country And Regional Office Head
    International Water Management Institute (Iwmi) Jan 2017 - Sep 2018
    Cairo Governorate, Egypt
    Working as IWMI representative in the MENA region, raising the profile of the organization and maintaining strong relationships with national and regional research partners and international agencies. Providing planning and scientific direction for inter-disciplinary research project proposals and business development, as well as general office management tasks including annual budgeting, risk analysis and financial reporting, relationships with government agencies, international… Show more Working as IWMI representative in the MENA region, raising the profile of the organization and maintaining strong relationships with national and regional research partners and international agencies. Providing planning and scientific direction for inter-disciplinary research project proposals and business development, as well as general office management tasks including annual budgeting, risk analysis and financial reporting, relationships with government agencies, international donors, and strategic planning within the Africa region with IWMI HQ. Show less
  • The World Bank
    International Consultant
    The World Bank Jan 2012 - Jun 2013
    Washington Dc, United Kingdom, Morocco
    Responsible for providing high quality knowledge and development activities to support World Bank investment programs in water resource management, climate change and urban water management in North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.1) Core member of the World Bank’s Water Anchor, providing technical support to World Bank teams on issues related to water resource management, groundwater governance, and urban water management;2) Development, coordination and authorship of a strategy for… Show more Responsible for providing high quality knowledge and development activities to support World Bank investment programs in water resource management, climate change and urban water management in North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.1) Core member of the World Bank’s Water Anchor, providing technical support to World Bank teams on issues related to water resource management, groundwater governance, and urban water management;2) Development, coordination and authorship of a strategy for adaptation to climate change in the Oum Er-Rbia River Basin in Morocco;3) Authorship of a Case Profile Report for the WPP-funded activities on Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM);4) Strategic and knowledge support within the Water Anchor Team in Washington DC for an AAA project on urban water management in Sub-Saharan Africa;5) Development of a benchmark analysis and methodology to compare levels of access and delivery of urban services in 31 cities across the continent;6) Designed and conducted a KAP survey to assess urban water management and water utility management for sub-Saharan Africa. Show less
  • University Of Oxford
    Teaching Assistant
    University Of Oxford 2009 - 2013
    Oxford, United Kingdom
    Teaching and postgraduate course coordination support at the School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford.1) Preparation and running of a Writing and Exam preparation skills workshop for Master students at the School of Geography and the Environment.2) Organisation and running of reading groups for Master students at the School of Geography and the Environment3) Coordination support of a five year consecutive interdisciplinary study fieldtrip to the Ebro River… Show more Teaching and postgraduate course coordination support at the School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford.1) Preparation and running of a Writing and Exam preparation skills workshop for Master students at the School of Geography and the Environment.2) Organisation and running of reading groups for Master students at the School of Geography and the Environment3) Coordination support of a five year consecutive interdisciplinary study fieldtrip to the Ebro River Basin in Spain for Master students. Show less
  • Universidad Complutense De Madrid
    Visiting Researcher
    Universidad Complutense De Madrid Jan 2011 - Jun 2011
    Madrid Area, Spain
    Visiting researcher at the Water Observatory under the supervision of Dr. Elena Lopez-Gunn and Prof. Manuel Ramon Llamas, based at the Universidad Complutense, Madrid.Undertaking DPhil fieldwork in Spain, combining archival research and quantitative and qualitative research for a case study in La Mancha.
  • Agbar
    Project Manager
    Agbar Sep 2007 - Aug 2008
    Barcelona, Spain
    Working as a project manager with the Corporate and Social Responsibility Foundation of Barcelona's private water utility. 1) Development of strategic, funding, and research guidelines for the Foundation, including research supervision and editing tasks for commissioned studies on water services and utilities and water governance; 2) Supporting the development of strategic partnerships with private and public organisations in Barcelona (e.g. IESE Business School, IBEI School).
  • Palestinian Hydrology Group
    Visiting Researcher
    Palestinian Hydrology Group Mar 2007 - Jul 2007
    Ramallah, West Bank
    Conducting research on water conflicts, human rights and development in the Palestinian Territories and research support for data collection and analysis for a UNESCO funded project on WASH in rural areas of the West Bank.
  • Asamblea De Cooperación Por La Paz (Acpp)
    Project Manager Trainee
    Asamblea De Cooperación Por La Paz (Acpp) Mar 2007 - Jul 2007
    Ramallah, West Bank
    Project manager trainee for a Spanish NGO, working on WASH and water resource projects funded by the European Commission and the Spanish Cooperation in the West Bank, including well rehabilitation, urban gardens, and rural water supply projects with rehabilitation of town water supply infrastructure.
  • University Of Damascus
    Spanish Language Teacher
    University Of Damascus Oct 2006 - Mar 2007
    Damascus, Syria
    - Spanish language teacher for beginners and advanced level
  • Institut Europeu De La Mediterrània
    Intern
    Institut Europeu De La Mediterrània Jul 2005 - Feb 2006
    Barcelona Area, Spain
    - Member of the editorial team for the Annual Handbook of the Mediterranean- Web redactor for the Barcelona +10 EuroSummit Website- Follow up and analysis of the Barcelona +10 EuroMed regional survey

Alvar Closas, Phd Skills

International Development Policy Analysis Public Policy Sustainable Development Research Ngos Politics Spanish French Political Science Qualitative Research English International Organizations Water Governance Irrigation Policy Groundwater Management Institutional Analysis Urban Water Management Water Climate Change International Relations Water Resources Environmental Policy Capacity Building Analysis Strategy Water Resource Management Non Governmental Organizations

Alvar Closas, Phd Education Details

Frequently Asked Questions about Alvar Closas, Phd

What company does Alvar Closas, Phd work for?

Alvar Closas, Phd works for United Nations Economic And Social Commission For Western Asia (Escwa)

What is Alvar Closas, Phd's role at the current company?

Alvar Closas, Phd's current role is Senior Expert - Groundwater and Climate Resilience.

What is Alvar Closas, Phd's email address?

Alvar Closas, Phd's email address is a.****@****iar.org

What schools did Alvar Closas, Phd attend?

Alvar Closas, Phd attended University Of Oxford, University Of Oxford, Unesco-Ihe Institute For Water Education, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Lycée Français De Barcelone.

What skills is Alvar Closas, Phd known for?

Alvar Closas, Phd has skills like International Development, Policy Analysis, Public Policy, Sustainable Development, Research, Ngos, Politics, Spanish, French, Political Science, Qualitative Research, English.

Who are Alvar Closas, Phd's colleagues?

Alvar Closas, Phd's colleagues are Hasan Awad, Ahmad Dik, Kamran Imtiaz, Rabih El Habta, Victor Sara, Nina Elhajj Srour, Emba, Chimene Bassous.

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