National Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission includes promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving nutrition, and enhancing the livelihoods of rural populations. The AFFIRM project, funded by the Republic of Korea, is part of FAO's broader commitment to sustainable forest management and integrated risk management, particularly in the context of increasing wildfire risks globally.

Job Overview:
The National Coordinator will play a pivotal role in the AFFIRM project, which focuses on integrated risk management for forests, particularly concerning wildfire risks. This position is crucial for ensuring that the project meets its objectives through effective coordination with government agencies and other stakeholders. The National Coordinator will be responsible for conducting technical analyses, drafting reports, and facilitating communication between various parties involved in the project. The role requires a deep understanding of the forestry and environmental sectors, as well as the ability to navigate the complexities of government and community interactions within these landscapes. The incumbent will work closely with the FAO team in Lao PDR and the Chief Technical Advisor based in Bangkok, ensuring that project activities align with the overall work plan and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Coordinator's duties include:

• Collaborating with the FAO AFFIRM team to liaise with government focal agencies on technical and operational aspects, ensuring timely and quality delivery of data analyses and reports.
• Conducting secondary research studies on fire management, including the collection and collation of existing data, reports, or records, and summarizing findings.
• Prioritizing work activities to ensure efficiency and timeliness in completing assigned tasks.
• Coordinating and assisting government agencies in data collection and collation related to fire management.
• Participating in meetings, workshops, and presentations to share findings and progress.
• Taking a lead role in drafting report components that analyze the interaction of fire across landscapes.
• Performing other related duties as required to support the project objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in forestry, natural resources, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least five years of technical or administrative experience in forestry, natural resource management, or governmental/inter-governmental activities. A working knowledge of both English and Lao languages for effective written and verbal communication is essential. Candidates must be nationals of Lao PDR.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in forestry, natural resources, or a similar field. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of forest management and the environmental challenges faced in the region.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the forestry or natural resources sector. This experience should include technical or administrative roles that demonstrate the ability to manage projects, conduct research, and engage with government agencies and stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Lao is mandatory for this position. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both languages, particularly in technical contexts related to fire management and forestry. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. It is important to note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.