National Expert on Groundwater (Socioeconomics) - Viet Nam
OVERVIEW
Parent Sector: Natural Sciences Unit, UNESCO Hanoi Office
Duty Station: Hanoi, Vietnam
Type of contract: Non-staff
Duration of contract: 11 months (with the possibility of extension of 4-7 months, subject to performance and project needs)
Recruitment open to: Vietnamese National only
Application Deadline (Midnight Duty Station Time): 06 JUNE 2025
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
DESCRIPTION OF THE POST
I. BACKGROUND
The lower section of the Mekong River Basin is underlain by a major transboundary aquifer system, shared by Cambodia and Viet Nam, the Cambodia-Mekong River Delta Aquifer (CMDA). This transboundary aquifer connects two ecosystems of global environmental significance and socio-economic importance, namely the Tonle Sap area and the Mekong Delta, and includes major urban areas, including the cities of Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh. Around 35 million people live in the CMDA recharge zone, and the vast majority of households depend on groundwater for drinking or for irrigation. However, groundwater management is hindered by over-extraction, loss of recharge zones, climate change, pollution, salinity intrusion and land subsidence. In this context, transboundary solutions are paramount to address the mounting challenges.
UNESCO is an Executing Agency for the project "Enhancing sustainability of the Transboundary Cambodia-Mekong River Delta Aquifer", funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), implemented by The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Within the umbrella of the project, and as defined in the UN to UN Transfer Agreement, UNESCO's activities expect to contribute to the following outcomes:
1) Consensus among countries on key transboundary and national concerns affecting the aquifer, reached through joint fact finding, opening pathways to concerted remedial actions;
3) Agreed improvements of transboundary cooperation improve aquifer transboundary governance;
4) Commitment reached among countries on implementing priority legal, institutional and policy reforms and investments for the protection and equitable utilization of the shared aquifer and its' dependent ecosystem; and
5) Implementation of project mechanisms for monitoring, improved stakeholder consultation, gender mainstreaming, dissemination, coordination and monitoring progress enhance long-term sustainability of achievements.
Long Description
The activities proposed herewith are a direct contribution to the achievement of such outcomes, mostly through the UNESCO-led Component 1 "Joint science-based diagnostic for groundwater dynamics (recharge and extraction) and effects on ecosystems (e.g. fish, wetlands) and livelihoods", and Component 3 "Transboundary cooperation mechanisms". Under component 1, UNESCO-IHP is tasked to perform a joint transboundary assessment of the hydrological state of groundwater resources, recharge and extraction dynamics (Output 1.1). These scientific assessment activities will constitute the basis for the agreed Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) between the two beneficiary countries of Viet Nam and Cambodia. Such activities shall be developed in close collaboration with selected National Experts from the two beneficiary countries, and with the support of UNESCO National Offices in Hanoi and Phnom Penh.
UNESCO Country Office in Vietnam is looking for a national expert to undertake the assignment as below
II. OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY
Within the framework of the UNESCO-led component 1 on ″Joint science-based diagnostic for groundwater dynamics (recharge and extraction and effects on ecosystems (e.g. fish, wetlands) and livelihoods″ of the CMDA project, the Consultant will provide technical support for the following output:
Output 1.1: Assessment of current state of groundwater resources, recharge and extraction dynamics.
Under the overall responsibility of the Head of the UNESCO Hanoi Office, the technical supervision of CMDA regional coordinator with technical guidance and support from UNESCO Headquarters, the direct supervision of the Chief of the Natural Sciences Unit of UNESCO Hanoi Office, the consultant will perform the following tasks related to Viet Nam. The consultant shall work in close cooperation with other Vietnamese and Cambodian national experts and institutions, international experts and scientific partners participating in the project.
Long Description
III. TASKS
1. Compile and review existing socioeconomic, hydrological and environmental data and information (identifying possible data gaps) on the Vietnamese side of the CMDA to understand the current status, trends in groundwater extraction and its role in supporting local economies. The data collection should include groundwater levels, usage rates, recharge rates, water pricing, economic activities and demographic information.
2. Assess the challenges in groundwater resource management in Viet Nam from the perspective of institutional arrangements, policies, and practical implementation in order to provide recommendations for relevant sectors, local authorities, and stakeholders. Particular attention should be paid to any newly emerging challenges or gaps arising in the context of recent institutional reform in Viet Nam, such as the merging of ministries and provinces.
3. Conduct a preliminary assessment of the economic contribution and role of groundwater in the socio-economic development of the area. Based on the results, propose relevant strategies or plans for sustainable management and use of groundwater resources.
4. Identify potential risks related to pollution or water scarcity and provide recommendations on appropriate mitigation and management measures.
5. Based on the review and assessment carried out in Tasks 1 and 2, prepare a report summarizing the main socioeconomic findings on the Vietnamese side of the CMDA to contribute to the TDA process. A template for the TDA inputs will be provided by UNESCO.
Besides the main tasks described, the expert will be asked to participate in and provide inputs for internal and external meetings and workshops, as required.
IV. CONTRACT DURATION
The contract duration is 11 months, with the possibility of an extension for an additional 4 to 7 months, subject to performance and project needs. The expert's total engagement shall not exceed 11 person-months across the entire contract period, including any extension.
Payments will be made upon acceptance of UNESCO of the deliverables agreed with the expert.
The expert may be required to undertake missions, in such case, the related expenses will be covered in accordance with the regulations of UNESCO and EU-UN cost norms in Viet Nam.
V. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- A graduate degree (Master’s) in socioeconomics, sustainable development studies, or governance and policy systems on natural/water resources management;
Professional Experiences and Skills
- At least 10 years of qualifying work and/or combined with research experience in assessing the social and economic impact arising from development, especially in the context of water resource management in Viet Nam;
- Proficiency of data analysis tools and office software applications particularly MS Excel, MS Word, MS Power Point;
Languages
- Excellent language skills in English and Vietnamese (writing, speaking and reading);
VI. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD. in socioeconomics, sustainable development studies, or or governance and policy systems on natural/water resources management;
- 15 years or more of experience in assessing the social and economic impact arising from development, especially in the context of water resource management in Viet Nam;
- Proven experience in the field of socioeconomics and sustainable development in the context of water resources management in the Mekong Delta region
- Previous experience with UN projects in the field of socioeconomics and sustainable development in the context of water resource management in Viet Nam;
- Experience working with ministries, government agencies at national and provincial levels on the topics related to water resource management.
VII. COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial)
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VIII. APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now”, then download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information in English:
(Please note UNESCO cannot consider an incomplete proposal that does not include the following information requested)
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A letter of expression of interest.
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An updated Curriculum Vitae.
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A technical proposal (5 pages maximum), including a description of your proposed approach and methodology to undertake the assignment;
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A financial proposal, indicating a monthly rate and daily rate (in US$). Application submitted without monthly rate and daily rate will not be considered
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The contact details of three referees
IX. SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.
The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as an interview.
UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.
Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.
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