Climate and El Nino Expert

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 members - 194 countries and the European Union, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide and has started working in Viet Nam since 1978 with its Representation (Country Office) opened in Ha Noi.

FAO is looking to conduct a rapid drought assessment in Viet Nam, building upon existing FAO-supported drought assessment. It aims to draw upon international experiences and best practices in drought monitoring, forecasting, anticipatory action, and integrated drought management to identify lessons applicable to Viet Nam. It will also provide a comprehensive, forward-looking analysis of drought risks in the Central Highlands under the forecasted El Niño conditions of 2026. The assessment will integrate climate forecasting, drought risk analysis across sectors, and gap analysis to generate evidence-based recommendations for resilient water resources management and climate adaptation. The findings will support national and provincial authorities in strengthening drought preparedness, protecting agricultural production and rural livelihoods, safeguarding water security, and enhancing the long-term resilience of one of Viet Nam's most economically and environmentally important regions.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will be under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, technical supervision by the Lead Technical Officer in FAO-RAP, and day-to-day management by Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and the Water Resources Specialist.

Technical Focus

The Climate and El Nino Expert will provide technical expertise on climate variability and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), with particular emphasis on assessing the potential implications of the forecasted 2026 El Niño event for drought conditions in the Central Highlands.

Tasks and responsibilities

Working under the overall supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and in close collaboration with the Team Leader and relevant technical agencies, the Climate and El Nino Expert shall:

- Review available global, regional and national seasonal climate outlooks, forecasts and reports related to ENSO and the anticipated 2026 El Niño event. - Review historical climate patterns and drought events in the Central Highlands, with particular attention to the relationship between El Niño and drought occurrence. - Assess the expected evolution of the forecasted El Niño event and its potential implications for drought conditions in Vietnam, particularly Central Highlands. - Assess the potential intensification of drought conditions associated with the forecasted El Niño event and identify the provinces and sectors likely to face elevated risks. - Collaborate with the other team members to integrate climate information into the overall drought assessment. - Contribute to the identification of technical gaps in drought management. - Review international experiences and good practices in climate-informed drought preparedness and anticipatory action. - Participate and provide technical inputs in the consultation meetings and validation workshop with various stakeholders. - Contribute to the preparation of the final assessment report and recommendations.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (MSc or PhD) in Meteorology, Climatology, Climate Science, Hydrometeorology, Environmental science, or a closely related discipline; • At least 10 years of relevant experience in climate analysis, climate forecasting, drought assessment, or climate change adaptation; • Working knowledge of English and Vietnamese; • National of Viet Nam or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in climate analysis, seasonal forecasting and drought assessment; • Strong understanding of ENSO dynamics and their impacts on climate variability in Vietnam, with a focus on Central Highlands; • Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing drought forecasting and early warning systems is an advantage; • Strong analytical and report-writing skills; • Experience working with multidisciplinary technical teams; • Previous experience with national hydro-meteorological agencies or international organizations is an advantage; • Ability to deliver high-quality technical outputs within tight timelines; • Relevant experience in working in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, particularly in multilateral organizations; • Experience working with government agencies at all levels, research institutions, development partners, and relevant technical stakeholders in Viet Nam; • Previous experience working with FAO, other UN agencies, development partners, or international organizations is an advantage; • Demonstrated experience in analysing ENSO and seasonal climate forecasts; • Familiarity with climate conditions and drought issues in Viet Nam, preferably in the Central Highlands;

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Added 5 days ago - Updated 5 hours ago - Source: fao.org