Background
UNDP Lao PDR:
Guided by the global UNDP Strategic Plan (2022 – 2025) and UNDP Country Programme 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 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNDP’s work is strongly focused on the provision of policy advice and technical support to the Government of Lao PDR in the design and implementation of national legislation and strategies across four broad Priority Pillars – (1) inclusive growth and reduced inequalities, (2) Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) clearance and risk education, (3) natural resources, climate change and disaster risk reduction, as well as (4) effective, responsive, and accountable governance.
UNDP has a long history working in Lao PDR. UNDP’s comparative advantage has been its ability to work closely with a very broad range of government and local-level institutions at all levels. The new UNDP country programme is aligned with the 9th NSEDP and is anchored in UNDP’s long-term partnership with the Government of more than three decades. The new programme builds on the achievements of the previous Country Programme Document (CPD) that saw the incorporation of the SDGs into the national planning architecture. It will aim to support Lao PDR recover from the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue its transition from LDC (Least Developed Country) status, with a particular emphasis on supporting inclusive growth and reducing inequality.
UNJP on Green and Climate Finance:
The United Nations Joint Programme on Green and Climate Finance is a 24-month initiative implemented by UNDP together with UNEP, UN-Habitat, and FAO. It aims to support the achievement of Objective 5.3 of the 9th NSEDP Financing Strategy: \"green growth and climate-resilient development are financed through sustainably increasing budget allocations, improving green budgeting, mobilizing Official Development Assistance (ODA,)and increasing private sector investments in an enabling business environment.\" The joint programme takes a two-fold approach to support sustainably financing green growth and climate-resilient development objectives of the NSEDP: expanding technical assistance to address current gaps in green and climate finance policy implementation; enhancing coordination for greater policy coherence and effectiveness. By leveraging the expertise of 4 UN agencies, the joint programme will provide technical assistance to relevant Government departments responsible for the implementation of 8 policy actions (of the 9th NSEDP Financing Strategy’s 54 actions) related to chapter 5.3 on green and climate finance. In addition, the programme will contribute to strengthening governance and management of 9th NSEDP Financing Strategy through supporting the establishment and operationalization of the Sub-Committee on Green and Climate Finance and the operationalising of the National Financing Strategy Committee (Prime Minister’s Decision - No. 120/PM, dated 28/8/2024).
Duties and Responsibilities
The CTA will be hosted at the Ministry of Finance in Vientiane, with a direct reporting line to the UNDP Country Office (as Lead Agency). The CTA will communicate and coordinate the Climate Finance Hub operations with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, and other participating UN agencies (UNEP, UN-Habitat, FAO). Day-to-day guidance and direction will be provided by senior officials at the Ministry of Finance, particularly from the Department of Fiscal Policy. The CTA will collaborate closely with the UNDP Programme Coordinator, Administrative/Finance Associate, the respective focal points from UNEP, FAO, UN-habitat and short-term consultants supporting the implementation of UNJP programme activities.A new Sustainable/Climate Finance Hub is being established at the Ministry of Finance (MoF) under the guidance of a UN Joint Programme. The Hub will serve as:
A coordination platform and secretariat for engaging with all government and development partner stakeholders on Sustainable and Climate Finance under the overarching governance of the Financing Strategy for the 9th NSEDP National Committee hereafter known as the “National Financing Strategy Committee” A centre of expertise to support Government in designing, implementing, and monitoring sustainable/climate finance policies, including public–private partnerships, innovative financing, and mechanisms to integrate climate action into fiscal and economic policies (including strengthening capacity across government ministries to integrate sustainable finance into planning, budgeting, and sectoral policies). A focal point for donor coordination and partnerships to drive investment in greener, more resilient development pathways in Lao PDR.The Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) will be embedded within the Ministry of Finance under the leadership of the Department of Fiscal Policy.
Under the direct supervision of UNDP (as Lead Agency of the UN Joint Programme) and day-to-day guidance of senior officials at the Ministry of Finance, s/he will provide high-level advisory services, oversee strategic planning for sustainable/climate finance initiatives, and coordinate technical support across government stakeholders and development partners. S/he will also lead the Hub’s capacity development activities, knowledge generation, and day-to-day operational management in close collaboration with the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), other key line ministries, and private sector partners. S/he will also oversee monitoring for climate and green finance actions under Lao PDR’s 9th NSEDP Financing Strategy.
