A Call is being published by the Oceanography Malta Research Group within UM's Department of Geosciences for the provision of expert services on a part-time basis to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the impact of sea level rise on the Msida Creek area in anticipation of significant infrastructure development.
The selected expert will be responsible for quantifying the flood risk associated with sea level variations due to climate change, following a structured methodology. The task will be over four (4) months, within the ambit of the Interreg Euro-MED MedSeaRise project.
4. The candidate needs to be proficient in English language, both written and spoken.
5. The awardee can work remotely provided. However, monthly meetings must be carried out to monitor progress.
6. The engagement will last for a maximum of 4 (four) months from receipt of appointment letter, over the period April - July 2025.
The selected expert will be responsible for quantifying the flood risk associated with sea level variations due to climate change, following a structured methodology. The task will be over four (4) months, within the ambit of the Interreg Euro-MED MedSeaRise project.
1. The main tasks of the engaged expert include the following:
- Quantifying Hazards: Assess and quantify the sources of potential harm due to sea level rise, including the frequency of extreme high or low tides, salt wedge intrusion, and changes in mass fluxes. This will be done by utilise the data generated in Activities 1.1 and 1.2 of the MedSeaRise project.
- Evaluating Vulnerability: Analyse the predisposition of systems, communities, and infrastructures to experience harm due to the identified hazards. Assess factors such as social, economic, environmental, and institutional conditions influencing vulnerability.
- Risk Assessment: Combine the quantified hazard, exposure, and vulnerability, to compute a risk index. This will be used with statistical interpretation or damage quantification interpretation to estimate potential damages and impacts.
- Sensitivity Analysis: Conduct a sensitivity analysis to determine which stakeholder activities or ecosystem components are most affected by sea level rise and related hazards. Identify the most sensitive aspects and quantify them using an ordinal scale.
- Documentation and Reporting: Prepare comprehensive reports documenting the methodology, findings, risk assessments, and recommendations for future action. The reports should clearly articulate the methods used, such as the risk index method and sensitivity analysis.
- Risk Calculation: Use the formula Risk = Hazard x Exposure x Vulnerability, with each component expressed numerically between 0 and 1.
- Data Analysis: Leverage higher sea level scenarios for years 2030, 2050, 2075, and 2100 (that were developed in the previous activities of the MedSeaRise project) to assess potential impacts.
- Reporting: Provide a detailed account of the methodologies employed, data sources used, and the rationale for findings in the context of the goals of the case study.
4. The candidate needs to be proficient in English language, both written and spoken.
5. The awardee can work remotely provided. However, monthly meetings must be carried out to monitor progress.
6. The engagement will last for a maximum of 4 (four) months from receipt of appointment letter, over the period April - July 2025.
7. Payment will be transferred by the University of Malta payable against the issuance of VAT invoices following the provision of monthly timesheets and final report by the selected candidate.
8. Total remuneration for the engagement is that of EUR 6,000, exclusive of 18% VAT. EUR 2,000 will be transferred to the selected candidate after signing of the contact. The remaining EUR 4,000 will be transferred after the final report has been submitted.
Interested experts should submit their expression of interest along with their qualifications and previous relevant experience by email to Dr Adam Gauci.
Application Deadline: Sunday 6 April 2025.
