National Consultant on Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GWDE) - Viet Nam

Organizational Context

UNESCO is an executing agency for the GEF-funded project "Enhancing sustainability of the Transboundary Cambodia-Mekong River Delta Aquifer (CMDA)". This project addresses critical groundwater management challenges in a transboundary aquifer shared by Cambodia and Viet Nam, vital for millions of people and significant ecosystems. The project aims to foster consensus on aquifer concerns, improve transboundary cooperation and governance, and promote legal, institutional, and policy reforms for sustainable aquifer utilization and ecosystem protection.

Job Purpose

The National Consultant will provide essential technical support for Output 1.2 of the UNESCO-led component 1, focusing on the analysis of groundwater-related dependencies of ecosystems within the CMDA project. This role involves assessing the state and services of Groundwater-dependent Ecosystems (GWDE) in Viet Nam, evaluating potential impacts from climate and human activities, and contributing to the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA). The consultant will work collaboratively with national and international experts, under the guidance of UNESCO Hanoi Office and Headquarters, to ensure scientific rigor and effective project outcomes for sustainable groundwater management and ecosystem preservation.

Responsibilities

The consultant will identify and select relevant Groundwater-dependent Ecosystems (GWDE) in the Vietnamese portion of the CMDA, adhering to criteria agreed upon with UNESCO. This includes compiling and analyzing available data on these sites, identifying data gaps, and contributing to a collaborative assessment of their current state and ecosystem services, such as groundwater recharge and flood retention. The assessment will evaluate the potential impacts of projected trends, including climate change and groundwater exploitation, on GWDE. Utilizing state-of-the-art methodologies and tools, the consultant will work closely with national and international experts. Finally, the consultant will prepare a report summarizing the GWDE contribution to the TDA process for the Vietnamese side of the CMDA, using a provided template, and participate in relevant meetings and workshops.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of relevant work or research experience in biodiversity and ecosystem assessment, or water resource management in Viet Nam is necessary. Proven experience with biodiversity and ecosystems in the Mekong Delta region and experience collaborating with Vietnamese ministries and government agencies on water resource management are essential.

Skills

Proficiency in GIS-based applications and standard office software, including MS Excel, MS Word, and MS PowerPoint, is required. Excellent written and spoken English and Vietnamese language skills are also necessary.

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