Water Resources Management and Drought Management Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established to lead international efforts to combat hunger. Founded 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 sufficient high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With a membership of 195 countries, including 194 member states 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 position of Water Resources Management and Drought Management Expert is crucial for conducting a rapid drought assessment in Vietnam, particularly in the Central Highlands region. This role involves leveraging existing FAO-supported drought assessments and integrating international best practices in drought monitoring, forecasting, and management. The expert will analyze drought risks under the anticipated El Niño conditions of 2026, providing a comprehensive analysis that will inform national and provincial authorities on enhancing drought preparedness, protecting agricultural production, and ensuring water security. The expert will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to synthesize findings and draft a final assessment report that includes evidence-based recommendations for resilient water resource management and climate adaptation strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including supporting the Water Resources Specialist in overseeing the drafting of the rapid drought assessment and ensuring timely delivery of all outputs. This includes reviewing existing FAO drought assessments and relevant national and international reports, analyzing historical agricultural drought conditions in the Central Highlands, and identifying gaps in drought management practices. The expert will also integrate climate outlooks and agricultural water demand analyses into a comprehensive drought assessment, evaluate the implications of the forecasted El Niño event on agricultural production and water resources management, and provide technical inputs during consultation meetings and validation workshops. Additionally, the expert will support the preparation and finalization of the assessment report, incorporating feedback from stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (MSc or PhD) in Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources and Irrigation Management, Hydraulic/Hydrologic Engineering, or a related field. They should have at least 15 years of relevant experience in water resources management, hydrology, and drought management, with a minimum of 10 years specifically focused on the Central Highlands. A working knowledge of both English and Vietnamese is essential, and candidates must be nationals of Vietnam or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree, either a Master's or Doctorate, in fields directly related to water resources and environmental management. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complex dynamics of water resource systems and drought management practices.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically at least 15 years in the field of water resources management, with a strong emphasis on hydrology and drought management. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in the Central Highlands for at least 10 years, demonstrating their familiarity with the region's specific challenges and needs.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Vietnamese is mandatory for this role, as effective communication with local stakeholders and international partners is essential. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify a deadline for applications, which may indicate a rolling recruitment process. The position is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment. The role may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, and international organizations, which could enhance the candidate's experience and professional network.