National Expert on Groundwater (Hydrogeology)

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, eradicating poverty, and fostering sustainable development through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information. The UNESCO Country Office in Viet Nam plays a crucial role in implementing the organization's mission within the country, particularly in the areas of natural sciences and environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The National Expert on Groundwater (Hydrogeology) will play a pivotal 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 expert will work closely with national and international experts, contributing to a collaborative assessment of groundwater resources in the Cambodian-Mekong Delta Aquifer (CMDA) region. The consultant will be responsible for compiling and analyzing data related to hydrogeology, groundwater quality, and land use changes, and will contribute to the development of a conceptual model that describes the hydrogeological characteristics of the Vietnamese side of the CMDA. The position requires a strong background in hydrogeology and water resource management, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Compile and analyze up-to-date data on hydrogeology, recharge and discharge areas, water-table levels, groundwater quality, and exploitation dynamics on the Vietnamese side of the CMDA.
• Identify data gaps in the aforementioned areas and assess the vulnerability and risk of seawater intrusion and land subsidence due to overexploitation.
• Develop a conceptual model that describes the hydrogeological characteristics of the Vietnamese side of the CMDA, including recharge and groundwater removal zones.
• Conduct a collaborative assessment of groundwater resources using state-of-the-art aquifer numerical assessment methods.
• Develop detailed scenarios on groundwater flow, recharge, climate change impacts, and exploitation effects.
• Prepare a report summarizing contributions to the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) process for the Vietnamese side of the CMDA.
• Participate in internal and external meetings and workshops as required.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced graduate degree (MSc.) in hydrogeology, water resource engineering/management, hydrology, or related environmental and engineering sciences.
• At least 10 years of qualifying work experience in hydrogeological investigation, groundwater modeling, and management in the context of water resource management in Viet Nam.
• Proven expertise in GIS-based applications and hydro-geology software for effective groundwater management.
• Proficiency in office software applications, particularly MS Excel, MS Word, and MS PowerPoint.
• Excellent language skills in English and Vietnamese (writing, speaking, and reading).

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced graduate degree (MSc.) in hydrogeology, water resource engineering/management, hydrology, or related environmental and engineering sciences. A PhD in a relevant field is desirable and will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of qualifying work experience in hydrogeological investigations, groundwater modeling, and management, particularly in the context of water resource management in Viet Nam. Extensive experience in developing groundwater models within the Mekong region and previous experience with transboundary aquifer projects are highly valued. A record of relevant project work and collaboration with international organizations is also beneficial.

Languages:
Mandatory languages include excellent proficiency in English and Vietnamese, both written and spoken. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is 11 months, with the possibility of an extension for an additional 4 to 7 months, subject to performance and project needs. The expert's total engagement shall not exceed 11 person-months across the entire contract period. Payments will be made upon acceptance of deliverables by UNESCO. The expert may be required to undertake missions, with related expenses covered according to UNESCO and EU-UN cost norms in Viet Nam. This position is open to Vietnamese nationals only.