The UNDP Natural Resources Management, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Unit in the Lao PDR country office works with the Government with the shared vision on 1) supporting national development with focus on innovation in strengthening the response to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction; 2) improving biodiversity conservation and promoting community based natural resources management, 3) recognizing the links between environmental degradation economic growth and poverty reduction.
In partnership with other organizations, UNDP facilitates the governments’ efforts towards sustainable use of natural resources with a special focus on achievement of the goals in the National Socio-Economic Development Plan, moving toward achievement of graduation from the Less Developed Country Status and the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to drawing on its own resources, UNDP mobilizes resources from bilateral donors, multilateral entities and vertical funds such as Global Environmental Facility and Green Climate Fund.
BACKGROUND:
In recent years, in the face of population growth, economic expansion and attendant growth in demands for energy, agricultural production, tourism, transportation and general consumption, air pollution has become a leading threat to the health of the environment and population, alike. These translate to onward social and economic costs that undermine the gains of economic and development advancements.
Whilst much attention is given to urban industrial and industrial sources of air pollution, non-urban sources of air pollution in Southeast Asia, such as those caused by forest fires, vehicle and industrial emissions, and combustion of low-quality fuels and agricultural burning, are also of significant concern. Political, economic, judicial, and social issues linked with air pollution, such as retribution burning against central governments, make air pollution extremely difficult to tackle as it is not just a technological issue, but one with roots embedded in social inequality, ineffectual governance, policy and incentivization, and misdirected investment.
Recognizing the complexity of this issue, the SDG Integration (SDGi) Team of UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub (BRH) is developing an experimental pilot with Thailand and Lao PDR, to see if through use of systems engagements (mapping and solutions design), combined with policy analysis and modelling exercises to simulate the impact of policy and development related decision-making associated with managing the transboundary challenge of air pollution in these neighboring countries.
As a pilot country, the Lao PDR under stage 1 will implement a custom-built model that will consider the unique socio-economic, cultural and environmental contexts, so they can simulate various scenarios and derive the evidence required to shape integrated policy and investment responses, that can positively influence the current socioeconomic models that drive the current unsustainable status quo, and ameliorate the urgent Air Pollution issue.
What is more, given the fact that compromised air quality has proven to exacerbate the health impacts and mortality rates associated with COVID-19, as well as the fact that governments are eager to drive economic recovery as quickly as possible, often being tempted to eschew pollutive business models in favour of financial and economic gains, To this end UNDP Lao PDR CO will work with Government to find appropriate tools and approaches to help them navigate safe, inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic recovery, that can maximize achievement of SDG 2030 goals.
Institutional Arrangement
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Natural Resources Management, Climate Change and DRR Unit, the Programme Analyst is responsible for management of UNDP activities within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned. The Programme Analyst analyses political, social and economic trends and leads formulation, management and monitoring of projects within his/her portfolio.
This position works on the thematic/sectoral area of Environment, Air Pollution and Environmental Effects and supports the country level pilot and Policy simulation in the Development and Customization of an Integrated Policy Analysis and Modelling for a Transboundary Challenge of Air Pollution in Lao PDR.
The Programme Analyst works in close collaboration with the Bangkok Regional Hub, other Programme Analyst and other Natural Resources Management and Climate Change Unit staff, the UNDP Accelerator Lab, Operations Team, Programme staff in other UNDP Units, UN Agencies, Government officials, technical advisors and experts, and multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors ensuring successful implementation of UNDP activities.
Min. Academic Education
Master’s Degree in one of the following: Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Natural Sciences, Climate Change, Air Pollution, Development Studies or a related field.
In lieu of a Master’s degree, A Bachelor’s degree with an addition 4 years’ work experience.
Min. years of relevant Work experience
Minimum 2 years of relevant experience (Master degree) or Minimum 4 years of relevant experience (Bachelor degree) at the national or international level in providing advisory services in the area of environment management, pollution, water resource management, climate change mitigation or adaptation.
Required skills and competencies
Provision of advisory services in the area of environment management, pollution, water resource management, climate change mitigation or adaptation;
Proven communication and coordination skills;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages;
Desired additional skills and competencies
Advantage - Experience in handling of web-based management systems
Required Language(s) (at working level)
English and Lao - fluent
Important applicant information
All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: 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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UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension
This vacancy is archived.