Climate and El Nino Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is 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. With 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. In Vietnam, FAO has been active since 1978, with its Representation (Country Office) located in Hanoi, focusing on various agricultural and food security initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Climate and El Nino Expert position is crucial for conducting a rapid drought assessment in Vietnam, particularly in the Central Highlands, in light of the forecasted El Niño conditions of 202

• The role involves leveraging international experiences and best practices in drought monitoring, forecasting, and integrated drought management to provide a comprehensive analysis of drought risks. The expert will integrate climate forecasting and drought risk analysis across sectors to generate evidence-based recommendations aimed at enhancing water resource management and climate adaptation. This position is expected to support national and provincial authorities in strengthening drought preparedness, protecting agricultural production, safeguarding water security, and enhancing long-term resilience in one of Vietnam's most economically and environmentally significant regions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and collaborate closely with the Team Leader and relevant technical agencies. Key responsibilities include: reviewing global, regional, and national seasonal climate outlooks and forecasts related to ENSO and the anticipated 2026 El Niño event; analyzing historical climate patterns and drought events in the Central Highlands; assessing the expected evolution of the forecasted El Niño event and its implications for drought conditions; identifying provinces and sectors at risk of intensified drought conditions; integrating climate information into the overall drought assessment; identifying technical gaps in drought management; reviewing international best practices in climate-informed drought preparedness; participating in consultation meetings and validation workshops; and contributing to the final assessment report and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (MSc or PhD) in Meteorology, Climatology, Climate Science, Hydrometeorology, Environmental Science, or a closely related discipline. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in climate analysis, climate forecasting, drought assessment, or climate change adaptation is required. Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and Vietnamese and must be nationals of Vietnam or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, either a Master's or Doctorate, in fields such as Meteorology, Climatology, Climate Science, Hydrometeorology, Environmental Science, or closely related disciplines. This advanced education is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to perform the complex analyses and assessments required in this role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of relevant experience in areas such as climate analysis, climate forecasting, drought assessment, or climate change adaptation. This extensive experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate variability and its implications for drought conditions, particularly in the context of the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of both English and Vietnamese. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with local stakeholders, government agencies, and international partners involved in the drought assessment and management processes.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work under tight timelines to deliver high-quality technical outputs. The role may involve collaboration with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, particularly in a multilateral organizational context. Previous experience with national hydro-meteorological agencies, international organizations, or specifically with FAO and other UN agencies is considered an advantage. The position may also involve working closely with government agencies at all levels, research institutions, and development partners in Vietnam.