Background

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the UNDP Poverty Environment Initiative (PEI) in Lao PDR aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improved well-being of poor and vulnerable groups through mainstreaming the environment into national development processes.  PEI program works to develop capacity and institutional mechanisms for effective management of private investments.
 
The Poverty-Environment Initiative is looking for an international specialist to provide overall project management oversight, coordination support and specific technical input to the PEI program in Lao PDR.  Technical support will be particularly in the area of environmental monitoring and communications.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide coordination and technical support to the implementation of an integrated investment monitoring framework within Investment Promotion Department (IPD) that also includes financial, social and environmental indicators.
  • Support the design of coordination mechanisms between DESIA and IPD to enable Environmental and Social Impact Assessments to be fully integrated into the investment decision-making process, as required by the law. 
  • Support the design and delivery of communication pieces as defined in the PEI Communications Strategy to enhance the presence of PEI in Lao PDR and ability to deliver key policy messages effectively.
  • Provide support and oversight to overall PEI project management, and help ensure compliance with UNDP requirements.
  • Present at PEI and UNDP workshops, where necessary and relevant.

Competencies

  • Excellent research skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent time management skills, with an ability to deliver high-quality outputs on time
  • Fluency in English required

Required Skills and Experience

  • University degree in environmental science, natural resource management, environmental economics or similar. Advanced degree is a plus
  • Minimum 5 years professional experience in project management, environmental monitoring and/or environmental communications
  • Specific experience in environmental monitoring projects required
  • Skills and experience in capacity building related to environmental or natural resource issues are preferable
  • Strong track record of producing high-quality communication pieces, ability to transfer analytical research results into high-quality reports, and presenting to policy oriented audiences
  • Practical experience in UN-related projects required, and knowledge of UN system and procedures preferable
  • Working experience in developing countries and/or Southeast Asia required; prior experience in Lao PDR preferred
 
Requirements for submission of applications:
 
a)       All interested and qualified candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP website at http://www.undplao.org/vacancies or http://jobs.undp.org. The UNDP will only accept applications submitted on-line. Please ensure that before making on-line application, you have completed the UNDP Personal History Form (P11). The electronic version of the P11 can be downloaded from http://www.undplao.org/vacancies (Current Vacancies Section). The completed P11 form further should be uploaded while applying on-line; 
 
b)       Interested individual consultants must submit the following
documents/information and demonstrate that they are qualified:
  • A resume and cover letter;
  • Strongly recommend submission of examples of recent, relevant work related to Business Continuity Planning, Pandemic Preparedness Planning and or/avian influenza
  • A list of three references;
c)     Remuneration will depend on the selected consultant’s qualification and experience and will be in compliance with applicable UN rates.
 
Note: Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
For more detailed information about UNDP Lao PDR please visit our website at http://www.undplao.org