INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT: WATER COOPERATION AND GROUNDWATER

Background and Context

In the framework of the 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, in cooperation with the UNESCO Division of Water Sciences, is seeking for a senior water expert, with hydrogeological experience, to provide technical support to a series of projects and activities. 

Under the overall authority of the Regional Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, and the direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator - Groundwater Cooperation and Climate Resilience, the consultant will provide technical support in line with the following:

1)    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)”:
a.    Provide technical guidance throughout the TDA preparation process, ensuring coherence and alignment of inputs from national experts, institutions, and international partners. 
b.    Support the consolidation of contributions into a comprehensive and high-quality final TDA report, consistent with UNESCO’s vision and project objectives. 
c.    Develop concept notes, agendas/programmes, and summary reports for a minimum of five (5) technical coordination meetings and workshops under UNESCO-led components. 
d.    Prepare a concept note outlining the project’s knowledge management approach, including tools, processes, and outputs. 
e.    Document key findings, best practices, and lessons learned from knowledge exchange and capacity-building activities. 
f.    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.

2. Support to resources mobilization activities
a.    Prepare two project proposal, using the correct GEF PIF form. This task will include a desk review of past results, reports and documentation and consultations with national partners and focal points. 
b.    Preparation of a concept note for a regional training course of groundwater assessment, management and governance and on conjunctive management in coastal aquifer setting.

3. Support for the preparation and execution of events in 2026.
a.    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.
b.    Provide technical expertise to support project operationalization, including: review of Inception Workshop outcomes; preparation of Project Steering Committee materials and coordination with Executing Entities; development of the annual workplan; technical support on Managed Aquifer Recharge feasibility and groundwater measures; and inputs to environmental and social safeguards.
   
4. 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:
a)    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) 
b)    An updated 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. 

Location and Travel:
The Individual Specialist will be home-based and work remotely from any location. They must be available for virtual meetings with the team during office hours in Bangkok, Thailand (UTC+7).

The performance period is eleven months, from June 2026. (tentative) 

• 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 [link removed].

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.

• Previous experience in working in UN setting.
  
• Demonstrated previous experience providing technical assistance to national stakeholders, including government officials, national academics, and technical staff from multilateral/bilateral organizations.

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).

LANGUAGES

•    Excellent proficiency of English in writing and speaking.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

•    Previous experience and a good knowledge of the UN system is an asset.  

•    Excellent communication skills, with proficiency in written and spoken English and a good knowledge of French.

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: 

1. 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
2. a statement indicating how your qualifications and experience make you suitable for the assignment;
3. Technical proposal: Short Approach and Methodology to carrying out the assignment, including a Gantt diagram (up to 5 pages);
4. Description of all relevant previous working experience related to the tasks listed above (up to 3 pages);
5. List of relevant publications, including peer-reviewed articles and technical reports, in the fields of groundwater, aquifer assessment, conjunctive water management, and/or transboundary aquifers;
6. Financial proposal in USD, including :
   o    total fee 
   o    number of working days (a minimum of 80% or an 11 month contract)
   o    daily rate as a senior level consultant
   Note: These Terms of Reference are intended to provide a general framework for the consultancy. Further discussions and negotiations may be required to finalize the TORs and contract details.

UNESCO places great emphasis on ensuring that the objectives of the work assignment, as described in the Terms of Reference, are met. Accordingly, in evaluating the proposals for the assignment, attention will focus first and foremost on the technical elements. From those proposals deemed suitable in terms of the criteria in the Terms of Reference, UNESCO shall select the proposal that offers the Organization the best value for money.

Application should be done through careers.unesco.org only. In case you are unable to attach the required documents in the system, please inform us at [email protected]

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

• Assessment
  
• Only applications providing the information requested in the application procedure will be considered.
  
• Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

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 [link removed]. 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.