Job Posting : 25/Aug/2025
Closure Date : 09/Sep/2025, 4:59:00 AM
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Primary Location
: Lao People’s Democratic Republic-Vientiane
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
Organizational Setting
Lao PDR faces ongoing challenges in accessing direct climate finance due to limited national institutional capacity for accreditation and project development. The Environment Protection Fund (EPF) is currently in stage 2 of GCF accreditation and requires continued support to complete the process while building capacity for developing quality funding proposals. Additionally, the country needs to develop innovative financial mechanisms such as Payment for Forest Ecosystem Services (PFES) to mobilize domestic climate finance.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR-Programme, and EPF’s Director, technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), and in close coordination with the National Institutional Specialist/Project Manager and national project team, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:
Technical Focus
To address these challenges, the National Programme Development and Capacity Building Consultant will be stationed at MoNRE and provide dedicated support to EPF. This position is essential for ensuring that EPF successfully completes its accreditation process while building EPF’s capacity for GCF programming and developing high-quality concept notes and funding proposals as a future Direct Access Entity. The incumbent will also support the development of PFES mechanisms to enhance domestic climate finance mobilization.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Support EPF in completing the GCF accreditation process and meeting all remaining requirements
• Assist EPF in developing institutional capacity to develop its GCF programme, meeting standards for Direct Access Entities
• Provide technical guidance on GCF policies, procedures, and accreditation criteria and support in responding to accreditation questions
• Support EPF in developing quality project concept notes and pre-feasibility studies for Funding Proposals
• Support EPF engagement in the Payment for Forest Ecosystem Services (PFES) pilot development and learning
• Assist in designing and implementing PFES mechanisms in collaboration with relevant agencies
• Provide technical expertise on innovative financial mechanisms for climate action
• Build EPF’s capacity in project development, proposal preparation, and GCF programming
• Provide training and technical assistance to EPF staff on GCF requirements and procedures
• Support development of EPF’s institutional systems and processes for climate finance management
• Perform other related tasks as assigned by supervisor
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree in Natural Resources Management, Development Studies, Environmental Studies, and/or related field.
• Minimum seven (7) years of relevant experience in Payment for Ecosystem services or similar Financial Mechanisms
• Knowledge of climate finance mechanisms and Direct Access Entity requirements
• Understanding of environmental and social safeguards frameworks
• Working knowledge of English (spoken and writing skills)
• National of Lao.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Strong knowledge of legal and governance frameworks of Lao PDR
• Expertise in project development and funding proposal preparation
• Track record of institutional capacity building and natural resources management/climate change programme/project development and management
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 accepted
- Please 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/
- For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
