National Technical Assistant

Organizational Setting

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) to design, implement, and partly finance low emissions and climate-resilient projects aligned with its global commitments. The project is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as the Delivery Partner, in close collaboration with the National Designated Authority (NDA) - the Department of Planning and Finance (DPC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE).
The project has the following objectives\:
• Objective 1 – Capacity building\: To enhance NDA and Ministries capacity to design and implement GCF projects and streamline climate data collection, analysis, and information sharing systems
• Objective 2 – Strategic Frameworks\: To undertake a comprehensive Readiness Needs Assessment, update the GCF Country Programme and develop new financial mechanisms for investment in climate action
• Objective 4 – Pipeline development\: To further develop a concept note in the Country Programme and studies for the Funding Proposal while building capacity of the Environment Protection Fund as its potential DAE
• Objective 5 - Knowledge sharing and learning\: To support NDA and line ministries to learn from other countries, prepare and disseminate knowledge products on GCF programming and develop new financial mechanisms for sustainable investment in climate action

The Project Management Unit (PMU), based at DPC/MAE, is responsible for the day-to-day execution of the project under the direction of the NDA and in line with technical guidance from FAO.

Reporting Lines

Technical Guidance\: FAO Representative in Lao PDR and FAO Project Task Force
Administrative Supervision\: Director General, Department of Planning and Cooperation (DPC), MAE

Technical Focus

The National Technical Assistant provides core operational, coordination, administrative, and technical support to the PMU and NDA to ensure smooth implementation of the GCF Readiness project. The role is pivotal for day-to-day project operations, supporting data collection and use of the CFMRV system, strengthening coordination across ministries, and ensuring timely reporting, documentation, and compliance with FAO and GoL regulations.

Tasks and responsibilities

Project Implementation Support

• Provide daily administrative and technical assistance to the PMU and national technical officers.
• Support preparation and execution of annual work plans, budgets, and procurement processes following FAO procedures.
• Organize and document meetings, trainings, and workshops.
• Maintain project files, documentation, and records in an orderly and accessible system.

Coordination and Communication

• Serve as the operational link between the PMU, NDA, MAE/DPC, line ministries, FAO, and project stakeholders.
• Facilitate information flow across institutions and support coordination mechanisms such as TWGCC and ECFMG.
• Support logistical arrangements for field missions, consultations, and stakeholder engagements.
• Assist in preparing communication materials and documenting coordination meetings.

Monitoring, Reporting & Documentation

• Support monitoring of project progress against indicators and workplans.
• Assist in the preparation of progress, technical, and financial reports for FAO and GCF.
• Collect, compile, and organize data and inputs from ministries and stakeholders.
• Document lessons learned, best practices, and case studies; maintain updated information management systems.

Support to the Climate Finance MRV System (Output 1.1.3)

• Assist ministries and agencies in collecting and entering climate finance data into the CFMRV system.
• Work with the National Information System Management Consultant to train and coach focal points.
• Support NDA staff with data analysis and preparation of climate finance reports.
• Contribute to the institutionalization and routine use of the CFMRV system in decision-making.

Additional Duties

• Provide Lao–English and English–Lao translation for documents and communications.
• Support knowledge management and dissemination of project outputs.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Project Manager and FAO Representation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree (Bachelor's) in economics, international relations, natural resources management, climate change, environmental science, development studies, public administration, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in the project support/implementation (Administrative and technical support; Work planning; Budget tracking; Procurement support; Meeting/workshop organization)
• Working knowledge of English
• National of Lao People's Democratic Republic

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work in multicultural environments

Selection Criteria

• Proven experience working with Government of Lao PDR institutions and/or development programmes/projects in Lao PDR
• Experience in project coordination, monitoring, and reporting

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION