National Consultant for Groundwater Monitoring

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 approximately 2,000 employees. The organization focuses on building peace in the minds of men and women, fostering sustainable development, and promoting cultural diversity.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Groundwater Monitoring 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 the design of groundwater monitoring networks and protocols, as well as developing agreements on data exchange mechanisms. The consultant will work closely with national experts from Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as international partners, to address significant challenges related to groundwater management in the region. The consultant will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data, preparing assessments, and developing proposals for monitoring networks that will ensure the sustainable use of groundwater resources in the CMDA region. This role requires a deep understanding of hydrogeology and water resource management, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collect and analyze available data and information regarding groundwater monitoring networks in Cambodia, identifying data gaps and preparing an initial assessment of existing systems.
• Propose a design for a multi-purpose joint monitoring network across the Cambodian segment of the aquifer, including a detailed monitoring network plan.
• Develop harmonized protocols for groundwater monitoring, including data collection on extraction rates and quality, and ensure validation by Joint Technical Committees (JTCs).
• Conduct a comparative analysis of existing groundwater data and identify parameters for the new monitoring networks.
• Collaborate on defining and harmonizing monitoring parameters to inform the development of a data sharing protocol between Cambodia and Vietnam.
• Identify benefits of data sharing and the role of government agencies in managing the data sharing mechanism.
• Share expertise and provide capacity development to government staff on groundwater monitoring and modeling.
• Submit regular progress reports to the National Project Management Unit (NPMU) and perform additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a graduate degree, preferably a PhD, in hydrogeology, hydrology, water resource management, or related environmental or engineering sciences. They should have at least 10 years of relevant work experience, including research in groundwater monitoring and management, particularly in the context of Cambodia. Experience working with government agencies and previous involvement in UN projects will be considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate proven skills in GIS applications and modeling tools, excellent coordination and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
A graduate degree in hydrogeology, hydrology, water resource management, or related fields is required. A PhD is preferred, indicating a high level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in groundwater management and monitoring.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of qualifying work experience, which may include research experience in groundwater monitoring and management. Candidates should have a strong background in water resource management, particularly in Cambodia, and experience collaborating with ministries and government agencies at various levels. Previous experience with UN projects is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Khmer is mandatory, with excellent skills in writing, speaking, and reading in both languages. This is essential for effective communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and international partners.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is for 11 months, and the consultant is expected to work full-time with a flexible working location. The role may require travel for field missions, and the UNESCO Phnom Penh Office will assist with mission arrangements. Monthly progress reports must be submitted to supervisors, and candidates are required to provide a financial proposal indicating their monthly rate in US dollars. Applications must include a complete Employment History Form, a technical proposal, and the contact details of three referees. The selection process may involve assessments and interviews, and only selected candidates will be contacted.