Climate and El Nino Expert

Position details

• Vacancy number: 2601837
• Opportunity type: Non-staff opportunities
• Grade / contract type: PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
• Organizational unit: FAVIE - FAO Representation in Vietnam
• Duration: 15 days
• Application deadline: 10/Sep/2026, 11%5C:59%5C:00 PM

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

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;

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. 

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
•  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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