National Consultant for Groundwater Dynamics Assessment

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 more than 2,000 employees. The organization focuses on building peace in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, and communication. The Phnom Penh Office specifically addresses issues related to natural sciences and sustainable development in the region, particularly concerning water resource management and environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Groundwater Dynamics Assessment will play a crucial role in the UNESCO-led project aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the Transboundary Cambodia-Mekong River Delta Aquifer. This position involves providing technical support for assessing the current state of groundwater resources, recharge and extraction dynamics, and their effects on ecosystems and livelihoods. The consultant will work closely with national experts and stakeholders to collect and analyze data, assess the economic valuation of groundwater resources, and contribute to the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) process. The consultant is expected to deliver comprehensive reports summarizing socioeconomic findings and participate in meetings and workshops to share insights and progress.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the National Project Management Unit (NPMU), government, and relevant stakeholders to gather primary and secondary data, including qualitative and quantitative information.
• Compile and review existing socioeconomic, hydrological, and environmental data on the Cambodian side of the CMDA, identifying data gaps to understand groundwater extraction trends and its role in local economies.
• Assess the economic valuation of groundwater resources, quantifying their contribution to local and regional economies and understanding the impacts of water scarcity or contamination.
• Prepare a report summarizing the socioeconomic findings related to groundwater resources in Cambodia to contribute to the TDA process.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the NPMU.
• Participate in internal and external meetings and workshops as required, providing inputs and insights based on the consultant's findings.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a graduate degree, preferably a PhD, in socioeconomics, sustainable development studies, or natural resource management and environmental or engineering sciences. Additionally, the candidate should have at least 10 years of relevant work experience, particularly in assessing social and economic impacts related to water resource management in Cambodia. Experience working with government agencies and ministries on water resource management topics is highly desirable, as is previous experience with UN projects. Strong coordination and interpersonal skills, a good understanding of government functioning, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential. Proficiency in office software applications, particularly MS Excel, MS Word, and MS PowerPoint, is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a graduate degree in a relevant field such as socioeconomics, sustainable development studies, or natural resource management and environmental or engineering sciences. A PhD is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the relevant areas.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of qualifying work experience, which may include a combination of practical work and research experience. This experience should specifically relate to assessing social and economic impacts arising from development, particularly in the context of water resource management in Cambodia. Familiarity with working alongside ministries and government agencies at both national and provincial levels is considered an asset, as is prior experience with UN projects.

Languages:
Excellent proficiency in English and Khmer is mandatory, encompassing writing, speaking, and reading skills. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the preparation of reports and documentation.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy position is set for 11 months, with the expectation of full-time work and a flexible working location. The consultant may be required to undertake missions, for which the UNESCO Phnom Penh Office will provide necessary support. Monthly progress reports must be submitted to supervisors before each payment, detailing the tasks undertaken and accomplishments in line with the responsibilities outlined. Interested candidates must complete an online application, providing a comprehensive proposal that includes a curriculum vitae, a technical proposal, a financial proposal, and contact details for three referees. The selection process may involve tests and assessments, as well as competency-based interviews, with communication technologies utilized for evaluations.