National Programme Development and Capacity Building Specialist

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