INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT: WATER COOPERATION AND GROUNDWATER

JOB DETAILS Type of contract : Consultant Contract Level : Level 3 - Senior Hiring Unit : Natural Sciences Sector (SC) Duty Station : Bangkok Work location : Remote Duration of contract : 11 months Hiring open to : External candidates Application deadline (Midnight UTC+7 Time) : 08/06/2026 UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, ProfessionalismOVERVIEW 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. ASSIGNMENTS 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 activitiesa. 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 MedProgrammeIn 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 disseminati