National Information System Management Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) to design, implement, and partly finance low emissions and climate-resilient projects aligned with its global commitments. The project is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as the Delivery Partner, in close collaboration with the National Designated Authority (NDA) - the Department of Planning and Finance (DPC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE).

The project has the following objectives\:

• Objective 1 – Capacity building\: To enhance NDA and Ministries capacity to design and implement GCF projects and streamline climate data collection, analysis, and information sharing systems
• Objective 2 – Strategic Frameworks\: To undertake a comprehensive Readiness Needs Assessment, update the GCF Country Programme and develop new financial mechanisms for investment in climate action
• Objective 4 – Pipeline development\: To further develop a concept note in the Country Programme and studies for the Funding Proposal while building capacity of the Environment Protection Fund as its potential DAE
• Objective 5 - Knowledge sharing and learning\: To support NDA and line ministries to learn from other countries, prepare and disseminate knowledge products on GCF programming and develop new financial mechanisms for sustainable investment in climate action

The Project Management Unit (PMU), based at DPC/MAE, is responsible for the day-to-day execution of the project under the direction of the NDA and in line with technical guidance from FAO.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative (FAOR) for Lao PDR and the Assistant FAOR (Programme), with overall guidance of the GCF National Designated Authority (NDA) and in consultation with the project Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and other experts of FAO Laos and FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific,

Technical Focus

The National Information System Management Specialist plays a pivotal role in enhancing, implementing and maintaining the CFMRV information system, as well as supporting the development of digital training modules to ensure widespread access to capacity building resources and sustainability of training/capacity building.
The incumbent will contribute, but not limited to the following project Outputs and Activities\:
Output 1.1.1 NDA or FP staff trained in areas relevant to the GCF objectives of the GCF and
oversight of GCF activities.
Training modules in Lao language uploaded to portal- /NDA website/climate change knowledge management portal.
Output 1.1.3. Decision making processes defined and operationalized at the NDA level for No- Objection Letters and consideration/facilitation of climate change project.
Activity 1.1.3.2 - This activity will support Ministerial focal points to complete input data into the climate finance MRV system and implement the institutional arrangements, developed for the system under LAO-RS-011. Dedicated staff in the NDA office will be assigned, and their capacity will be developed to manage the MRV system and use data/information to generate regular report on climate finance in Lao PDR to support discussions and decision making of the NDA, the TWGCC and ECF-sub TWG.

Tasks and responsibilities

Climate Finance MRV (CFMRV) System Development & Enhancement

• Assess the existing CFMRV system to identify gaps, technical limitations, and user needs.
• Design and implement system improvements (functionality, UI/UX, data management, reporting).
• Develop and integrate data validation and quality-control mechanisms.
• Improve data entry forms, dashboards, and reporting templates for NDA and ministries.
• Implement data security, backup and disaster recovery protocols.
• Ensure system compatibility and integration with GoL IT infrastructure and other government systems.
• Prepare system documentation\: architecture, technical specifications, and user manuals (EN & LA).
• Establish maintenance, troubleshooting and update protocols.

Capacity Building & Training

• Design and deliver hands-on training for Technical Assistants and line ministry focal points on data entry, management and basic analysis in the CFMRV.
• Provide continuous coaching, troubleshooting, and user support (helpdesk mechanism).
• Train NDA staff on advanced system features\: data analysis, reporting, visualization.
• Develop training materials, reference guides, and videos (primarily in Lao).
• Monitor user adoption and identify additional training needs.

Development of Online Training Programme (Climate Finance / GCF Programming)

• Work with Training and Gender & Social Inclusion Specialists to convert training modules into online interactive courses.
• Design multilingual (EN & LA) web-based courses on GCF programming, project development, management, and climate finance.
• Integrate multimedia (videos, quizzes, exercises) to improve learning.
• Upload courses to the NDA/MAE website or climate knowledge portal.
• Integrate LMS features (registration, tracking, certificates) where feasible.
• Test modules for functionality, accessibility and user experience.
• Train NDA staff to manage and update the online learning platform.

Website & Information System Maintenance

• Regularly update and maintain the NDA/MAE website and climate knowledge portal.
• Ensure accuracy, quality, and accessibility of all content.
• Monitor system performance and resolve technical issues promptly.
• Coordinate with external service providers (hosting, API services).
• Implement routine backups and cybersecurity measures.
• Produce monthly reports on system performance, user statistics, and feedback.

Coordination, Project Support & Reporting

• Work closely with the Project Manager, NDA, FAO technical staff and other stakeholders to align tasks with project plans.
• Coordinate with line ministry focal points to support smooth data collection and system use.
• Participate in project management and coordination meetings.
• Support preparation of project progress reports, annual reports, and GCF-required documents.
• Produce monthly activity/progress reports for FAO.
• Document lessons learned and good practices for future replication.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Management, Software Engineering, Management Information Systems, or a related field. Professional certifications in database management, web development, or relevant IT specializations are desirable.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in database management, information systems development, and/or programming;
• Working knowledge of English and working knowledge of Lao language
• National of Lao People's Democratic Republic

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong proficiency in database management systems (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MS SQL Server);
• Advanced programming skills in relevant languages (e.g., Python, PHP, JavaScript, Java, or similar);
• Expertise in web development technologies (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript frameworks such as React, Vue.js, or Angular);
• Experience with content management systems (CMS) and learning management systems (LMS);
• Proficiency in data visualization tools and libraries (e.g., D3.js, Tableau, Power BI);
• Knowledge of server administration, cloud platforms, and API integration;
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git) and collaborative development practices;
• Understanding of information security principles and data protection protocols;
• Experience with multimedia content creation tools for developing training materials.
• Excellent command of English (spoken and written) is required for reporting, documentation, and coordination with FAO and international partners.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated track record of developing and implementing information management systems for governmental or international organizations;
• Proven experience in building institutional capacity and training users on information management systems;
• Experience working with Government of Lao PDR institutions and familiarity with GoL governance structures and protocols;
• Experience in developing web-based applications and online learning platforms;
• Previous work experience in climate change, environment, development, or related sectors.
• Experience with monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems, particularly in climate finance or environmental management contexts as advantage;
• Experience working with FAO, GCF, or other UN agencies or multilateral organizations;
• Experience in developing bilingual (English-Lao) digital content and training materials;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION