The jobholder is the Lead Technical staff of the Division and supports the Director in overseeing the technical work of the Division and guiding the technical work of other specialists. Specifically, he/she is responsible for developing and implementing basin-wide environmental management strategy and cooperation mechanisms and promotes the sustainable use of the water and related resources in the LMB, in close consultation with the lead technical staff of the Planning Division. He or she is responsible for promoting environmental policy for sustainable development of the LMB. The position supports the Director in leading the implementation of MRC’s core river basin management functions related to environmental monitoring (CRBMF 1), environmental analysis and assessment (CRBMF 2) and environmental management planning support (CRBMF 3).
Main tasks and responsibilities
Under the direction of the Division Director, the incumbent performs the following duties:
•Lead activities related to environmental management including the development of a strategy for basin-wide environmental management, as well as transboundary environmental impact assessment (TbEIA) guidelines in close collaboration with the Planning Division;
•Lead activities related to watershed management, including reviewing information and tools for watershed management, supporting sustainable management of watershed in LMB, and mapping regulatory framework for planning and decision-making on watershed development in close collaboration with the Planning Division;
•Provide lead technical support to the Director in the preparation of the State of Basin Report, including a web-based interactive version, and prepare relevant sections related to the environment and coordinate and technically quality assure other inputs by other divisions in like with the MRC Indicator Framework;
•Lead the maintenance, review and update of the MRC Indicator Framework, especially the environmental dimensions, in close cooperation with the Planning and Technical Support Divisions;
•Lead and conduct assessment of environment impacts of major water use projects, positive and potentially negative, including for PNPCA process;
•Promote and provide technical support to the implementation of environmental management cooperation mechanisms and tools in Member Countries and beyond in the Mekong region with a focus on regional and transboundary cooperation, in line with the objectives of the 1995 Mekong Agreement;
•Assist in strengthening capacity, awareness and knowledge of Member Countries on environmental management at all levels;
•Contribute to the development of the BDS, MASAP and other basin-wide sector strategies and relevant technical guidelines from environment management perspective;
•Coordinate and support the work of the MRC’s regional technical/expert group related to environmental management (if applicable), and contribute to the work of other regional groups as required;
•Ensure that relevant knowledge and products developed by the MRC are available at the national level to assist decision-making processes;
•Contribute to and support the implementation of the MRC Procedures, especially from the environmental planning and management aspect of the Procedures;
•Coordinate with all divisions and their relevant Specialists in the undertaking of the assessments of risks and impacts of decisions on water resources management and development in the basin;
•Advise and monitor the eco- and environmentally friendly practices of MRC as an organisation, including its management, operations, meetings, trainings, etc.
•Prepare and submit M&E forms and contribute to the Mid-year and Annual Report;
•Ensure results-based framework are reflected in the division’s technical implementation;
•Ensure gender aspects are integrated and mainstreamed into the implementation of the Division’s technical work and activities;
•Perform other relevant tasks as required.
Scope of Authority
•Supervision requirements: The position holder supports the Division Director to supervise the Assistant forecaster.
•Level of autonomy: Decision making follows defined procedures. The position does not administer a budget, yet has responsibility for ensuring the financial accountability of MRC.
•Level of problem solving required: Problem solving skill is expected and the incumbent must display sensitivity, initiative and creativity
•Level and type of communications required: Communications are wide, within and outside the organization, and require considerable oral and written skills.
Qualification requirementsCertificate
•University degree (Master or higher) in environmental science, environmental management, natural resources management, or other relevant fields. A doctorate is desirable.
Additional certificates
•TOEIC certificate with 600 points and over is required. An equivalent internationally recognized certificate or a university degree from an internationally recognized academic ins