Expertise: Groundwater specialist
Expertise Group: Agriculture/Rural Development
Consultant Source: National
TOR Keywords: Groundwater specialist
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s
assistance in developing criteria lists and guidelines for water resources assessment and classification
in response to the pressing challenges in water resources management issues.
Vietnam’s rapid economic and social growth has intensified pressure on its water sources, leading to
disputes and management challenges among competing demands from various sectors. Issues such as
untreated wastewater discharge from domestic, urban, and rural sources, inadequate agricultural and
aquacultural waste management, overexploitation driven by population growth and urbanization, and
climate change-induced droughts have significantly degraded many rivers and reservoirs. This degradation
not only diminishes the ecological functions of water bodies and environmental consequences, but also
imposes substantial economic losses. According to World Bank (2019) , water pollution could reduce
Vietnam’s GDP by 4.3% annually with further projections of 2.5% by 2035 if no effective interventions
take place.
In response to critical water resource management challenges, the Government of Vietnam has enacted the
Law on Water Resources 2023 aimed at meeting the escalating demand for water sustainably. Article 34 of
this law mandates the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) to identify and prioritize
the restoration of degraded, depleted, and polluted water resources. Plans and programs for river
restoration derived from this list are to be developed and submitted for approval by the Prime Minister.
The proposed assignment will assist the Government of Vietnam in strengthening sustainable water
resources management and restoration efforts. Specifically, it will support developing criteria,
methodological framework, and national guidelines for assessing and classifying water resources.
Scope of Work
The proposed assignment will be conducted by a team of individual consultants working closely with MONRE
and other relevant Vietnamese authorities. The consultants will conduct a comprehensive review and
analysis of Vietnam’s current water resources situation and develop a set of criteria for assessing and
classifying water resources based on sample collection and analysis, hydrological modelling, ecological
factors, climate change impacts, and socio-economic considerations. The consultants will validate and
pilot testing of these criteria in at least two river basins and develop a national guideline for
widespread application. Overall, the consultants will:
• Maintain close coordination with ADB, MONRE and other relevant stakeholders throughout the assignment
with regular updates and reports on key milestone;
• Prepare a detailed methodology and work plan outlining the approach for completing the assignment,
including identifying and mapping key stakeholders and their roles, establishing coordination and
communication plan, and setting key milestones;
• Consolidate baseline information through field visits and review of available data, government
policies, and relevant materials on water resources assessment methodologies and their application in
Viet Nam. Provide an analysis of strength, weaknesses, and gaps in the current practices. Incorporating
international best practices and lessons learned applicable to the Vietnamese context
• Develop a draft methodology for water resources assessment and classification. This includes compiling
a comprehensive list of criteria for surface water and groundwater resources classification, defining
different types of classifications and specify varying levels of criteria requirements corresponding to
each type based on levels of degradation, pollution, and depletion, develop a plan for monitoring and
collecting data.
• Communicate the draft methodology with MONRE and other stakeholders and solicit feedback and input to
refine and improve the draft.
• Pilot the methodology and criteria lists in at least two river basins, including groundwater resources
to validate the effectiveness and applicability of the developed criteria.
• Finalize the methodology and criteria based on feedback received and lessons learned from pilot
tests.
• Prepare comprehensive guidelines for nationwide application of the finalized methodology and criteria
lists.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
• Conduct a comprehensive review of the current situation of groundwater resources in Vietnam including
aquifer characterizations, availability of groundwater quantity, quality, and vulnerability by
literature review and hydrogeological surveys and assessment;
• Evaluate groundwater flow dynamics, aquifer recharge rates, and contaminant transport pathways, taking
into account impacts of climate change and human activities;
• Identify criteria and sub-criteria related to groundwater resources assessment, propose requirements
and levels for each criterion corresponding to the classifications, and develop methodology, data
collection and monitoring plan to assess and classify these criteria;
• Lead in piloting methodology and criteria related to groundwater by developing and implementing
surveys, data collection, analysis, and refine the methodology and classification of the criteria based
on results of the pilot;
• Develop and implement a comprehensive groundwater monitoring plan, including selection of monitoring
sites, parameters to be measured, and frequency of data collection;
• Analyze groundwater-surface water interactions and their implications for integrated water resources
management;
• Evaluate the potential for artificial recharge and managed aquifer recharge techniques to enhance
groundwater resources;
• Review groundwater management strategies and policies in Vietnam and compare with international
standards and best practices to identify gaps and propose solutions to address these gaps;
• Develop guidelines for sustainable groundwater extraction and protection of groundwater-dependent
ecosystems;
• Provide technical guidance and capacity building to local stakeholders on groundwater assessment and
monitoring, and sustainable management practices;
• Contribute to the prepare of guidelines, consultation workshops, trainings, and other events related
to groundwater management;
• Undertake other relevant work requested by ADB and/or Team leader.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
The specialist will have (i) an advanced degree or relevant qualification in hydrogeology, geology,
environmental science, or related fields; (ii) minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in
hydrogeological investigations, groundwater assessment, development and protection; (iii) strong
knowledge of groundwater flow principles, aquifer characterization techniques, contaminant hydrogeology
and groundwater salt intrusion, groundwater exploration and development (Identifying and evaluating
groundwater resources for sustainable extraction, artificial recharge). (iv) proficiency in groundwater
modeling software and GIS for spatial analysis; (v) recent experience working with international
organizations; (vi) recent experience as a consultant expert in water resources assessment projects with
an international organization, focusing on groundwater. (vii) network of relevant professional expertise
and ability to work effectively with government agencies and other stakeholders including local
communities, civil society, and the private sector; and (vii) familiarity with international standards
and best practices in groundwater resources assessment. The specialist will work closely with the Team
leader and assist the Team Leader in the area related to groundwater monitoring and assessment.
Minimum General Experience: 15 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 15 Years
