Title: Specialist
Functional Title: Modeller
Division: Modelling Team, Information and Knowledge Management
Programme, Technical Support Division
Level of post: M-10i
Location: MRC Secretariat, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Reporting to: Head of Modelling Team
THE MEKONG RIVER COMMISSION
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) was established by the 1995 Agreement on Co-operation for the Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin, between the governments of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Viet Nam. In accordance with this Agreement, the Mission of MRC is: “To promote and coordinate sustainable management and development of water and related resources for the countries’ mutual benefit and the people’s well being by implementing strategic programmes and activities and providing scientific information and policy advice.”
THE TECHNICAL SUPPORT DIVISION
The Technical Support Division (TSD) with the Information and Knowledge Management Programme (IKMP) is the centre for the repository and analysis of data and tools for information on Mekong River Basin water and related resources and develops reliable and up-to-date databases and information systems. The Division prepares and develops appropriate modelling systems and other decisionsupport frameworks for the MRC. It is also responsible for encouraging the use of appropriate technologies in planning, co-ordinating and developing the basin’s resources. To date, the IKMP has Hydrology Team, GIS and Databases Team, and Modelling Team.
JOB SUMMARY
Under the overall supervision of the Division Director, the IKMP Coordinator and the direct supervision of the Head of the TSD Modelling Team, the Modeller provides technical assistance to the MRC Secretariat and National Mekong Committees in the area of water resources modelling.
KEY TASKS
The incumbent performs the following tasks:
- Actively participates in the modelling and knowledge base development of the MRC, especially in those related to Thailand and sharing modelling knowledge with the modelling staff in riparian countries;
- Assists the Modelling Team in all working relationship with TNMC and its line agencies including supervising all DSF applications for Thailand;
- Participates in basin model calibration and verification, and to other model improvement activities; 2
- Assists in keeping the DSF constantly updated, upgraded and maintained in a proper and
transparent manner; - Run development and planning scenarios on DSF models, produces technical reports based on modelling output and assists the Modelling Team with routine and ad-hoc technical reports;
- Assists the Modelling Team to master other analytical tools, especially the models in water
resources engineering; - Actively involves in the collection, preparation and checking of data and information, and
verification of monitoring mechanisms needed for modelling; - Assists the Modelling Team in training activities given to the NMC staff and other MRC
programmes on modelling technologies, capabilities and applicability etc.; - Assist the Modelling Team in preparing and organizing events/activities of the Modelling Team;
- Other relevant tasks as assigned.
SCOPE OF AUTHORITY
- (a) Supervision requirements: The incumbent does not have any supervisory responsibilities but is responsible for the on-the-job training of MRC, NMC and line agency staff as required.
- (b) Level of autonomy: Decision making is largely recommendatory, subject to the final approval of others, unless decision is clearly in line with MRC policy.
- (c) Level of problem solving required: Problem solving is complex and the incumbent must display initiative and creativity.
- (d) Level and type of communications required: Communications are wide, both within and outside of the organisation, and a variety of written documentation is required of the position.
COMPETENCE REQUIREMENTS
- (a) Core Values: Integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity.
- (b) Core Competencies: Communication, teamwork, planning and organising, accountability, creativity, client orientation, commitment to continuous learning, and technological awareness.
POST-SPECIFIC QUALIFICATION
- Advanced degree in Water Resources Engineering and Management, Natural Resources
Planning and Management, Hydrology, Mathematics or related disciplines; - At least 5 years experience in applied hydrology, water resources engineering and
management including experience in computer simulation modelling techniques as applied to river systems in the Lower Mekong Basin or similar conditions; - Substantial and proven experience in computer modelling techniques as applied to river basin simulation/forecasting and impact analysis, both as (desirably) developer and operator of which knowledge and experiences working with DSF are preferable;
- Experience in working in and managing programme/project of a multi-national environment is an asset;
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required. Working knowledge of one more
riparian language is an advantage.
Brief information on remuneration
The remuneration package, subject to change, includes (i) annual net base salary exempt from tax by Lao authorities, starting at US$ 18,071.00 (M-10, step I); (ii) 6 weeks’ annual vacation; (iii) MRC’s contribution to staff member’s Provident Fund of 14% of basic salary upon completion of 3 years in service; (iv) Contribution of MRC to Health and Accident insurances (on shared basis with employee); (v) other entitlements and benefits such as dependency allowance, sick leave, maternity leave etc.
Non-resident staff members receive an additional (i) 7% of basic salary for Post Adjustment allowance; (ii) 7% of basic salary for Hardship allowance; (iii) Rental subsidy of 40% of the rent rate up to maximum of US$ 6,000 annual; (iv) Education Grant of 75% of max. expense of US$ 13,000; (v) Travel cost and Shipment expenses on assignment and upon separation; (vi) other entitlements and benefits such as Relocation Grant allowance, Home Leave Travel, Education Grant Travel, etc.
The duration of the assignment of MRC Riparian Professional Staff is up to maximum 6 yearsaccording to 1995 Mekong Agreement and Procedural Rules.
THE MRCS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO APPOINT A CANDIDATE AT A LEVEL LOWER THAN THE ADVERTIZED LEVEL OF THE POST.
Apply for the position
Only nationals of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam are eligible to apply. The application must include a cover letter outlining clearly how the candidate meets the requirements of the position. The post title/programme must be indicated in the application letter. In addition to the cover letter, the applicant should include his/her detailed CV and references, together with a passport-sized photo and contact email address and send to the National Mekong Committee in the applicant’s home country.
Cambodia National Mekong Committee: 23 Mao Tse Toung Road, Phnom Penh, CambodiaTel. (855-23) 218 727 Fax. (855-23) 218 506E-mail: cnmcs@cnmc.gov.kh
LaoNational Mekong Committee: Prime Minister’s Office, Vientiane, Lao PDRTel. (856-21) 260 981-3 Fax. (856-21) 260 984E-mail: lnmc@lnmcmekong.org
Thai National Mekong Committee: Department of Water Resources180/3 Rama 6 Road, Soi Phibul Watana BuildingPhayathai, Bangkok 10400 ThailandTel. (66-2) 271 6165, 271 6620Fax. (66-2) 298 6605
Viet Nam National Mekong Committee: 23 Hang Tre, Ha Noi, Viet NamTel. (84-4) 825 4785 Fax. (84-4) 825 6929E-mail: vnmc@hn.vnn.vn
