Organizational Setting

The main aim of FAO Country Offices, headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO Lao PDR assists the Government in the development and implementation of field projects in the sectors of food security, agriculture, and rural development. This requires the integration within the broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture that aims at increasing production and productivity, addressing climate change, and managing natural resources; and enhance rural livelihoods.

FAO in Lao PDR is implementing the project “The project for Enhancement of Livelihood Resilience in Rural Areas” under GCP/LAO/034/JPN which is funded by the Government of Japan. The Government of Japan has supported the successful first phase project to help most rural communities in Laos respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project targets 48 villages in Luang Prabang and Oudomxay provinces to contribute to poverty reduction, food and nutrition security and resilience of rural households in Lao PDR. They will receive Climate-Smart Villages approach measures, support for small-scale agribusiness, and critical productive infrastructure (such as small-scale irrigation, water harvesting, and flood and drought mitigation measures). Simultaneously, the project will strengthen the sustainable improvement of rural households’ income and livelihood through climate-resilient, high value agriculture and support infrastructure.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Lao PDR and in close coordination with the Assistant FAO Representatives, Programme and Administration, the International Operations Specialist, and the Lead Technical Officer at FAO RAP.

Technical Focus

Project Management, Administrative, Finance, Operational and another programme related to Climate Smart Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food security.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Collaborate with national consultants to develop a detailed work plan and inception report.
•    Lead and oversee the activities, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality outputs aligned with the endorsed project workplan.
•    Manage day-to-day operations and facilitate collaboration among project partners across different outputs.
•    Support the procurement process for the planned inputs required to implement the scheduled activities.
•    Develop project M&E framework and monitor project progress and budgets, identifying and addressing potential delays, including the implementation of LoA and other contracts.
•    Liaise with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Lao PDR, and Provincial and District Offices of Agriculture and Forestry on any relevant project and programme implementation and related issues.
•    Maintain positive relationships with donors and government counterparts by providing regular updates and timely information.
•    Organize and facilitate periodic/ad-hoc Project Steering Committee meetings.
•    Supervise the development and implementation of communications plan of the project, ensuring that communications activities are implemented in line with the FAO communications guidelines.
•    Prepare project briefs and other communication materials as required.
•    Prepare periodic Project Progress report and Final/Terminate Report.
•    Support FAO Laos programming and reporting.
•    Maintain positive relationships with Development Partners and Donors and exploring potential opportunities for resource mobilization in support of the project’s related areas (climate change, water irrigation, and agribusiness).
•    Perform other related duties as assigned by FAOR Lao PDR.

Liaison with the OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, appropriate review, and clearance processes.

All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:

FAOSTYLE (English: https://www.fao.org/3/cb8081en/cb8081en.pdf ; French: https://www.fao.org/3/AC339FR/ac339fr.pdf ; Spanish: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339s/ac339s.pdf ; Arabic: https://www.fao.org/3/ac339a/ac339a.pdf ; Chinese:
https://www.fao.org/3/ac339c/ac339c.pdf );
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm ;
FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en ;
Story guidelines http://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/UPDATED-Digital-Storytelling-Guide-EN-FINAL.pdf ;
Story template http://intranet.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/occ/Quick_Guides/FAO-Stories-Template-UPDATED.pdf ;
UN map standards (available to staff);
FAO Brand and policy book (available to staff).

Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    University degree Agriculture, Rural Development, or a relevant field.
•    At least 15 years of relevant experience in project management, rural development, climate smart agriculture practice.
•    Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese and Russian.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Good commence of computer skill such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Power Point) or a relevant application.
•    Knowledge of project management, rural development, and climate smart agriculture.
•    Knowledge of the administrative policies and procedures of the United Nations and International Organization.
•    Proven capacity to conduct fieldwork and ability to work in teams and establish working relationships central and local government institutions and civil society organization.
•    Prior experience with the UN and/or international organizations is an asset.