Background

Guided by the global UNDP Strategic Plan (2022 – 2025) and the UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) for Lao PDR (2022 – 2026), UNDP in Lao PDR works closely with the line Ministries, mass organizations, civil society, development partners, and the private sector at both national and sub-national levels in pursuit of the national socio-economic development priorities defined in Lao PDR’s five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNDP has a long history working in Lao PDR. UNDP’s comparative advantage has been its ability to work closely with a broad range of government and local institutions at all levels. UNDP’s work is focused on the provision of policy advice and technical support in the design and implementation of national legislation and strategies across three broad priority pillars – (1) inclusive growth and reduced inequalities, including UXO clearance and risk education, (2) natural resources, climate change and disaster risk reduction, and (3) effective, responsive, and accountable governance.

The UNDP country programme is aligned with the 9th NSEDP and aims to support Lao PDR to recover from the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure a smooth transition from Least Developed Country status, with a particular emphasis on supporting inclusive growth and reducing inequality.

The current project is a Child Project under the GEF-8 Regional Indo-Malay Critical Forest Biome Integrated Programme that has the long-term goal of maintaining the integrity of globally important primary forests of Indo-Malaya for maximizing multiple global environment benefits related to carbon and biodiversity. As a contribution to the above-referenced long-term goal of the integrated programme, the Lao PDR child project's objective is to promote nature-positive development to reduce ecosystem degradation and generate multiple benefits through strengthened protection of primary forest landscapes (PFLs) in Lao PDR. It will operationalize the integrated management of the primary forest landscapes in Lao PDR to generate multiple benefits including effective conservation and protection of globally threatened species and ecosystems, reduce or stop deforestation and degradation of primary forests landscapes, conserve and enhance their ecosystem services and support sustainable local livelihoods from local communities that are dependent on these forests. The project recognizes that these globally important primary forest landscapes, which are important for the conservation of species, habitats and natural ecosystems, underpin the lives and livelihoods of local communities (in providing forest and natural resource products and critical ecosystems services). To achieve this objective, the GEF alternative aims to (i) take into account the interconnectivity of primary forest and other natural ecosystems in key biogeographic regions in the country, and in particular in the Annamite Range; (ii) ensure that relevant agencies and actors have adequate capacities to promote integrated approaches and tackle the threat to primary forests, biodiversity and natural resources management; and (iii) advocate science based approaches and use of traditional and good practice knowledge systems to promote sustainable forestry, agricultural and livelihood management practices. The project objective will be achieved through the following six inter-linked components:

• Component 1: Enabling environment for ensuring durable protection of Primary Forests Landscapes
• Component 2: Strengthening management and governance capacities for empowering local communities for management of Protected Areas
• Component 3: Strengthened stakeholder collaboration to improved/inclusive management of primary forests outside PAs, including buffers and connectivity corridors
• Component 4:  Strengthen sustainable PA financing and reduce the financial gap and scaling-up investments for primary forest conservation
• Component 5: Coordination, knowledge management and  strengthen effective regional cooperation on durability of primary forests 
• Component 6: Project Monitoring, evaluation and reporting ensured
   

Duties and Responsibilities

The Technical Specialist will work under the supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Lao PDR , and work closely with the Team Lead for Natural Resource Management, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Unit, UNDP in Lao PDR and the Project management Unit (PMU) as well as the key government counterparts. Below is the project organizational structure – depicting the reporting lines for this position.

This position will be located at the Department of Forestry (DOF), Misnitry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), Vientiane Capital, with occasionally travel to project offices in Savannakhet, Saravan, Chamapsack and Sekong provinces. 
 

The position will have lead technical responsibilities under the overall guidance of the Director General of the Department of Forestry (DOF), who serves as the National Project Director, and the supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Lao PDR and the Head of the Natural Resources Management, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Reduction Unit. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: (i) technical project activities with a focus on monitoring, evaluation, and reporting; (ii) developing annual workplans and budgets, (iii) ensuring integration with all outcomes; (iv) guiding activities in provinces; (v) coordinating with other related projects; (vi) day-to-day project management; (vii) and following up on monitoring results and findings related to project outputs and outcomes.

He/she will provide high level advice and guidance to DOF/Government of Lao PDR and UNDP in the following areas:  

• Technical and strategic guidance: Provide rigorous analysis and advice to the Government of Lao PDR on the assessment and formulation of national policies and regulations related to Primary Forest Landscapes (PFL). This includes capacity assessment and development planning for key institutions and private sector entities to mainstream PFLs in safeguard assessment and planning approaches. Develop the Annamite Management Strategy, ensuring consultation with all relevant stakeholders, prioritizing investments for PFLs, establishing coordination mechanisms, and monitoring the effectiveness of the planning process. Support the re-alignment of policies, planning, and financial systems to promote the implementation of the Annamite Management Strategy.
• Provision of technical advice: Offer technical advice, capacity building, institutional support, and project management support to the Government to ensure the effective and timely delivery of the Project.
• Support resource mobilization: Strengthen partnerships with relevant development organizations, UN agencies, and within the government network. Enhance coordination with key stakeholders to generate multiple benefits through strengthened protection of primary forest landscapes in Lao PDR
   

Strategic guidance, rigorous analysis and advice to the Government of Lao PDR to effectively consider, develop and implement sustainable forest and land management, protected area management, spatial planning, agricultural and agro-forestry.

