National Consultant for Groundwater Dynamics

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 is part of UNESCO's efforts to address regional challenges, particularly in the context of sustainable development and environmental management.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Groundwater Dynamics 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 analysis of groundwater-related dependencies of ecosystems, particularly focusing on the impacts of groundwater extraction and recharge dynamics on local biodiversity and livelihoods. The consultant will work closely with national experts from Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as international partners, to develop proposals for interventions that safeguard groundwater-dependent ecosystems. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing reports that summarize contributions to the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) process, ensuring that the findings are communicated effectively to stakeholders. This role requires a deep understanding of ecohydrology and water resource management, as well as the ability to coordinate with various stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare a comprehensive proposal for interventions aimed at safeguarding groundwater-dependent ecosystems, utilizing state-of-the-art ecohydrology methodologies.
• Develop a report summarizing the contributions of ecohydrology to the TDA process for Cambodia, ensuring alignment with UNESCO's guidelines.
• Provide regular progress reports to the National Project Management Unit (NPMU) and participate in internal and external meetings and workshops as required.
• Collaborate with national experts and institutions to ensure effective implementation of project activities.
• Engage in stakeholder consultations to gather input and feedback on proposed interventions.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies and make recommendations for improvements.
• Ensure compliance with UNESCO's policies and procedures throughout the consultancy period.

Required Qualifications:

• A graduate degree, preferably a PhD, in ecology, hydrology, biodiversity and conservation, ecosystem management, or related environmental or engineering sciences.
• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in water governance and law, particularly in the context of water resource management in Cambodia.
• Proven experience working with government ministries and agencies at both national and provincial levels on water resource management issues.
• Previous experience with UN projects is highly desirable.
• Strong coordination and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Proficiency in office software applications, particularly MS Excel, MS Word, and MS PowerPoint.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a graduate degree in a relevant field, with a preference for those holding a PhD in areas such as ecology, hydrology, or environmental sciences. This educational background is essential for understanding the complex interactions between groundwater dynamics and ecosystem health, as well as for developing scientifically sound proposals for interventions.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in water governance and law, with a strong emphasis on water resource management in Cambodia. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with governmental bodies and possess experience in managing projects related to water resources, particularly in a transboundary context. Familiarity with UN regulations and guidelines will be considered an asset, as will experience in conducting research and assessments related to groundwater and ecohydrology.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Khmer is mandatory, with excellent skills in writing, speaking, and reading. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regional context of the project.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy contract will last for 11 months, and the consultant is expected to work full-time with a flexible working location. The position is open exclusively to Cambodian nationals. The consultant may be required to undertake missions, for which the UNESCO Phnom Penh Office will provide necessary support. Monthly progress reports are required to be submitted to supervisors prior to each payment, ensuring accountability and transparency in the consultancy process.