Country Representative, Lao country program

PURPOSE

Country Program Initiation and Management

• Develop and implement an integrated and quality-assured Biennium Work Plan and Budget that is aligned with the Strategic Plan 2015-2020.
• Deliver results on the ground based on the Work Plan and Budget for respective country program
• Oversee the development and implementation of annual country budgets as per approved WPB
• Develop networks and partnerships with national/regional institutions and lead in country donor collaboration and new project development
• Lead the Green Growth Potential Assessment and the subsequent development of a five-year Country Planning Framework
• Ensures the high quality of documents and outputs produced by the project team on the ground

Resource Mobilization

• Keep abreast of the trends within the donor environment in the Country.
• Undertake responsibilities for new proposal development for funding from earmarked sources, in close consultation with the Head of Programs, Asia and the Pacific, and the Partnerships Unit in HQ.
• Be aware of all donors’ conditionality and monitor adherence GGGI and specific donors’ requirements

Management and Administration

• Provide oversight to all finance and administrative services in line with GGGI financial regulations
• Ensure that adequate internal control mechanisms are in place and review and minimize significant expenditure variances
• Facilitate annual and project-specific audit processes
• Ensure the preparation, accuracy and timely submission of monitoring reports

ENGAGEMENT

• Provide Leadership in the development and implementation of the Country Strategy in line with the GGGI’s Strategic Plan 2015-2020
• Lead the dialogue with government regarding the membership process, the Memorandum of Understanding, the P&I agreement and the host country agreement
• Facilitate the alignment of country programs to organizational thematic priorities
• Develops networks and partnerships with national and regional institutions
• Lead, direct and mentor the country teams in line with the organizational strategy
• Keep abreast on socio-economic and political changes in the environment and undertake timely strategic review of GGGI’s country program ensuring continued relevance
• Ensure timely implementation of the Laos communications plan as reflected in the WPB
• Ensure that the country program is maintains a coordinated and agreed information exchange internally and externally
• Ensure country program implements GGGI policies, procedures, operational guidelines and standards
• Ensure coordination with other divisions of GGGI for prompt support services.
• Manage technical staff members supporting the country program from the HQ

DELIVERY

• Provide leadership support to staff development in country
• Oversee adequate implementation of the performance management system
• Organize regular meetings with the senior management team and all staff for the purpose of exchanging information, coordination and learning
• Ensure that the country team is effective, mutually supporting and sufficiently involved in decision making
• Ensure that the country program is maintaining a coordinated and agreed information exchange internally and externally
• Ensure that key country documents are internally shared with the HQ and agreed upon before communicating to donors
• Ensure that experiences and best practices are documented and shared across the organization

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced university degree (Masters or PhD) in international development, sustainable development, economics or related field;
• Relevant professional experience (preferably 7-12 years) with managerial and budget responsibilities, in either an international organization, a large multinational business or consultancy, a large non-profit organization or government is a requirement;
• Extensive knowledge in green growth, sustainable development, international development, etc.;
• Familiarity with operating in developing countries is a requirement;
• Fluent written and spoken English is a requirement.

 FUNCTIONAL

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage official development assistance projects and lead a diverse team of consultants/staff;
• Ability to interact and form relationship with high-level government officials and partners;
• Resourceful and able to develop and operationalize strategies to achieve objectives and outcomes;
• Previous work experience in the Lao PDR or South East Asia with strong knowledge of climate change agenda/INDC, and national planning experience are assets.  

 CORPORATE

• Understands and actively supports GGGI’s mission, vision and values.
• Promotes an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect and partnership.
• Processes and shares information easily and is excellent at problem solving.
• Manages emotions and stress positively, builds rapport and resolve conflict easily.
• Promotes creativity and innovation among staff.
• Is able to lead, develop, and motivate staff.