JOB DETAILS
Type of contract : Consultant Contract
Level : Level 3
Senior
Hiring Unit : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)
Duty Station : Hanoi
Work location : Remote
Duration of contract : 7 months
Hiring open to : External candidates
Application deadline (Extension
Midnight Ha Noi UTC+7 Time) : 11/06/2026
UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW
The lower section of the Mekong River Basin is underlain by a major transboundary aquifer system, shared by Cambodia and Viet Nam, the Cambodia-Mekong River Delta Aquifer (CMDA). This transboundary aquifer connects two ecosystems of global environmental significance and socio-economic importance, namely the Tonle Sap area and the Mekong Delta, and includes major urban areas, including the cities of Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh. Around 35 million people live in the CMDA recharge zone, and the vast majority of households depend on groundwater for drinking or for irrigation.
However, groundwater management is hindered by over-extraction, loss of recharge zones, climate change, pollution, salinity intrusion and land subsidence. In this context, transboundary solutions are paramount to address the mounting challenges.
UNESCO is an Executing Agency for the project "Enhancing sustainability of the Transboundary Cambodia-Mekong River Delta Aquifer", funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), implemented by The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Within the umbrella of the project, and as defined in the UN to UN Transfer Agreement, UNESCO's activities expect to contribute to the following outcomes:
1.Consensus among countries on key transboundary and national concerns affecting the aquifer, reached through joint fact finding, opening pathways to concerted remedial actions;
2. Agreed improvements of transboundary cooperation improve aquifer transboundary governance;
3. Commitment reached among countries on implementing priority legal, institutional and policy reforms and investments for the protection and equitable utilization of the shared aquifer and its' dependent ecosystem;
5. Implementation of project mechanisms for monitoring, improved stakeholder consultation, gender mainstreaming, dissemination, coordination and monitoring progress enhance long-term sustainability of achievements.
CONTRACT DURATION
The contract duration is 7 months, with the possibility of an extension for an additional 3 to 4 months, subject to performance and project needs. The expert's total engagement shall not exceed 11 person-months across the entire contract period, including any extension.
Payments will be made upon acceptance of UNESCO of the deliverables agreed with the expert.
The expert may be required to undertake missions, in such case, the related expenses will be covered in accordance with the regulations of UNESCO and EU-UN cost norms in Viet Nam.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Proficiency of GIS-based applications and office software, including MS Excel, MS Word, MS Power Point;
LANGUAGES
Excellent language skills in English and Vietnamese (writing, speaking and reading);
COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)
Professionalism (C)
Communication (C)
Accountability (C)
Innovation (C)
Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
Planning and organizing (C)
Results focus (C)
Teamwork (C)
For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework .
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should click on “Apply Now”, then download and complete the Employment History form (Word file). At the end of the Word file, insert extra pages with the following required information in English:
( Please note UNESCO cannot consider an incomplete proposal that does not include the followin g information requested )
SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.
To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website . No modifications can be made to the application once submitted.
The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.
Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course.
Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
The statutory retirement age at UNESCO is 65 years.
UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.