International Advisor on Flood Early Warning Systems (IAFEWS)

Technical support unit for Water management and urban development in relation to climate change in the provinces of Ha Tinh, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan (Technical support Unit – TSU) is a project sponsored by the Government of Belgium. Owned by the Department of Science, Education, Natural resources and Environment (Ministry of Planning and Investment), TSU is responsible for providing technical support to provincial projects within its program.

TSU is seeking for a capable international advisor on Flood Early Warning Systems (IAFEWS) with follow information:

1.   Tasks and responsibilities

The International Advisor on Flood Early Warning Systems (IAFEWS – not national advisor) will work in close coordination with the project Vietnamese Coordinator and the project  co-coordinator (International Advisor). Reporting to the TSU director, the IAFEWS shall:

• Consult with each PCU to identify the specific technical needs with regard to support for implementation of activities relevant to hydrological and meteorological monitoring stations (Activity 1.6[1]) and the early warning system (Activity 4.1). On the basis of this, prepare a work plan in consultation with the TSU.
• Depending on the priorities identified with the PCUs, review existing hydrological and meteorological monitoring networks, flood operations systems and flood early warning capabilities. This will include reviewing recommendations already proposed by consultants conducting studies for the CC downscaling and the hydrologic and hydraulic flood assessment.
• In cooperation with the PCUs, consult with relevant stakeholders at the provincial level, such as Office of Hydro-meteorology services (both provincial and regional), Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Standing office of Committee for Flood and Storm Control, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and City (or District) authorities. Consider issues such as the needs for improvements to the monitoring network, instrumentation technology, communications technology and the current capacity for flood early warning and decision support. 
• At the national level, identify other initiatives[2] which seek to strengthen and update hydro-meteorological networks and flood early warning system capability. Consult with these other programs in order to appraise the landscape at the national level with a view to ensuring that the provincial level actions are designed to be consistent with national level approaches.
• Draft an appraisal of the current situation in each of the 3 provinces and identify priority needs for strengthening the hydro-meteorological monitoring networks and capability for enhanced flood early warning and decision support for flood operations.
• In consultation with key stakeholders, develop an overall concept plan for strengthening the monitoring network and the flood early warning capability. This may include enhancements to existing monitoring stations, selecting new monitoring sites, acquisition of communications equipment, enhancement to the provincial flood and storm control center, or development (or procurement) of an integrated system to strengthen forecasting and support operational decision making.
• Identify capacity development needs to respond to both existing and future needs. This may include support for field operations staff responsible for monitoring and maintaining equipment, support for dam operators, and support for provincial or city level staff who have responsibility for collecting data, running computer models, interpreting forecasts and disseminating warnings. Draft a training plan to support the identified needs.
• Work with provincial staff to identify the on-going operations and management (O&M) needs of the hydromet network, flood forecasting and flood operations system.
• Identify areas in which communication of messages relevant to forecasted flood (or other hazards) can be enhanced. In addition to clear messages for the general community, this may include user-tailored communication products in areas such as agriculture, tourism, energy, transport and water resource management.
• Identify training needs for end-users on interpretation of early warning messages, for example for provincial departments, district staff and communities to enable them to understand key messages and to use this information in decision making for disaster response. Provide input to on-going provincial-level communications activities on how to support awareness raising for flood warning.
• If requested by the PCUs, support preparation of TORs relevant to the above activities. For example, this may include technical specifications for equipment, consulting services for forecasting systems or consulting services for training.
• Provide advice during the procurement process for checking of bid appraisal as prepared by the PCU.
• Appraisal of the implemented flood warning systems (preferably after it has been operational for one flood season).

2.   Qualifications

It is preferred that the candidate has:

• MSc or higher educational degree in water resource engineering, climate science or hydro-meteorological forecasting;
• At least 15 years of relevant experience in the collection and application of hydrological and meteorological information for flood forecasting, reservoir management, and planning for flood operations;
• Demonstrated up-to-date knowledge of, and experience with, technologies for hydro-meteorological equipment, communications systems and integrated applications in forecasting and warning;
• Experience with capacity development activities including identifying capacity development needs and planning for training;
• Professional experience with international cooperation projects. Experience in Vietnam or the immediate region will be considered favourably;
• Fluency in spoken and written English.

3.   Duty station

The duty station is Hanoi city with travel to Ha Tinh, Binh Thuan and Ninh Thuan provinces – Vietnam

4.   Duration of the assignment

The total duration of the assignment is 3 months based in Vietnam plus two weeks from the consultant’s home office. Payment is on the basis of approved timesheets and the use of home office time requires agreement in advance depending on the task.

It is expected that the total assignment shall be separated into three inputs:

• Input 1.          About 6 to 7 weeks to conduct initial appraisals, consultation and to establish the concept plans;
• Input 2.          About 3 to 4 weeks to follow-up on the initial activities and consolidate preparation for implementation of activities;
• Input 3.          About 2 weeks to provide follow-up consultation regarding the installation of equipment and systems.

The duration and timing of each input is to be discussed and agreed with the TSU.

5.   Applications from interested candidates

Interested candidates are invited to apply for this position.

Submissions must include:

• Letter of application
• Consultant's CV (in English)
• Copies of certificates of related expertise.

6.   Submission deadline: 16:00 November 30, 2016

Written submissions must be sent in hard copy to:

Technical Support Unit (Ban quan ly du an ban ho tro ky thuat)
Address: Phong 401-402, Nha B5, Khu Ngoai giao doan, 298 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam.

or candidates can send to email : [email protected]