National Consultant (Project Liason Officer) (Hanoi, Viet Nam) contract

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 1 – Junior

Hiring Unit : Natural Sciences Sector (SC)

Duty Station : Hanoi

Work location : Remote

Duration of contract : 11 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight – UTC+7 Time / Ha Noi time) : 19/04/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

BACKGROUND

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. 

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), and executed by IUCN, UNESCO, and MERFI. As one of the Executing Agency of the Project, UNESCO Country Office in Vietnam is looking for a national individual consultant to act as the Project Liaison Officer.  

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide day-to-day support to the Project National Project Management Unit hosted by the Department of Water Resources Management, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (NPMU) and to the Project Executing Partners. He/she will ensure strong coordination and effective communication among governmental agencies in Viet Nam and with Project Executing Partners related to the Project. The consultant (Project Liaison Officer) will also support UNESCO’s activities and reporting responsibilities and coordinate closely with other Executing Partners (IUCN and MERFI) to ensure alignment and effective implementation of joint / relevant activities under the CMDA project.

The Project Liaison Officer will share his/her working time between the NPMU office and UNESCO office in Hanoi as agreed between the NPMU and UNESCO. He/she will be put under the overall responsibility of the Head of the UNESCO Country Office in Vietnam, and the direct supervision of the Chief of the Natural Sciences Unit of UNESCO Hanoi Office, in closely work with National Project Officer.

The consultant ( Project Liaison Officer) will perform the following tasks:

• Liaison to and with the NPMU, the Project Steering Committee, project teams of the Executing Partners, provincial authorities, and other agencies engaged in the Project
• Assist the NPMU in fulfilling administrative responsibilities related to the Project, including but not limited to drafting correspondence, briefings, meeting minutes; project data and report filling, fulfilling the reporting requirements in line with the existing regulation of Viet Nam
• Support NPMU and Executing Partners in facilitating, arrange technical discussions, tracking and following up on pending deliverables, and implementing logistic and administrative tasks related to project activities such as fieldwork, consultation workshops, regular meetings (such as NPMUs and RPSC meetings), trainings, reporting and data collection for M&E
• Ensure and maintain close and effective coordination, smooth administrative process, and effective communication among governmental agencies in Vietnam related to the Project, between governmental agencies in Vietnam and Executing

Duration: 11 months (with possibility of extension based on performance, needs and fund availability)

Payment will be made on a monthly basis in local currency (VND), upon submission of the above-mentioned deliverables and their satisfactory acceptance by UNESCO.

• 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.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree (University – level) in water resources management, with a strong focus on water resources, groundwater management or other relevant areas.  

WORK EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in supporting the implementation and management of water resources projects, with strong knowledge, qualifications, and practical experience in hydrogeology, groundwater management, and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).
• In-depth knowledge of policies and institutional frameworks in the water sector; demonstrated experience in drafting and developing legal documents, including circulars and decrees related to water resources management.
• Have experience in collaborating closely with various stakeholders, including relevant ministries, local agencies, private sector in water resources management.
• Sound understandings and experiences of the administrative procedure at central and provincial level for the water resources /ODA funded project implementation.
• Very good command of MS Office.
• Very good organizational skills, self-management, and teamwork.
• Very good coordination and communication skills.
• Fluent written and oral communication skills in English and Vietnamese.

• Previous experience with UN projects in the field of hydrogeology, water resource management, groundwater management in Viet Nam.
• Well understood govermental structure, ODA funded project procedure and strong network within Ministry of Agriculture and Environment
• Experience working with ministries and government agencies at national and provincial levels on topics related to water resource management.

APPLICATION: 

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 documents: 

• A letter of expression of interest. 

• An updated Curriculum Vitae. 

• A financial proposal, indicating a monthly rate and daily rate (in US$ and inclusive of income tax or any other tax applicable). Application submitted without a monthly and daily rate will not be considered.
• The contact details of three referees 

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).

• 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.