Technical Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working closely with governments and local institutions to address development challenges. In Lao PDR, UNDP collaborates with various stakeholders, including line ministries, civil society, and the private sector, to implement national socio-economic development priorities as outlined in the National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP's work in Lao PDR focuses on policy advice and technical support across three main pillars: inclusive growth and reduced inequalities, natural resources and climate change, and effective governance. The organization aims to support the country in recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and transitioning from Least Developed Country status, with a strong emphasis on promoting inclusive growth and reducing inequality.

Job Overview:
The Technical Specialist will play a crucial role in the implementation of a Child Project under the GEF-8 Regional Indo-Malay Critical Forest Biome Integrated Programme. This project aims to maintain the integrity of primary forests in Indo-Malaya while maximizing environmental benefits related to carbon and biodiversity. The Technical Specialist will work closely with the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Lao PDR and the Team Lead for Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Reduction Unit. The position will be based at the Department of Forestry (DOF) within the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) in Vientiane Capital, with occasional travel to project offices in various provinces. The Specialist will be responsible for leading technical project activities, developing annual work plans and budgets, ensuring integration with project outcomes, and coordinating with other related projects. The role requires providing high-level advice and guidance to the government and UNDP on policies and regulations related to Primary Forest Landscapes (PFL), capacity building, and resource mobilization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Specialist will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Leading technical project activities focused on monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Developing annual work plans and budgets to ensure project alignment with objectives.
• Guiding activities in various provinces and coordinating with other related projects.
• Providing technical and strategic guidance to the Government of Lao PDR on national policies related to PFL.
• Supporting the development of the Annamite Management Strategy through stakeholder consultation and investment prioritization.
• Offering technical advice and capacity building to ensure effective project delivery.
• Strengthening partnerships with development organizations and UN agencies.
• Advising on linkages with other major programs and facilitating information sharing within the donor community.
• Supporting the recruitment of national and international experts and overseeing consultant input. 1
• Organizing project meetings and workshops, and ensuring stakeholder involvement in project activities. 1
• Monitoring project progress and ensuring compliance with UNDP and government regulations. 1
• Documenting project results and contributing to annual reports and knowledge products.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in fields such as Protected Area Management, Land Use Planning, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Management, or related areas. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) combined with additional qualifying experience may be considered. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience with a master’s degree or 7 years with a bachelor’s degree in areas related to protected area management, land use planning, and sustainable forest management. Proven experience in project management, advisory services, and monitoring and evaluation of development projects is essential. Familiarity with community-based conservation and law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law is desirable, along with experience in South East Asia and specifically in Lao PDR.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Protected Area Management, Land Use Planning, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Management, or Environmental Economics is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) may be accepted in combination with additional qualifying experience, which will be considered in lieu of a master’s degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience if holding a master’s degree, or 7 years if holding a bachelor’s degree. This experience should be within the fields of protected area management, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental management. Proven experience in project management, providing management advisory services, and hands-on experience in design, monitoring, and evaluation of development projects is required. Experience in fostering networks and partnerships is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly languages relevant to the local context in Lao PDR.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Vientiane, with occasional travel required to project offices in other provinces. UNDP is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and adheres to strict standards against harassment and discrimination.