OVERVIEW
Background and Context
In the framework of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Programme and Budget 2026-2027 (43C/5), Major Programme II, Output 2.3.SC: "Knowledge generated, and Member States' capacity for inclusive water resources management strengthened in a changing environment" and of IHP-IX "Science for a Water Secure World in a Changing Environment" (2022-2029), the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific (hereinafter called UNESCO Bangkok), in cooperation with the UNESCO Division of Water Sciences, is seeking for a senior hydrogeologist to provide technical support to a series of projects and activities.
ASSIGNMENTS
Under the overall authority of the Regional Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, and the direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator for Groundwater Cooperation and Climate Resilience, the consultant will provide technical support in line with the following:
Provide technical expertise to support the operationalization and implementation of UNESCO's components under the GEF/FAO project "Enhancing Sustainability of the Transboundary Cambodia-Mekong River Delta Aquifer (CMDA)":
- Provide technical guidance throughout the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) preparation process, ensuring coherence and alignment of inputs from national experts, institutions, and international partners.
- Support the consolidation of contributions into a comprehensive and high-quality final TDA report, consistent with UNESCO's vision and project objectives.
- Develop concept notes, agendas/programmes, and summary reports for a minimum of five (5) technical coordination meetings and workshops under UNESCO-led components.
- Prepare a concept note outlining the project's knowledge management approach, including tools, processes, and outputs.
- Document key findings, best practices, and lessons learned from knowledge exchange and capacity-building activities.
- Develop a stakeholder engagement strategy and action plan to ensure inclusive, meaningful, and continuous participation of relevant stakeholders at national and local levels in both countries. The strategy should ensure balanced representation, with particular attention to engaging water users, civil society organizations, youth, and women's groups in project activities and consultations.
Support to resources mobilization activities
- Prepare a revised project proposal for the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System (NSAS) to align it with GEF-IX priorities. This task will include a desk review of past results, reports and documentation and consultations with national partners and focal points.
- Prepare, using the official GEF template, a Project Identification form for a coastal aquifer project in the Mediterranean region. This task will use, as an input, a previous concept note, the official GEF PIF template and the GEF-IX guidelines and priorities.
- Preparation of a concept note for a regional training course of groundwater assessment, management and governance and on conjunctive management in coastal aquifer setting.
Support for the preparation and execution of events in 2026.
Preparation of a concept note, programme and Power Point Presentation for 5 sessions in international events taking place in 2026, with a focus on coastal aquifers in the mediterranean region.
Support to UNESCO component of GEF/UNEP MedProgramme
- In the framework of UNESCO's Component on "Management of Coastal Aquifers and Related Ecosystems" under the GEF/UNEP MedProgramme Child Project 2.1, provide technical support to the preparation of the results of the project for dissemination among beneficiary countries, which will include:
- Executive summary of technical publications integrating results from UNESCO's led research work on Groundwater-dependent Ecosystems (GDE) (output 2.1) and Submarine Groundwater Discharges (SGD) (output 2.3)
- A communication and outreach plan to disseminate the results of UNESCO's component on coastal aquifers identifying key target groups, key events in 2026 and 2027, key messages and impact.
In line with UNESCO's overall gender mainstreaming strategy, the incumbent is expected to integrate a gender perspective in all activities and apply gender analysis and mainstreaming concepts whenever feasible.
CONTRACT DURATION
The performance period is eleven months, from June 2026. (tentative)
COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)
- Communication (C)
- Accountability (C)
- Innovation (C)
- Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
- Planning and organizing (C)
- Results focus (C)
- Teamwork (C)
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
An advanced university degree (master's or equivalent and above) in Water Sciences, Water Management, Hydrogeology, Environmental Sciences or related fields. A PhD in the same areas is considered an asset.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in Water Sciences, focusing on the assessment, management, and governance of aquifers, including conjunctive water management and transboundary contexts.
- Previous work experience with GEF projects, groundwater and a geographical focus on the Mekong region and the Mediterranean region.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
- Proven ability to plan and organize effectively and manage multiple deadlines.
- Proven ability to work efficiently in a dynamic and multicultural team environment.
- Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills.
- Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word), proficiency working with communication tools (Microsoft Teams and Zoom).
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated previous experience providing technical assistance to national stakeholders, including government officials, national academics, and technical staff from multilateral/bilateral organizations.
- Previous experience and a good knowledge of the UN system is an asset.
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should click on "Apply Now" and download and complete the Employment History form (Word document) in 'Employment History Form / My Documents'. Before uploading the document, please insert the extra pages with the following required information one combined file:
Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages) stating details of educational qualifications, work experience including prior experience of similar
a statement indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment;
Technical proposal: Short Approach and Methodology to the consultancy (maximum 3 pages) identifying the specific components of the TOR and how the intended objectives and/or deliverables shall be addressed, detailing p