Call for Experts: DRRS Bali, Phase Two (January 2026)

Background

During the DRRS scoping deployment to Bali (25 October–1 November 2025), a joint Indonesian–Dutch expert team conducted a rapid assessment of the September 2025 flood event through meetings with national and provincial authorities, site visits in Denpasar and Badung, technical discussions with local water authorities, and participatory sessions including a focus group discussion and a youth workshop. The deployment reviewed the performance of the primary water discharge system, examined maintenance and operational constraints, assessed flood risk management practices and early warning arrangements, and reflected on the role of spatial planning, climate change, and integrated water resources management. 

In this follow-up deployment, the DRRS programme is looking for a multidisciplinary team of experts to build on the findings of the initial scoping deployment. The team will work with Indonesian counterparts to review and update existing master plans in light of climate change and the September 2025 floods; strengthen hydro-informatics and system-level modelling to identify critical weak points, support flood early warning, and enable risk-based investment decisions; and identify no-regret and low-hanging-fruit measures, including improved maintenance, targeted physical interventions (such as pump effectiveness), and enhanced flood early warning and community preparedness, to restore flood safety and support longer-term resilience.

Objectives and scope

RVO is requesting a small team of experts for a second deployment in January 2026 to build upon the results of the initial scoping and further conversations with local and national stakeholders regarding flood risk management and resilience. 

Activities

• Review existing flood risk and water management master plans and assess their adequacy in light of recent flood events and climate change.
• Oversee the assessment of infrastructure related to pumping systems and explore feasible options for a first implementation phase of a pumping station, including its role within the wider flood management system.
• Focus on practical, simplified modelling approaches and work closely with the Balai Wilayah Sungai Bali-Penida (BWS) modelling expert to address current and future knowledge needs, explore alternative software tools, and develop a basic reservoir model to support pumping system design.
• Apply modelling outcomes to flood risk management, master planning, and spatial planning.

Deliverables 

• A concise report for RVO, with clear findings, conclusions, and recommendations for follow-up actions.
• Follow up call to present the findings with the Indonesian government, Netherlands Embassy and RVO and other relevant stakeholders. 

Required expertise

Pumping Experts (International and National):

• Knowledge of basic hydrological calculation methods to estimate river discharge and water levels, which allows for calculation of the required pump capacity,
• Experience in developing a technical plan for a discharge pumping station, including advice on suitable pump types and a global estimation of costs for construction and O&M. Ability to advise on innovative and sustainable technologies, such as solar-powered or energy-efficient pumps.
• Knowledge of operational management of a pumping station.
• Capable of developing the contours of an implementation plan, including timelines, milestones, and logistics.
• Basic knowledge of environmental impact assessment. Able to identify and address environmental considerations in the design and implementation of the pumping station. Understanding of the impact of a newly constructed pumping station on the immediate surroundings, including adjacent mangroves.
• Additionally for international expert: experience with knowledge exchange. Proficiency in the Indonesian language is considered an advantage.
• Additionally for national expert: familiarity with Indonesian regulations, procedures, and design standards for hydraulic installations.

Modelling Expert:

• Knowledge of globally available numerical models for rainfall-runoff assessments in complex, small-scale river basin systems, including tidal influences. Familiarity with a range of modelling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, SWAT, MIKE SHE, InfoWorks) and ability to select the most appropriate for local challenges.
• Experience in deriving Q-h (discharge-water level) relationships based on available field measurements.
• Experience in setting up and validating rainfall-runoff models, including an existing HEC-RAS model.
• Capable of designing additional field measurement campaigns to gather data needed for improved model setup and calibration.
• Experience in simulating the effects of ecosystem-based interventions (e.g., wetlands, reforestation) on flood risks and water management.
• Experience with knowledge exchange.
• Proficiency in the Indonesian language is considered an advantage.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the context, please refer to the Terms of Reference.

Planning
Deployment is currently foreseen for 26-30 January 2026 (excl international travelling). 

Interested?
Please send the following to drrs@rvo.nl by Wednesday January 7, 2026, COB at the latest:

1. an updated CV
2. a brief motivation letter
3. the title of the position you are applying for
4. your availability

We strongly encourage a diverse set of candidates to apply, as we are committed to fostering gender diversity and inclusion in DRRS. Moreover, we stimulate national experts to become part of our database and to apply for vacancies. Please visit our website and become part of our network.

At RVO we are fully committed to creating a safe and respectful work environment. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment (PSEAH). All deployees/experts must adhere to the Code of Conduct, which outlines ethical standards and behaviors expected within our organization. Successful candidates will be required to uphold these principles and participate in mandatory PSEAH and CoC training as part of their onboarding process.