Key Functions and Responsibilities:
a. Strategic Leadership and Policy Advice
Provide high-level advisory support to the Ministry of Finance, National Financing Strategy Committee, the Sub-Committee on Green and Climate Finance, and other government entities on policy options, institutional frameworks, and regulatory reforms to enhance green and climate finance. Lead the development of a comprehensive work plan for the Hub, defining milestones, deliverables, and performance indicators aligned with the NSEDP Financing Strategy and the Government’s sustainable/climate-related priorities (example: Nationally Determined Contribution, National Green Growth Strategy). Provide strategic guidance on innovative financing mechanisms (example: debt-for-nature swaps, sustainability bonds, carbon markets, environmental fiscal reform, payment for ecosystem services, green taxonomy frameworks) and integrate them into national public finance and investment policies. Provide overall technical guidance to the implementation of all the proposed actions the UN Joint Programme including support to FAO, UNEP and UN-Habitat.b. Establishment and Operationalization of the Sustainable/Climate Finance Hub
Finalize the Hub’s organizational structure, staffing plans, and operating procedures in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and relevant line ministries. Coordinate with the National Planning and Financing for Inclusive Development (NPFID) project and other relevant initiatives to reinforce cohesive governance arrangements between the National Financing Strategy Committee and the new Sub-Committee on Green and Climate Finance. Oversee the day-to-day activities of the Hub’s national staff maintaining smooth operations and high-quality outputs. Identify technical assistance needs and manage short-term consultants or specialized advisors making sure all support is aligned with the Hub’s objectives and government priorities.c. Coordination, Stakeholder Engagement, and Partnerships
Provide leadership to the sustainable/climate finance hub to act as the secretariat lead for the National Financing Strategy Committee, the Sub-Committee on Green and Climate Finance, preparing technical briefs, convening inter-ministerial meetings, and drafting reports/ recommendations for the Financing Strategy National Committee. Provide leadership to the sustainable/climate finance hub to act as the MOF’s secretariat for the Financing Strategy Committee which will be co-chaired by the Vice Ministers of the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance (Prime Minister’s Decision - No. 120/PM, dated 28/8/2024 Engage with key ministries and departments (MoNRE, MPI, MAF, MEM, BoL) to facilitate coherent and coordinated implementation of sustainable and climate finance-related actions. Support and facilitate strategic level advisory support to the government Task Force for Payment for forest Ecosystem Services (PFES). Engage provincial and municipal authorities, as relevant, especially for sub-national climate finance interventions (PFES, urban green growth etc.). Facilitate vertical coordination between local needs and national policy frameworks. Actively nature partnerships with development partners (ADB, World Bank, GGGI, IFC etc.), private sector investors, and civil society to strengthen climate finance resource mobilization and investment in Lao PDR. Participate in national, regional, and international forums to showcase Lao PDR’s climate finance innovations and attract potential funding opportunities for the sustainable/climate finance hub.d. Technical Oversight, Knowledge Generation, and Capacity Building
Provide technical oversight of the different activities within the UNJP, building synergies and organic linkages between the activities and PUNOs. Provide technical guidance on the design and evaluation of sustainable/climate finance instruments, including conducting fiscal, economic, and environmental analyses to support evidence-based policymaking. Oversee knowledge management and the production of analytical papers, policy briefs, and guidance documents (standard operating procedures, best practice toolkits on sustainable/climate finance etc.). Develop and deliver targeted capacity-building programmes for government officials targeting different line ministries including those with non-environmental mandates, financial sector regulators and private sector actors, including training on proposal development for global climate funds, green budgeting, and climate risk assessments. Facilitate peer-to-peer learning, international study visits, and knowledge exchanges with other countries that have successfully established sustainable and or climate finance units/hubs.e. Monitoring, Reporting, and Adaptive Management
Provide technical leadership to ensure the Results Framework and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)of the UN Joint Programme are reported against in timely manner. Lead on setting up a monitoring and evaluation system for the Hub’s activities in alignment with the NSEDP Financing Strategy M&E framework. Provide periodic progress reports to the Ministry of Finance, the UN Joint Programme Steering Committee, and the National Financing Strategy Committee, the Sub-Committee on Green and Climate Finance highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Contribute to the timely submission of progress and financial reporting to the donor Identify lessons learned and best practices from the Hub’s implementation, documenting them for knowledge exchange at national and international levels (Roundtable Meetings, UNFCCC COPs, other global forums) Propose adaptive management strategies and follow-up actions to improve efficiency and effectiveness of sustainable/ climate finance coordination in Lao PDR. Contribute to UNDP and UN Joint Programme corporate reporting requirements (annual reports, results-based reporting, etc.).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 inclusivityPeople Management
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Direction & Strategy
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 systemBusiness Development
Collective Intelligence Design: Ability to bring together diverse groups of people, data, information, ideas, and technology to solve problems and design solutions or services. Knowledge and understanding of Collective Intelligence Design principles, methodology and practices.Business Management
Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals. Risk Management: Identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risksPartnership Management
Resource Mobilization: Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and establish a plan to meet funding requirements Multi-stakeholder engagement and funding: Knowledge and ability to forge multi-stakeholder partnerships, and remove any obstacles to resource mobilization and multi-stakeholder funding platforms Strategic Engagement: Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectivesRequired Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Finance, Economics, Sustainable Policy, Public Administration or a closely related field to thematic area is required, or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.Experience:
Minimum 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience at the national or international level in international development, sustainable finance, public finance or related area.Required skills:
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 skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:
Experience managing complex projects and teams, including project design, activity/budget planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting. Experience providing high-level policy advisory services on sustainable development finance to senior government officials or international institutions. Experience in Southeast Asia or other developing country contexts, particularly working with Ministries of Finance or Planning Knowledge and experience of Sustainable Finance and the Integrated National Financing Frameworks Knowledge and experience of green finance instruments and policies including new innovative financing mechanisms that are rolled out in developing country contexts. Excellent coordination skills, with ability to work under pressure and handle multiple activities and tasks concurrently. Ability to lead a team and to work in the team effectively. Excellent inter-personal, communication and negotiating skillsRequired Languages:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable for IPSA.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.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.