Regional Technical Adviser

Short background:

The Mekong River Commission (MRC) is a regional river basin organisation. It was founded in 1995 by the riparian countries of the lower Mekong, namely Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam. MRC is promoting alignment and integration of the different riparian countries’ interests in using the Mekong’s water and related resources for the sustainable development of agriculture, fisheries, hydropower, or navigation. Through the creation of the MRC, the four countries have committed themselves to joint planning in the basin. The two upstream riparian countries, China and Myanmar, are engaged in the MRC cooperation as dialogue partners.

German Development Cooperation supports the MRC in its effort to bolster regional cooperation and sustainable water resources management. The main areas of GIZ’s support are organisational development, adaptation to climate change, climate-sensitive flood management, and sustainable hydropower development

Starting Date:  01.06.2013 or earlier

Work Location:  Vientiane, Laos 

Main tasks and responsibilities:

Your work as regional technical adviser involves the following responsibilities:
- Advise on appropriate approaches and methodologies to achieve the programme targets and objectives related to transboundary water resources management, with possible focus topics being sustainable hydropower development and climate change adaptation as well as flood management and mitigation
- Coordinate the development and implementation of pilot measures related to flood management and mitigation
- Do research, write scoping papers and studies and provide quality assurance and technical review of programme products (e.g. studies and assessments) in interaction with the programme team
- Advise on monitoring and evaluation approaches and implementation
- Support gender mainstreaming activities in the programme components
- Support organizational and contractual processes of the programme
- Liaison with MRC staff
The tasks may involve travel within the Mekong region.

Experience and Qualifications:
- Postgraduate university degree in water or environmental science, engineering, political or social science.
- 5 years of professional experience with the topics mentioned above
- Verifiable expertise and experience in working in an advisory context
- Ability to conceptualise issues, understand complex political and administrative structures in a short period of time, and think in abstract terms
- Ability to work independently and proactively, to plan and organise own work programme, good inter-personal skills as well as the ability to work harmoniously with people of different cultural backgrounds
- Relevant work experience in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and/or Vietnam
- Knowledge of the policies and practices of international organisations and development agencies
- Gender mainstreaming knowledge is an advantage
- Fluency in oral and written English, as well as outstanding oral and written communication skills are required. The knowledge of German is an additional asset
Women are specifically encouraged to apply. We also welcome job applications from people with disabilities.

Interested candidates should send their application (detailed CV and a covering letter explaining how your experience meets the requirements in English) latest by 22.04.2013 to HR Division of GIZ Office Vientiane, P.O. Box 9233, Vientiane Capital, or by e-mail to [email protected].

All applications will be treated confidentially and only short-listed candidates will be notified.