National Project Officer (Disaster Risk Management & Climate Resilience)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations founded in 194

• Its mission is 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 achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, particularly in the fields of education, natural sciences, culture, and communication. In Vietnam, UNESCO is actively involved in various programs aimed at enhancing educational quality, promoting cultural heritage, and addressing environmental challenges, including climate change and disaster risk management.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation of disaster risk management and climate change resilience projects under the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) in Vietnam. This position is expected to commence in late March or early April 2026 and will be based at the UNESCO Country Office in Hanoi. The officer will be responsible for coordinating the preparation and execution of projects aimed at enhancing Vietnam's capacity to manage water-related disasters and improve climate resilience. This includes developing work plans, managing project activities, and ensuring compliance with UNESCO's regulations. The officer will also engage with various stakeholders, including government agencies and local communities, to ensure effective project delivery and visibility. The role requires a proactive approach to monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that project objectives are met and reported accurately.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Coordinating the preparation and inception phases of disaster risk management and climate resilience projects in Vietnam, ensuring alignment with national priorities and stakeholder needs.
• Developing detailed work plans and managing day-to-day project activities to achieve timely delivery of objectives.
• Organizing project-related activities, mobilizing experts, and managing logistics for successful implementation.
• Maintaining effective communication with government counterparts and other partners to ensure accountability and transparency in project execution.
• Overseeing monitoring and evaluation processes, compiling data, and drafting periodic reports to assess project progress against established indicators.
• Managing financial and administrative aspects of the projects, including budget revisions and compliance with UNESCO's financial regulations.
• Supporting the Chief of the Natural Sciences Unit in related disaster risk management activities and contributing to the development of new project proposals as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as water resources management, environmental sciences, climate change, or disaster risk management. Specializations in hydrology or water resources management are highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have at least four years of progressively responsible professional experience in natural resources management, climate change, or related fields. Familiarity with international disaster risk reduction frameworks and demonstrated experience in project management, including planning, implementation, and reporting, are essential. A sound understanding of development issues related to water resources and climate change in Vietnam is also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as water resources management, environmental sciences, climate change, or disaster risk management. Specializations in hydrology or water resources management are particularly advantageous, as they align closely with the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in areas such as natural resources management, climate change, or disaster risk management. Experience in project coordination or management, particularly in the context of international development, is crucial. Familiarity with the major development issues related to disaster risk reduction and climate change in Vietnam will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in Vietnamese is mandatory, as the position is open only to Vietnamese nationals. Proficiency in English is also required, as it is essential for communication with international partners and for reporting purposes. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based at the UNESCO Country Office in Hanoi, with a contract duration of 12 months, subject to extension based on performance and project needs. The salary will be paid in local currency (VND), and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the recruitment process. UNESCO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups, including individuals from minority and indigenous communities.