Background
MERFI has been selected by FAO to complete large parts of the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) for the GEF-funded project Enhancing sustainability of the Transboundary Cambodia – Mekong River Delta Aquifer. For completing a high quality TDA for the transboundary area in Cambodia in Viet Nam, MERFI seeks to fill one additional national consultant position as listed below. Please send your application with a cover letter and an up-to-date CV by 02 January 2025 to alex.smajgl@merfi.org.
Agricultural expert
Background
The project will employ an Agricultural expert as member of Viet Nam’s national team for completing the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) according to GEF IW standards. The expert will be responsible for conducting the agriculture sector and food security assessment.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the guidance and supervision of the TDA coordinator and the international expert for agricultural production, Viet Nam’s agircultural expert will conduct the following assessment:
- The first TDA stage will be focused on the status quo (ex-post) and the trend that led to the current state. For the trend analysis data will need to be accessed and analysed. This requires experience in statistical methods.
- The second TDA stage will be conducted as an assessment of future scenarios. This step requires adequate methods to establish robust predictions structured along pre-defined scenarios.
- The third TDA stage will repeat the second stage as a trans-disciplinary assessment integrating assessment results from other disciplines (e.g. ecosystem, hydrology, socio-economics).
- Other tasks related to the TDA required by National PMU
These three assessments will need to quantify and qualify sets of indicators as already specified in the Project Document and that will be further specified at the beginning of the project. Irrigation will be a key aspect of the assessment. Methodology and results from each of the three stages will need to be documented in written reports. The process requires the expert to participate in a range of internal and external meetings and workshops. Further the consultant will need to attend a series of workshops and work meetings. The consultant will also have to communicate with and regularly report the progress of the work to the National PMU.
Required skills and expertise
- A university degree (MSc or PhD) in a subject related to agricultural sciences.
- At least 10 years of experience in designing and implementing agriultural assessments and irrigation management in Southeast Asia.
- At least five years of experience working with MONRE, MARD and other relevant Government agencies.
- At least 10 years of experience in agricultural management including irrigation management.
- Previous experience with UN project will be a definite asset;
- Proficiency in the use of computer software applications particularly MS Excel and MS Word, data analysis tools (i.e all program/ SPSS), and mapping;
- Excellent language skills in English (writing, speaking and reading).
