Terms of Reference

I. Background

More than 60 percent of the flow in the river systems is generated outside the country, making Viet Nam’s water resources be prone to decisions made about water resources in upstream countries. The economic development had a negative impact on water quality and caused intensified pressures on the water resources. In addition, the spatial and temporal distribution of water resources in the country can be highly variable. River water and groundwater levels are decreasing, while sea levels, flood tides and salt intrusion are on the rise, adding that the demand for water in production and daily activities has increased due to industrialization, urbanization and population growth.  Considering as one of the most hazard-prone countries in East Asia and Pacific region, with 70% of the population is exposed to one or more types of water-related natural hazards – ranging from draughts to floods, Vietnam has been facing many challenges in water security, and climate change moreover intensifies these existing water problems. Along legislative framework (including Laws, National Strategy, etc) on integrated water resources management has been in place in the country, it lacks innovative tools, effective guidance to implement integrated water resources management approach, as well limited human resources capacities, to address and respond these challenges, and build resilience to long-term climate changes and water-related disasters.

As part of strategic priorities in the country, within the framework of the UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrology Programme (IHP) Phase IX (2022-2029): Science for a water secure world in a changing environment, UNESCO Vietnam provides support for strengthening national capacity (especially young professionals as key change makers for sustainable futures) in addressing and responding to water security challenges in the context of climate change, accelerating Vietnam’s transition to sustainable development. The Young Professionals for Water is expected to empower a new generation of young researchers, planners, sectors and civil society to identify solutions and commit to cross-sectoral actions to conserve water resources and use its resources in a sustainable way.

Specifically, to empower young professionals in combating water challenges in context of climate change and changing environment, toward water security in country, UNESCO Ha Noi Office is going to organize a Young Professionals for Water Forum, tentatively in November 2022 in Hanoi. The objective of this forum is to bring together young professionals, academia and experts to discuss and exchange about challenges and solutions for water security in Vietnam context.

Young Professionals for Water Forum is not only a part of the crucial process of informing, training and involving young people in protecting and sustainable use of water resources in context of climate change in Vietnam, but it is also a way for the others to learn from their experience and fresh perspectives.

UNESCO Office in Viet Nam is looking for a company/institution/organization to organize a Young Professionals for Water Forum event as below scope of work.

II. Scope of work

Within the framework of the Natural Science Program of UNESCO Viet Nam, the Contractor, acting upon the supervision of the National Professional Officer, will collaborate with UNESCO to organize the Young Professionals for Water Forum as following plan

• Objectives:

1. Young professionals can get updated knowledge, discuss and exchange about the water security challenges in Vietnam,
2. To initiate the Young Professionals for Water platform in Vietnam.

• Timeline: mid-November 2022
• Event duration: 1.5 days
• Venue: Hanoi
• Method: offline (connected online via Zoom with Business account provided by UNESCO)
• Target participants are Vietnamese young professionals (21 – 35 years old), of which 50 participants physically attended. The possible participants will include: 

1. young students in relevant universities nationwide
2. young researchers studying/working in water resources and natural resources or relevant fields
3. young officers at relevant agencies and INGOs.
4. Etc.

The involvement of female scientists, and female young professionals will be prioritized.

To achieve the above objectives, the contractor will perform the following tasks:

1. Develop the agenda and detailed work plan, with inputs from UNESCO;
2. In closely collaboration with UNESCO Vietnam, to organize the Young Professionals for Water forum:

• Develop an online registration form, invite targeted participants and manage the participant list;
• Develop the post-evaluation form;
• Facilitate the forum with creative, interactive and participatory approaches;
• Support logistic arrangement for event organization and travel of participants and guest speakers from another provinces if any.

3. Coordinate to invite and work with facilitator, guest speakers for their presentation/sharing sessions, in close consultation with UNESCO;
4. Work closely with UNESCO to prepare and organize the event;
5. Write a summary report, including post-evaluation;
6. Ensure gender equality, inclusion and a culture-sensitive approach.

III. Deliverables

1. Workshop agenda and detailed work plan
2. Forum facilitation guide;
3. Presentations of guess speakers/experts;
4. Registration form for participants and list of participants;
5. Evaluation form of the workshop;
6. Final narrative report, and financial report with relevant supporting documents.

IV: Requirements

1. A legal and registered institution and/or organization;
2. At least 5 years of working experience in water-related issues in Vietnam;
3. Experienced in organizing forum/workshop/event in Vietnam, especially for youth;
4. Requirements for creative, dynamic, and youth-oriented approaches;
5. Experiences in working for international organizations, or the United Nations in the area of youth participation is an asset;
6. Provide a minimum of 2 experience and key references in working on similar programs.

V. Submission

Interested should submit the application with the subject “IHP – Young Professionals Forum 2022” to Ms. Nguyen Thuy Linh at the following email address tl.nguyen@unesco.org with copy to hanoi@unesco.org by CBO on October 12, 2022.

The application should include:

1. Company/Institute/organization profile;
2. Cover letter, a copy of the legal certificate of organization establishment, and a portfolio of past similar works, including the link to the previous works;
3. Proposal with draft agenda and work plan to organize the forum;
4. Budget estimation for the event (The template sample is provided at: https://bit.ly/3CiKbxN).