• Provide technical input and policy advice and supervise implementation of project activities with a special attention on planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, and quality control of project outputs; 
• Advise the Government and UNDP on the linkages with other major programmes or projects of other agencies, organizations or departments and UN agencies. 
• Advisory and support in drafting and reviewof strategic and technical documents on sustainable forest and land management, protected area management, strategic environmental assessment, sustainable forest and land management, protected area management, spatial planning, agricultural and agro-forestry such as policy papers or other analytical products in collaboration with other technical staff and consultants and Government counterparts. 
• Ensure the development of cross-project linkages with other relevant UN and development partner projects for maximizing impact. 
• Facilitate information sharing and dialogue within the donor community and prepare briefs and policy papers related to the context and focus of the project. 
• Assist the Government in information sharing/knowledge management in the themes related to the scope of the project. 
• Provide other advice and support as may be required by the Government and UNDP as is to be expected in a dynamic process of project implementation and changing circumstances. 
• Systematically record the results of the project and provide substantive contribution to the UNDP/GEF annual reports as well as knowledge products.

Provision of technical advice, capacity building, institutional support, project management and implementation support to the Government to ensure effective and timely delivery of the project. 

• Advise, support the relevant parties to develop a realistic annual and quarterly workplans and a corresponding budget plan with clearly stated milestones contributing to the achievement of target outcomes and outputs defined in the project document. 
• Ensure the participation and involvement of relevant stakeholders in project activities at national, provincial and district levels in the project planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.  
• Support implementation of project activities to ensure delivery of resources and results according to planned targets, activities, and prepare the budget plan at the national, provincial and district levels.  
• Ensure the development of linkages across the project outcomes and outputs, as well as advice and update the National Project Director and UNDP on the project progress on a regular basis. 
• Advise, support and implement Annual Project Reviews, annual audits, mid-term evaluation and final evaluation of the Project in collaboration with the project team and consultants.
• Support recruitment of competent national and international experts that are needed by different outcomes/components of the project. 
• Organize and oversee consultant input, develop detailed Terms of References for national and international consultants and contractors in collaboration with Project Manager, National Project Director, UNDP and support in procurement of goods, organization of training sessions, seminars, etc.
•  Liaise with all consultants and project teams to ensure that the planned deliverables are completed in timely manner within the contract period.
• Support and be involved in organizing and facilitating project meetings, workshops etc. with relevant substantive inputs. 
• Identify and develop synthesis of best practices and lessons learned for organizational sharing and learning. 
• Closely work with the Project Coordinator/Monitoring & Evaluation and Reporting Officer to provide capacity development for key government staff at the national, provincial and district levels to support better informed and planned for the project, protected area conservation, sustainable forest and land management, protected area management, spatial planning, agricultural and agro-forestry. 
• Closely work with the Project Coordinator/Monitoring & Evaluation and Reporting Officer to provide capacity development for key government staff at the national, provincial and district levels to support and complete the Protected Area sites’ Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT), Capacity Development Monitoring Scorecard and other tools as required by GEF 8. 
• Ensure results of all training activities and workshop feeds into the progress reports with an emphasis on results-orientation. 
• Support DOF and UNDP in closing projects operationally in accordance withrules and regulations of UNDP and the Government. 
• Undertake technical oversight daily including monitoring technical aspects of project activities. 
• Support on developing initial concept note to mobilize funds in scaling up the project

Support resource mobilization and provide leadership on sustainable forest and land management, protected area management, community forest management, land use planning, spatial planning, agricultural and agro-forestry within the government network, UN and strengthen partnerships/coordination with key stakeholders for better coordinated support for integrated sustainable development.  

• Support the government and the UNDP in strengthening partnership/coordination with key stakeholders, particularly the donors/development partners, private sector, and the Government to identify opportunities, formulate joint initiative with maximum impacts and efficiency, minimize duplication of efforts and reduce traction costs in the area of sustainable forest and land management, protected area management, community forest management, land use planning, spatial planning, agricultural and agro-forestry.  

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization..
 

Competencies

Core competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Managementc

• UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction & Strategy    

• Strategic Thinking. Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future 
  trends; demonstrate foresight.
• System Thinking. Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
• Effective Decision Making. Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.
• Negotiation and Influence. Reach a common understanding/agreement, persuade others, resolve points of difference through a dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable solutions and create ‘win-win’ situations.

Business Management    

• Project Managemen. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
• Risk Management. Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks.

2030 Agenda: Planet         

• Nature. Water Governance: Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
• Climate. Climate Change Adaptation:  Water Resource Management and Access to Water
   

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced  university  degree (master’s or equivalent) in Protected Area Management, Land Use Planning, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Management and Planning, Sustainable Forest Management, Environmental Management, Environmental Economics, and/or relevant field of studies is required, or
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree. 

Experience:

• Minimum  5 (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant working experience within protected area management, land use planning, natural resource management, environmental management and planning, sustainable forest management, environmental management, environmental economics, and/or relevant field of studies. 

Required skills and competencies    

• At least 5 years of proven experience in project management, in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
• Experience with project planning and consulting
• Experience in fostering networks and partnerships.
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.

Desired additional skills and competencies     

• Experience in South East Asia and in Lao PDR. 
• Demonstrated track record of experience in developing and providing sound policy advice, strategic planning, organizational guidance and critical analysis in relation to protected area management, land use planning, natural resource management, environmental management and planning, sustainable forest management, environmental management, environmental economics, and/or relevant field of studies. 
• Experience with community-based conservation and multiple-use protected areas.
• Experience in developing and/or reviewing environmental law, policy, guidelines, and strategies.
• Previous work experience in South East Asia or developing countries. 
• Availabilty to travel within and outside Lao PDR
• Prior similar responsibility in UNDP/GEF programme/projects.
• Experience in with UNDP Project and Programme NIM with Country Office Support 

Required Language(s) (at working level)     

• Fluency in English is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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