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Vacancy #: |
7471 |
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Unit: |
Vietnam Programme Coordination |
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Organisation: |
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) |
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Location: |
Vietnam Project Coordination Office, Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nam |
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Ho Chi Minh |
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Reporting to: |
Deputy Head of Lower Mekong Subregion |
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Work percentage: |
100% |
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Grade: |
P2 |
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Expected start date: |
01 February 2026 |
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Type of contract: |
Fixed-term (up to 24 months) |
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Closing date: |
21 December 2025 |
BACKGROUND
This is a bilateral GEF IW project between Cambodia and Viet Nam focused on the improved transboundary management of the shared Cambodia-Mekong Delta Aquifer (CMDA).
Key challenges in the CMDA include (i) rapid groundwater decline, (ii) land surface subsidence, (iii) increasing levels of arsenic and other contaminants, (iv) salinity intrusion, and (v) degrading groundwater dependent ecosystems. Climate change and upstream development are expected to deepen the vulnerability of the aquifer and dependent livelihoods and ecosystems, as future scenarios highlight accelerating threats for large parts of the population living in Cambodia and Viet Nam’s Mekong Delta.
The project objective is “to strengthen environmental sustainability and water security in the Lower Mekong Basin by focusing, for the first time, on improved governance and sustainable utilization of the Cambodia-Mekong River Delta Transboundary Aquifer”. Specific Outcomes include:
- Outcome 1: Consensus among countries on key transboundary and national concerns affecting the aquifer, reached through joint fact finding, opening pathways to concerted remedial actions
- Outcome 2: Tested strategies for improved groundwater recharge, reduced extraction and mitigated ecosystem/ livelihoods trade-offs
- Outcome 3: Agreed upon arrangements for transboundary cooperation improve aquifer transboundary governance
- Outcome 4: Commitment reached among countries on implementing priority legal, institutional and policy reforms and investments for the protection and equitable utilization of the shared aquifer and its’ dependent ecosystems
- Outcome 5: Implementation of project mechanisms for monitoring, improved stakeholder consultation, gender mainstreaming, dissemination, coordination and monitoring progress enhance long-term sustainability of achievements
Establishing transboundary groundwater management mechanisms for CMDA is paramount for sustainable development, mainly involving the conjunctive management of surface and groundwater resources enhancing synergies with biodiversity conservation (e.g. wetland management), forests and inland fisheries management, and resolving conflicts at the food, energy and environment nexus.
FAO will be the Implementing Agency and IUCN has been selected as the Lead Executing Agency. A Trans-boundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) process will be largely executed by UNESCO IHP and the Mekong Region Futures Institute (MERFI) while IUCN will lead all Strategic Action Plan (SAP) related steps, supported by other executing agencies and the Cambodia and Viet Nam National Mekong Committee (CNMC & VNMC). UNESCO WWAP will coordinate gender focused activities. The countries will execute pilot projects, which will be based on the TDA results and inform the SAP formulation process. The total budget is $15 million over 5 years, of which $2.275 million will be disbursed directly from FAO to DWRM in Viet Nam and the General Directorate of Environmental Protection (GDEP) in Cambodia to support pilot project implementation.
This is a local recruitment. Only Vietnamese nationals, individuals with residence status or the appropriate employment visa for Viet Nam are eligible to apply. Working location is in Project Coordination Office in Ho Chi Minh City with frequent travel to sites in Vietnamese Mekong Delta.
The remuneration and benefits package for this position is established with reference to the local labour market and in line with the IUCN conditions of service for Viet Nam.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Under the guidance of the CTA, the NC will manage project activities in Viet Nam as part of the the GEF International Waters (IW) Enhancing sustainability of the Transboundary Cambodia – Mekong River Delta Aquifer, which will operate in Cambodia and Viet Nam.
The project will be delivered through a Regional Project Management Unit (RPMU) based in Ho Chi Minh City and National Project Management Units (NPMU) in Hanoi and Phnom Penh. The RPMU will be managed by a HCMC based Chief Technical Advisor on a day-to-day basis in cooperation with the two NCs, and two National Project Directors (NPDs) assigned (on a part-time basis) by the two government executing agencies. The Cambodian NC will be based at the IUCN Phnom Penh Office.
The Cambodia National Coordinator and RPMU will operate under the guidance of the Regional Project Steering Committee (RPSC), with members appointed by the two governments, and with the support of dedicated Finance and Admin Officers.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
- Under supervision of the CTA, lead the in-country implementation of project activities in close collaboration with the RPMU and NPMU in Viet Nam, and the NC and project team in Cambodia.
- Provide day-to-day secretariat support to the NPMU and handle day-to-day project activities and requirements.
- Work closely with Department of Water Resources Management (DWRM) – Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) to ensure all project activities follow the laws and regulations of Viet Nam for such activities.
- Manage the delivery and performance of consultancy sub-contracts in Viet Nam.
- Provide technical review of project outputs and adherence to Vietnamese law, standards and norms.
- Ensure project documents translated from English into Vietnamese are accurate and of high quality.
- Monitor, and regularly report on the progress of the project against annual budget and work plan.
- Support the CTA in monitoring project M&E indicators, GEF core indicators.
- Prepare monthly reporting according to the project requirements.
- Provide inputs for the six-monthly and annual written reports on the overall project delivery, covering issues such as project activities, outputs and outcome delivery.
- Liaise with relevant project stakeholders, including central and provincial government departments, research institutes/organisations, local NGOs and civil society.
- Maintain linkages with other projects and studies relevant to the project and identify opportunities for partnership, technical collaboration and knowledge exchange with other agencies, organizations and donors.
REQUIREMENTS
- Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Hydrology/ Water Science and Management; Environmental Sciences. A Postgraduate Degree would be advantageous.
- At least six years of relevant experience in groundwater and transboundary water resource-related projects in Viet Nam, and will have knowledge, qualifications and experience in groundwater dynamics, hydrology, IWRM, as well as climate change adaptation and resilience. Previous work experience in the Vietnam and Cambodia Mekong Delta is an advantage.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to effectively motivate and collaborate with colleagues and partners.
- Clear commitment to embracing and contributing to a culture of high performance and accountability.
- Demonstrated commitment to working within multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
- Fluency in written and verbal English and Vietnamese.
- Proficient in using computers and software applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and other applications.
- Willingness and capacity to undertake strenuous and/or extended periods of field-based activities.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the “Apply“ button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.
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