Principal Water Resources

About the role

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Principal Water Resources Engineer to lead and deliver innovative water resource planning and infrastructure solutions across a diverse portfolio of projects. This is a strategic role that blends technical leadership, stakeholder engagement, and team development. You will play a key part in shaping sustainable water supply and demand strategies, enhancing climate resilience, and supporting digital transformation in the water sector.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on high-impact projects both in the Middle East region and internationally. You’ll collaborate with government agencies, utility operators, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions that address complex water challenges.

Key responsibilities and duties are listed, but not limited to, the below:

• Lead and support the delivery of water resource planning, design, and technical advisory services across diverse projects and clients.
• Develop integrated water supply and demand strategies, risk assessments, and long-term infrastructure plans.
• Apply and interpret hydraulic modelling tools to inform planning and design decisions.
• Contribute to concept design, feasibility studies, and technical specifications for water infrastructure systems.
• Support digital initiatives, including data platforms and analytics, to enhance evidence-based decision-making.
• Engage with stakeholders and government bodies, utility owner operators, and consultants to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Mentor junior staff and promote a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

Candidate specifications

• Degree in Civil, Environmental, or Water Engineering, or a related field.
• Chartered status (e.g., CIWEM, ICE, APM) or equivalent professional recognition.
• Extensive experience in water resources planning, integrated water management, or related fields, ideally in both the GCC and international contexts.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and applying water resources and hydraulic models (e.g., GoldSim, dynamic hydraulic modelling).
• Proven track record in strategic planning, risk assessment, and delivery of master plans or feasibility studies for large-scale water infrastructure.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and institutional strengthening.
• Strong project management skills, including budget, resource, and quality management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural teams.

Desirable:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic.
• Postgraduate qualification in a related water resources topic.
• Experience with digital platforms for water data management and integration.
• Familiarity with UAE/GCC water sector or similar arid region contexts.
• Experience supporting public-private partnerships, non-revenue water reduction, and climate resilience initiatives.
• Publication record or thought leadership in water resources, systems thinking, or integrated planning.

Our Purpose
At Mott MacDonald, our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do; relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of our organisation. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate, rather take positive steps towards creating a diverse and inclusive working environment.

Flexible Working
At Mott MacDonald, we support our staff to create work-life balance which works for them and welcome candidates looking for career flexibility. We are open to discussing flexible working at interview stage.

We can offer:

• 90 calendar days’ paid maternity leave
• Competitive annual leave
• An annual professional institution subscription
• Annual company performance bonus scheme – Subject to company performance