Water Resources Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. In Vietnam, FAO is actively involved in various projects aimed at enhancing water security, biodiversity, and resilience of livelihoods, particularly through integrated water resources management and ecosystem restoration initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Water Resources Specialist position is crucial for the effective delivery of two significant GEF projects in Vietnam: the Enhancing Water Security, Biodiversity, and Resilience of Livelihoods through Integrated Water Resources Management and Ecosystem Restoration in the Red River Basin, and the project addressing hypoxia in the Gulf of Tonkin. The specialist will provide technical support and management for these projects, ensuring that they align with GEF and FAO policies. This role involves not only overseeing project implementation but also contributing to the development of new project opportunities within the country's water portfolio. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders, including Project Executing Agencies, to ensure that project objectives are met and that there is effective coordination among all parties involved. The position requires a strong commitment to sustainable water management practices and the ability to navigate complex project environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Water Resources Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: providing technical oversight for project implementation in accordance with GEF and FAO policies; guiding and supervising Project Executing Agencies to ensure alignment with approved Project Documents; reviewing and providing inputs on various project documents such as workplans, budgets, and monitoring and evaluation plans; monitoring project progress against approved workplans and ensuring timely delivery of outputs; supporting financial monitoring by reviewing quarterly financial reports and procurement plans; undertaking regular monitoring missions to assess project progress and recommend corrective actions; participating in technical discussions and stakeholder consultations; contributing to annual audits and evaluations; coordinating with Executing Agencies for inputs to Global Coordination Projects; ensuring timely submission of project reports; drafting and contributing to all required reports; responding to requests for information; identifying potential project ideas; and performing any other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet several minimum requirements, including: a high-level academic degree (Masters or PhD) in Water Resources, Hydraulic/Hydrologic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field; at least 10 years of relevant experience in water resources management, with a minimum of 5 years in developing country contexts; a working knowledge of English; and must be a national of Vietnam. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong analytical thinking, interpersonal skills, and report writing abilities, as well as relevant experience in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, particularly in multilateral organizations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high-level academic degree, specifically a Master's or PhD in fields related to water resources, hydraulic or hydrologic engineering, environmental engineering, civil engineering, or other related disciplines. This advanced education is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage and implement complex water resource projects.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically at least 10 years in water resources management. This experience should include a minimum of 5 years working in developing country contexts, which is crucial for understanding the unique challenges and opportunities present in such environments. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing projects and collaborating with various stakeholders in the field of water resources.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Vietnamese is also essential, as the candidate will be working within the national context and collaborating with local stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they facilitate communication with international partners or stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. It is important to note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, as well as meeting any residency or visa requirements and security clearances.