International Expert for Groundwater Resources

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. UNESCO operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The organization focuses on building peace through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture. It aims to foster dialogue among civilizations, cultures, and peoples, based on respect for commonly shared values. UNESCO's work is guided by its core values of commitment to the organization, integrity, respect for diversity, and professionalism.

Job Overview:
The position of International Expert for Groundwater Resources is critical for the successful implementation of two significant projects: the Cambodia–Mekong River Delta Aquifer (CMDA) and the Adaptation Fund project on Groundwater Resources in the Greater Mekong Subregion (AF GRG). The expert will provide dual leadership, focusing on technical and project coordination, hydrogeological assessments, and conceptual model development. The role requires the expert to ensure synergy between transboundary groundwater governance and climate adaptation objectives. The consultant will be responsible for strategic technical support, project coordination, and ensuring timely delivery of outputs related to groundwater resources, recharge, and extraction dynamics. This position demands a proactive approach to monitor work plans, finance, and reporting, while also providing quality assurance across both projects. The expert will engage with national and international experts and partners to achieve project goals effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the International Expert include coordinating groundwater activities across both the CMDA and AF GRG projects, ensuring alignment with methodologies and timelines. The expert will monitor Annual Workplan milestones and finance, contributing to progress reporting. They will provide methodological and technical guidance to UNESCO national offices and experts, lead coordination of national and international experts, and support contracting processes with clear roles and deliverables. The expert will develop groundwater conceptual and numerical models, organize and deliver workshops, and implement Quality Assurance protocols. Specific tasks for CMDA include preparing technical contributions for the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis, reviewing national analyses, and proposing a technical framework for groundwater monitoring. For AF GRG, the expert will organize the Project Steering Committee, contribute to environmental and social risk screening, and provide technical guidance for Managed Aquifer Recharge technologies.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in hydrogeology, hydrology, or related fields. Candidates must have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, including international exposure. Proven expertise in groundwater modelling and project management is essential, along with strong coordination and communication skills. Experience in planning and facilitating technical workshops and consultations in groundwater is also required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work effectively in multi-stakeholder and cross-cultural environments, preferably in the Asia-Pacific region.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in hydrogeology, hydrology, or related fields. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of groundwater systems and the methodologies required for effective project implementation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, which should include international exposure. Candidates should have proven expertise in groundwater modelling and project management, as well as experience in planning and facilitating technical workshops and consultations. Prior experience working in multi-stakeholder and cross-cultural environments, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last from January to November 2026, with a contract duration of 7 to 11 months. The position is home-based and allows for remote work, but the consultant must be available for virtual meetings during official working hours in Bangkok, Thailand (UTC+7). The consultant will be required to undertake official travel related to project implementation, with all travel costs covered according to UNESCO's rules and regulations. The consultant will receive a Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) for travel, and expected travel includes workshops in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. The consultant will work under the authority of the Regional Director of UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and will maintain regular communication with the UNESCO CapED team.