Expertise: water resources management, irrigation, or agriculture development
Expertise Group: Agriculture/Rural Development
Consultant Source: National
TOR Keywords:
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
Background
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is supporting the GOVernment of Viet Nam (GOV) in developing a pipeline
of investments in water resources management, irrigation modernization, and climate-resilient
agriculture under the Sustainable food systems development program. This proposed program will support
the Vinh Long, Dong Thap, Ca Mau, An Giang, and Can Tho provinces in transitioning to sustainable and
profitable farming systems, consistent with the Low-Emission Crop Production (2025–2035) framework.
Investments of up to $300 million are proposed for each province. Aligned with ICD’s guidance, the
program will help (i) develop national-scale commodity production zones, requiring inter-provincial and
inter-regional road and logistics infrastructure; and (ii) introduce digitalization across agricultural
value chains and for logistics.
Provincial Governments are preparing proposals for potential ADB financing, covering infrastructure,
nature-based solutions, and institutional strengthening. To ensure high-quality project preparation and
alignment with GOV and ADB requirements, there is a need to (i) assess the technical, economic,
environmental, and social soundness of provincial proposals; (ii) strengthen safeguards readiness,
particularly on land acquisition and resettlement; and (iii) support provinces in improving proposals to
meet ADB and GOV standards.
Objective of the Assignment
The objective of the assignment is to support participating provinces in Viet Nam to ensure that
proposed investments in water resources, irrigation, and agriculture are technically sound, safeguard-
compliant, and aligned with GOV and ADB project readiness requirements.
Scope of Work
The consultant will work closely with ADB, relevant provincial and national agencies to undertake the
following tasks to support participating provinces in Viet Nam to ensure that proposed investments in
water resources, irrigation, and agriculture are technically sound, safeguard-compliant, and aligned
with GOV and ADB project readiness requirements.
Implementation Arrangements
• The consultant will report to ADB’s AFNR.
• The consultant will coordinate closely with:
o Five project provinces
o Relevant central agencies and provincial Governments
• ADB will provide overall guidance and review of deliverables.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
(i) Review of Provincial Investment Proposals
• Assess the technical soundness of proposed interventions, including:
o Engineering design concepts and appropriateness of technologies
o Climate resilience and integration of nature-based solutions (NbS)
o Operation and maintenance (O&M) considerations and sustainability
• Review economic and financial viability, including:
o Cost estimates and assumptions
o Preliminary economic analysis (e.g., EIRR where available)
o Financial sustainability and cost recovery aspects
• Assess alignment with national sector policies and provincial plans
• Review integration of gender, social inclusion, and livelihood considerations
(ii) Assessment of Safeguards Readiness
• Evaluate compliance and readiness in line with:
o ADB Safeguard Policy
o GOV regulations
• Focus on:
o Land acquisition and resettlement (LAR) requirements
o Availability and quality of preliminary safeguards documents (IEE/EIA, RP)
o Identification of potential impacts and risks
• Identify gaps in safeguards documentation and implementation readiness
(iii) Support to Provinces for Proposal Enhancement
• Provide hands-on support to provincial agencies to:
o Refine/draft technical design, scope of investments, and government loan proposal
o Strengthen economic and financial justification
o Improve safeguards screening and documentation
o Align proposals with ADB project preparation requirements (including concept readiness filters)
• Ensure proposals are structured for potential inclusion in ADB investment projects or programs
(iv) Stakeholder Consultations
• Plan and facilitate consultations with key stakeholders, including:
o Provincial departments (DAE, DPI, etc.)
o Local communities, including affected households
o Relevant line ministries and development partners (as needed)
• Document consultation outcomes and integrate feedback into proposal revisions
(v) GIS Mapping of Proposed Interventions
• Compile and digitize spatial data for all proposed subprojects
• Prepare GIS maps showing:
o Location of interventions
o Key physical features (e.g., irrigation systems, flood-prone areas)
o Land use and environmental sensitivities
• Ensure compatibility with ADB and GOV spatial data requirements
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Qualifications and Experience
• Education:
o Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in agriculture, irrigation engineering, water resources engineering, or
related fields; advanced degree preferred
• Experience:
o At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in:
Water resources management, irrigation systems, or agriculture development
Preparation or review of investment projects
o Demonstrated experience working with development partners (preferably ADB or similar MDBs)
o Familiarity with GOV procedures and institutional arrangements
o Experience in environmental and social safeguards, particularly land acquisition and resettlement, is
highly desirable
o Experience in GIS mapping and spatial analysis is an advantage
• Skills:
o Strong analytical and report writing skills
o Ability to engage with provincial stakeholders and facilitate consultations
o Proficiency in Vietnamese (required) and working knowledge of English
Minimum General Experience: 7 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 7 Years
