Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. Established in 1945, UNESCO has a mission to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of more than 2,000 employees. UNESCO is known for its commitment to fostering educational opportunities, protecting cultural heritage, and promoting freedom of expression.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant is focused on providing technical support for the assessment of groundwater resources in the Cambodia-Mekong River Delta Aquifer (CMDA). This aquifer is crucial for the livelihoods of approximately 35 million people who rely on groundwater for drinking and irrigation. The Consultant will work under the auspices of UNESCO's Natural Sciences Sector, specifically within the framework of a project aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the CMDA. The role involves coordinating with national teams from Cambodia and Vietnam, engaging in technical discussions, and ensuring that the project outcomes align with the goals of transboundary cooperation and sustainable management of groundwater resources. The Consultant will be responsible for synthesizing findings and preparing reports that contribute to the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) of the aquifer, which is essential for informed decision-making and policy development regarding groundwater governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Coordinating with national teams and partners to confirm project scope, timelines, and acceptance criteria;
• Engaging with national project management units (PMUs) and relevant institutions to facilitate evidence sharing and technical discussions;
• Providing methodological guidance to national experts in reviewing governance arrangements and legal frameworks related to groundwater;
• Developing templates and harmonization rules for governance and legal reviews;
• Guiding national teams in preparing integrated assessments that consider groundwater extraction, recharge, and ecosystem impacts;
• Consolidating national inputs to produce a harmonized evidence base;
• Aligning deliverables with the stages of the TDA;
• Preparing a concise synthesis of governance and law findings for inclusion in the TDA.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in water law, environmental law, public policy, water resources governance, or closely related social sciences relevant to groundwater governance and transboundary aquifers. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in water governance and law, including institutional and legal analysis, policy and regulatory review, and preparation of governance inputs for technical assessments. Experience working within the Asia-Pacific context on groundwater governance is essential, with at least 3 years of experience in this area being highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in fields such as water law, environmental law, public policy, or water resources governance. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of groundwater governance and the legal frameworks that govern transboundary aquifers.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in water governance and law, with a strong emphasis on institutional and legal analysis, policy review, and technical assessments. Candidates should also have at least 3 years of experience specifically within the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in relation to groundwater governance and legal frameworks. Experience working with government institutions in this sub-region is considered an asset.

Languages:
Excellent proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication, report writing, and collaboration with international teams. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered a desirable qualification.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a consultant contract at Level 2 - Middle, with a duration of 8 months, starting from May 2026 and ending in December 202

• The role is open to external candidates and allows for remote work. The level of effort required is up to 4.5 person months, allocated intermittently based on project milestones and the needs of the national teams. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence, and integrity in its hiring process, and applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. Individuals from minority and indigenous groups, as well as persons with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.