Programme Specialist (Open to Tier 1 & 2 applicants)

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

UNDP Lao PDR: 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP. UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Guided by the global UNDP Strategic Plan (2026-2029) and UNDP Country Programme for Lao PDR (CPD, 2022 – 2026 and any other subsequent CPDs) UNDP in Lao PDR works closely with the line Ministries, mass organizations, civil society, development partners, and the private sector at both national and sub-national levels in pursuit of the national socio-economic development priorities defined in Lao PDR’s five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

UNDP has a long history working in Lao PDR. UNDP’s comparative advantage has been its ability to work closely with a very broad range of government and local-level institutions at all levels. The new CPD 2022-2026 builds on the achievements of the previous CPD that saw the incorporation of the SDGs into the national planning architecture. The UNDP’s work is strongly focused on the provision of policy advice and technical support to the Government of Lao PDR in the design and implementation of national legislation and strategies across three broad priority pillars – (1) inclusive growth and reduced inequalities, including UXO clearance and risk education, (2) natural resources, climate change and disaster risk reduction, and (3) effective, responsive, and accountable governance (Lao CPD|UNDP).

UNDP, in close partnership with key government ministries, institutions, and other stakeholders, has been implementing a diverse array of development projects and interventions across various interconnected sectors. These sectors include natural resources, forestry, biodiversity, water, energy, social issues, economics, finance, poverty alleviation, governance, the rule of law, access to justice, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Natural Resources Management, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (NRM, CC, & DRR) Unit:

Lao PDR is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly those of floods and droughts. Since the 1960s, the country has experienced an increase in the frequency and severity of these events, resulting in increased impacts on and risks to vulnerable communities in the Lao PDR. These impacts include, for example, damage to crops, thereby decreasing food and financial security. The severity of climate change impacts is further compounded by non-climate change-related factors such as increasing urbanization, ecosystem degradation, and deforestation. UNDP focuses on the provision of technical and policy support to the Government of Lao PDR to strengthen sustainable management of natural resources, including land, water, and biodiversity, and increase resilience to climate change-related risks.  
 

The Programme Analyst works under the general supervision of Team Leader of Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Reduction Unit, and collaborates closely with other project team members and other units.  

• Contribute to analysis of the political, social and economic situation in the country; and contribute collaborative inputs to the UN Common Country Assessment and
• Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNCCA and UNSDCF) as well as to the preparation/revision of the Country Programme Document (CPD), Integrated Work Plan (IWP) and other strategic documents.
• Contribute to operationalizing UNSDCF/ CPD in collaboration with the main partners and other UN Agencies.
• Ensure implementation of relevant programme Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the effectiveness CO business processes. 
• Analyze and synthesize proposals in assigned programme areas.

• Contribute to design and formulation of CO programme, translate UNDP priorities into local interventions, and oversee programme implementation with the implementing partners within the assigned programme areas. Ensure that design and formulation of programme considers societal digital technology risks and opportunities and other future signals.
• Oversee planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring of the assigned programme areas; and track use of financial resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. Ensure digital technology solutions in programme implementation are managed towards scalability and sustainability in line with UNDP’s digital standards.
• Ensure effective application of results-based management tools and track achievement of strategic results.
• Ensure the effective use of data in programme implementation, across the data lifecycle; and ensure effective monitoring, evaluation and learning on programme impact. 
• Support trends analysis for future informed and anticipatory programming.
• Follow up on audit recommendations and ensure the implementation of management responses.
• Prepare and aggregate reports on activities, outputs and outcomes, including donor and corporate reports.
• Support to the rollout of new initiatives and programmes including through presentation of the project to PAC; finalize contribution agreements; and determine required revisions.

• Develop partnerships with the UN Agencies, international financial institutions (IFIs), government institutions, donors, private sector (if applicable to CO), and civil society in assigned programme/ thematic areas.   
• Identify strategic programme areas of cooperation including for joint programming. 
• Analyze and research information on donors, prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identify opportunities for initiation of new projects, and substantively contribute to Country office resource mobilization efforts. 
• Support development of portfolios and Country office pipeline including through the design of Programme/Project documents, concept notes, proposals, and cross-sectoral coordination in assigned areas to bring resources for projects.

• Identify policy-driven issues; and identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country policy goals.
• Establish/strengthen national and international advocacy networks. Implement relevant, high -impact advocacy with key partners.
• Provide substantive support in the development of policies and institutions to address country problems and needs in collaboration with the Government and other strategic partners.
• Provide input so that policy advisory contributes to inclusive societal digital transformation and takes digital technology risks and opportunities or futures signals into account. 
• Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks, communities of practice, and digital knowledge platforms.
• Organize training for the operations/ projects staff on programme related matters in assigned areas.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Management  

• Results-based Management: Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results
• Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
• Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment
• Monitoring: Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results
• Working with Evidence and Data: Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making

Business Direction & Strategy

• System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness

• Effectiveness: Project Quality Assurance

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Natural Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, Water Resources Management, Development Studies with Environmental Specialization, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or related field is required. 
  This should be reflected in a good understanding of development issues, and policies and programmes relating to environment and natural resources management and their impacts on growth, human development and poverty reduction. or  
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience working at the national and/or international level in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in the area of environment, climate change, and/or development.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge of environmental management, environment conventions and treaties, especially on biodiversity, climate change, forestry, water, health and circular economy.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages Experience in handling of web-based management systems.
• Proven communication and coordination skills/experience.

Desired Skills:

• Experience in programme development, project implementation and monitoring, financial management, collaboration with government and the international development community would be an asset
• Experience in biodiversity, agrobiodiversity, land management, ecosystems, pollution and waste management, water resources management/irrigation, livelihoods or poverty-environment work/linkages is an asset. 
• Experience in maintaining existing partnerships and developing new relationships
• Experience with research and report writing. 
• Experience in resource mobilization.
• Experience working with a UN or multilateral development agency, or international forum 
• Experience supporting or managing multi-stakeholder projects, preferably in a UN or development context.
• Proven familiarity with UNDP’s programme and operations procedures (e.g., POPP, Quantum ).

•  Fluency in the English is required
• Fluency in the Lao is required
• Knowledge of another UN language is desirable

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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