SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. We are driven by a vision of a better world: A world where across every society all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably. To make this vision a reality, we need transformations in vital agri-food, energy, and water systems. SNV contributes by strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships in these sectors. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

Building on 60 years of experience we support our partners with our technical and process expertise and methodological rigour. We do this in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia with a team of approximately 1,600 colleagues. By being adaptable and tailoring our approaches to these different contexts, we can contribute to impact at scale, resulting in more equitable lives for all.

To delve deeper into SNV's initiatives, explore our website at www.snv.org.

SNV has been active in Viet Nam since 1995 and Lao since 2003. Enabling governance institutions, other duty-bearers, and relevant stakeholders to perform their responsibilities and lead their own inclusive decision-making is what we do. Our methodological skills in facilitating multi-stakeholder change processes ensure anchoring the outcomes for long-lasting impacts. 

SNV is seeking an experienced Team Leader to lead an upcoming 15-month programme Preparation of a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) and associated studies in Lao PDR and Viet Nam” (contingent to funding). This is approximately 60% of time. Depending on experience and profile, this Team Leader may take on responsibilities of the Water Sector Leader role for the SNV Vietnam Country Office as full-time employee. 

Vietnam and Lao PDR share borders and water resources at Ma and Neun/Ca river basins. The Ma and Neun/Ca catchments support a large range of biodiverse landscapes and a high number of ecologically distinct and significant sites. This rich network provides all the ecosystem services demanded by over 8.5 million people (2018). That whole system is at risk from human pressures and the changing climate. Continuing ‘business-as-usual’ offers no realistic solution for the future, behaviours need to change to restore the equilibrium between the catchments’ renewable resources and the human pressures. Changing behaviours that create pressures and changing approaches to resource management will require a range of interventions, especially targeting transboundary issues. The overall project Fostering Water and Environmental Security in the Ma and Neun/Ca Transboundary River Basins and Related Coastal Areas is funded by GEF-7 and was requested by the Ministries of Natural Resources and Environmental (MONRE) from both Viet Nam and Lao PDR with the main objective is “To enable Viet Nam and Lao PDR to address freshwater resource management and ecosystem health in the transboundary Ma and the Neun/Ca river basins and coastal zones by creating an enabling environment for transboundary cooperation and action”.  

The upcoming programme will contribute to the overall project by strengthening consensus among countries on key transboundary concerns, including climate change and variability. The programme will also generate the evidence needed to ensure the most appropriate interventions are identified and supported by the relevant stakeholders, ultimately for implementation. The evidence includes comparison of current trends and scenarios, evaluation of environmental flows. The team leader will oversee the programme, manage a team of 15 professionals in both countries as well as stakeholder relations.  

Responsibilities 

• Project set-up and design: Establish project structure and procedures, ensuring alignment with organizational guidelines, accounting principles, and donor requirements. 

• Project Management: Lead and manage the project team in both Laos and Cambodia, assign deliverables, monitor progress, address deviations, and facilitate project closure and evaluation. 

• Technical quality assurance: Ensure the quality of project deliverables and provide technical input to meet the required standards. 

• Contract Management & Project Accounting: Ensure compliance with administrative, finance, and HR components of the project. Manage project budget, obtain approvals for contract/budget deviations, and mitigate financial risks. 

• People Management & Team Leadership: Guide, develop, and motivate team members.  

• Analysis & Reporting: Collect, consolidate, and review project information following monitoring and evaluation guidelines.  

• Knowledge Development: Contribute to internal and external knowledge sharing by documenting project insights, attending workshops/conferences, and applying lessons learned. 

• Results & KPIs: Ensure structured project management, timely implementation, quality deliverables, compliance with contracts and budget, appropriate staffing, risk mitigation, and insightful reporting. 

• Lead and manage impactful water projects in Vietnam (sector leader role). Shape policy, forge strategic partnerships and drive water management and conservation, while being a core member of the Country Management Team and reporting to the Country Director and the Global Water Sector Head.   

• At least a Master's degree in a field of hydrology, politics, biology, agronomy, environmental, social sciences and/or in a field related to water resources management, disaster risks, and climate change adaptation. 

• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in the field of water resource management, and ideally transboundary water resources. 

• Large experience managing multidisciplinary and multicultural teams of professionals. 

• Experience working in the Mekong River region is important. Specific experience working in the Ma and Ca/Neun river basin is an asset. 

• Fluent in English. Basic knowledge of Vietnamese is an asset. 

To be successful in this role, you also bring: 

• Passion for Impact and Strategic Vision: Driven by a desire to create positive change, you're committed to leaving a lasting impact in Vietnam's energy sector. Your strategic vision enables you to craft innovative solutions that drive progress and sustainability. 

• Collaborative Spirit and Leadership Excellence: Thriving in cross-functional environments, you inspire others to reach their full potential and drive impactful results through effective leadership and collaboration. 

• Conceptual Thinking: You excel in analysing complex situations and crafting effective solutions with insight and clarity. 

• Results-Driven Mindset: Prioritizing tangible outcomes and high-quality standards, you foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. 

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Embracing innovation, you identify opportunities for growth and development, driving forward-thinking initiatives within the organization. 

• Adaptability and Flexibility: Display adaptability and flexibility in developing and implementing new approaches to effectively navigate the dynamic landscape of the country context. 

• Contract Type: Full time (though can be negotiated as a consultancy, at average 60% LoE) 
• Duty Station: Hanoi, Vietnam  
• Contract Duration: 15 months  
• Expected Start Date: The start date for this position is dependent on funding availability. While we anticipate a start date is September 2024, please note that the actual start date may be subject to change. 
• Travel: travel within Vietnam and Lao PDR is expected, mainly Hanoi and Vientiane for workshops, with some travel to the 7 target provinces within the two river basins. 

How to Apply 
If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and a letter of motivation before/on the 5th of August 2024. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis after that. Please submit your application only via Smart Recruiters. All information will be processed in the strictest confidence.  
 
If we see that your experience and skills match the requirements of the position, we will contact you to advise you of the next steps in the recruitment process. Should SNV wish to proceed with your application, two interviews with a Selection Committee will take place. 

Working at SNV   
SNV offers a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from, and contribute to, an internal and global network of experts.  

At SNV, inclusivity is at the heart of our ethos. We celebrate the diversity of our workforce and uphold a policy of non-discrimination based on factors such as disability status, religion, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and more.

Reference & vetting check
We will require that you provide us with the full details of two people who are willing to act as a reference. We will not contact these referees without your explicit permission.

SNV carries out rigorous background and reference checks concerning possible safeguarding incidents for all candidates applying for International determined positions. As SNV participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a request to past employers to fill in a questionnaire regarding Misconduct (sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment), the “Statement of Conduct". This Statement of Conduct adopts the definitions used in the Scheme.  

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