National Coordination Consultant for FARM

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Position Title: National Coordination Consultant for FARM
Location: Vientiane, Xiengkhuang, Oudomxay, Bokeo, Luang Namtha
Country: Laos
Deadline Date: 11-Mar-25 @ 12:59 PM (New York time)

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. The organization focuses on various areas including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and sustainable development. UNDP has a diverse workforce of over 17,000 employees worldwide, dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities they serve.

Job Overview:
The National Coordination Consultant for FARM will play a crucial role in the effective management and coordination of a specific project under the guidance of the Team Leader of the Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Reduction Unit at UNDP Lao PDR. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the project meets its objectives by delivering appropriate technical, operational, financial, and administrative outputs. This includes tracking project progress through monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, as well as building strategic partnerships with key project stakeholders. The consultant will also be tasked with ensuring gender mainstreaming within the project, which is essential for achieving equitable outcomes. The position requires a proactive approach to project management, with a focus on collaboration and communication among various stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Managing and coordinating the implementation of project activities based on relevant project documents, providing supervision and guidance to project staff and consultants to achieve desired results.
• Developing detailed project work-plans that outline all activities, roles, responsibilities, and milestones.
• Monitoring the progress of project implementation, ensuring adherence to timelines and financial accuracy.
• Mobilizing goods and services to support project activities, including drafting Terms of Reference (TORs) and specifications.
• Managing project risks by maintaining a Project Risk Log and submitting updates to the Project Board.
• Preparing and submitting project progress reports to relevant stakeholders, including project boards and donors.
• Managing project tracking in the QUANTUM system in accordance with UNDP procedures.
• Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with central and local authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure project alignment with beneficiary needs.
• Ensuring gender is effectively mainstreamed throughout all project activities and outputs. 1
• Engaging communities in project activities and communicating project goals and results to stakeholders and the public.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position should possess a strong set of qualifications, including:

• Proven experience in project management, particularly in the context of development projects.
• Strong understanding of gender mainstreaming and its importance in project implementation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in project monitoring and evaluation methodologies.
• Familiarity with UNDP rules and regulations related to financial and procurement processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage risks effectively.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as international development, project management, environmental science, or a related discipline. A master's degree would be an advantage and may be preferred for this role, particularly in areas related to sustainable development or gender studies.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, ideally a minimum of 5 years in project management or coordination roles within the development sector. Experience working with UN agencies or similar organizations is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully managing projects, particularly those focused on natural resource management, climate change, or disaster risk reduction.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all communications and documentation will be conducted in English. Knowledge of Lao or other local languages would be considered an asset, as it would facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as an individual contractor role for a period of 40 working days. The consultant will be expected to work flexibly, coordinating with various stakeholders and adapting to the needs of the project. The role is full-time, and the consultant will be required to submit proposals directly through the UNDP supplier portal by the specified deadline. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UNDP policies for individual contractors.