Climate and El Nino Expert
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a United Nations agency dedicated to defeating hunger and promoting food security worldwide. Established in 1945, FAO operates in over 130 countries. In Viet Nam since 1978, its Representation in Ha Noi supports national efforts. Currently, FAO is undertaking a drought assessment in Viet Nam, leveraging international best practices in drought monitoring, forecasting, and management. This initiative aims to analyze drought risks in the Central Highlands under the projected 2026 El Niño conditions, integrating climate data and risk analysis to inform resilient water management and climate adaptation strategies.
Job Purpose
The Climate and El Niño Expert will provide specialized technical guidance on climate variability and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The primary focus will be to meticulously assess the potential impacts of the forecasted 2026 El Niño event on drought conditions within Viet Nam's Central Highlands. This role is crucial for understanding and predicting climate-related risks to inform preparedness and mitigation strategies, ensuring the resilience of agricultural systems and livelihoods in a vulnerable region.
Responsibilities
The Climate and El Niño Expert will review global, regional, and national climate outlooks and reports concerning ENSO and the anticipated 2026 El Niño event. This includes analyzing historical climate patterns and drought occurrences in the Central Highlands, specifically their correlation with El Niño. The expert will assess the projected evolution of the El Niño event and its potential implications for drought in Vietnam, identifying high-risk provinces and sectors. Collaboration with team members to integrate climate information into the drought assessment, contributing to the identification of technical gaps in drought management, and reviewing international best practices in climate-informed drought preparedness are key duties. The role also involves providing technical input for stakeholder consultations and validation workshops, and contributing to the final assessment report and recommendations.
Work Experience
A minimum of 10 years of professional experience is required in areas such as climate analysis, climate forecasting, drought assessment, or climate change adaptation. Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and familiarity with climate conditions and drought issues in Viet Nam, particularly the Central Highlands, are highly advantageous. Previous engagement with national hydro-meteorological agencies or international organizations is also beneficial.
Skills
Demonstrated expertise in climate analysis, seasonal forecasting, and drought assessment is essential. A strong understanding of ENSO dynamics and their impact on climate variability in Vietnam, especially the Central Highlands, is required. Proficiency in analytical and report-writing is crucial. Experience in developing drought forecasting and early warning systems, working with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, and collaborating with government agencies and development partners is advantageous. The ability to deliver high-quality technical outputs under tight deadlines is expected.