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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
People Managementc
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Direction & Strategy
Business Management
2030 Agenda: Planet
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Experience:
Required skills and competencies
Desired additional skills and competencies
Required Language(s) (at working level)
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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