Organizational Setting
Lao PDR faces ongoing challenges in accessing and effectively utilizing climate finance due to fragmented coordination among key stakeholders, limited institutional capacity, and evolving policy frameworks. The NDA plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between international climate finance mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and national development priorities. However, effective coordination with the GCF Secretariat and among ministries, agencies, and financial institutions remains a key barrier to ensuring streamlined climate finance governance.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR-Programme, technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), and in close coordination with the national project team, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:
Technical Focus
To address these challenges, the GCF Coordination Specialist will be stationed within the National Designated Authority (NDA) Office at Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) and play a pivotal role in strengthening NDAโs coordination with the GCF Secretariat and national inter-agency collaboration, facilitating climate finance processes, and ensuring effective policy and financial alignment across stakeholders.ย
This position is essential in improving the coordination mechanisms (such as the Environment and Climate Finance Sub-committee) and tools (such as the Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system) for the NDA to perform its role, in close coordination with the GCF Secretariat, and ensuring that Lao PDR maximizes opportunities to mobilize and implement climate finance effectively. The incumbent will also assist in the strategic planning and continuous improvement of Lao PDRโs engagement with the GCF based on strengthened national climate finance coordination efforts.
Tasks and responsibilities
โข ย ย ย ย Support frequent and smooth communication and coordination between NDA and GCF Secretariat
โข ย ย ย ย Facilitate correspondence, documentation exchange, and follow-up on GCF requirements
โข ย ย ย ย Assist in maintaining up-to-date information on GCF policies, procedures, and opportunities
โข ย ย ย ย Support NDA in biannual and annual reporting to GCF
โข ย ย ย ย Assist in preparation of progress reports and compliance documentation
โข ย ย ย ย Help compile and organize information required for GCF reporting requirements
โข ย ย ย ย Support NDA in ensuring effective GEF and GCF coordination and synergized programming
โข ย ย ย ย Assist in identifying opportunities for integrated programming across climate funds
โข ย ย ย ย Support coordination/synergies with the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), Adaptation Fund and other climate finance mechanisms
โข ย ย ย ย Support NDA in implementation of the country programme including review of concept notes and proposals
โข ย ย ย ย Assist in tracking pipeline development and project status
โข ย ย ย ย Support quality control processes for project submissions
โข ย ย ย ย Contribute to all project outputs as needed
โข ย ย ย ย Support coordination meetings and stakeholder engagement activities
โข ย ย ย ย Assist in capacity building and training activities related to GCF processes
โข ย ย ย ย Perform other related tasks as assigned by supervisor
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements ย ย
โข ย ย ย ย University degree in Environment, Climate Change, Economics, and/or related field.
โข ย ย ย ย Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience in GEF, GCF, AF and other climate funds, climate finance mechanisms
โข ย ย ย ย Working knowledge of English (spoken and writing skills, C1)
โข ย ย ย ย National of Lao.
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FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย ย ย Communication
โข ย ย ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โข ย ย ย ย Good understanding of GEF, GCF, AF and other climate funds
โข ย ย ย ย Experience working with government institutions in Lao PDR
โข ย ย ย ย Understanding of project cycle management
โข ย ย ย ย Previous experience with international climate finance mechanisms
โข ย ย ย ย Knowledge and experience with NDA work
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)Applications received after the closing date will not be acceptedPlease note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ย ย For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/ย ย Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.ย