National Technical Specialist [open To Internal And External Applicants]

Organizational Context

UNDP Lao PDR works with government and partners to advance national development priorities and SDGs, focusing on inclusive growth, natural resources, and governance. This role is within the GEF FARM Programme, which aims to reduce harmful agrochemicals and promote sustainable agricultural waste management. The specialist provides lead technical guidance under the Department of Agriculture and UNDP's Natural Resources Management Unit.

Job Purpose

The National Technical Specialist will lead the technical implementation of the GEF FARM Programme in Lao PDR. The project's core purpose is to significantly reduce the use of harmful agrochemicals and promote environmentally sound management of hazardous pesticides and agricultural wastes. This involves incentivizing farmers to adopt sustainable crop management practices, enhancing access to low/non-chemical pest control alternatives, and improving financing for environmentally sound waste management. The role contributes to operationalizing integrated pesticide and agricultural waste management, yielding benefits such as reduced POPs/HHPs, improved soil/water quality, enhanced biodiversity, safer food systems, and stronger agricultural exports. The specialist will address challenges faced by smallholder farmers, strengthening regulatory frameworks, building capacity among agencies, and advocating science-based sustainable agriculture approaches to improve farmer livelihoods. This position ensures the project achieves its objective of fostering a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in Lao PDR.

Responsibilities

The National Technical Specialist will provide strategic guidance and technical advice to the Government of Lao PDR on sustainable agriculture, IPM/GAP, agrochemical lifecycle management, agricultural waste management, and green finance. This includes offering policy advice, supervising project activities, and ensuring quality control of outputs. The role involves drafting and reviewing strategic documents, fostering cross-project linkages with UN and development partners, and facilitating information sharing within the donor community. Key responsibilities also encompass providing technical advice, capacity building, and project management support to ensure effective and timely project delivery. This includes assisting in developing workplans and budgets, ensuring stakeholder participation, monitoring activity implementation, and advising on project progress. The specialist will support annual project reviews, audits, and evaluations, aid in recruiting experts, and oversee consultant inputs. Furthermore, the role involves supporting resource mobilization, strengthening partnerships with stakeholders including financial institutions and the private sector, and leading on sustainable agriculture initiatives. The specialist will facilitate knowledge and capacity building by identifying training needs, organizing workshops, capturing lessons learned, and contributing to knowledge networks. Advocacy for UNDP's work and collaboration opportunities will also be promoted.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years (with Master's) or 7 years (with Bachelor's) of relevant experience in sustainable agriculture, IPM/GAP, agrochemicals, chemicals/waste management, environmental management, or agricultural economics is required. This includes at least 5 years in project management, advisory services, and M&E of development projects. Experience in project planning, consulting, fostering partnerships, and using office software is essential. Prior experience with UNDP/GEF projects, policy advice, community-based agriculture, environmental law, and international conventions (Stockholm, FAO/WHO Code) is desirable.

Skills

Core Competencies: Achieving results, innovative thinking, continuous learning, adaptability, determination, engaging and partnering, enabling diversity and inclusion. Business Direction & Strategy: Strategic thinking, system thinking, effective decision-making, negotiation, and influence. Business Management: Project management, risk management. Technical: Expertise in Chemicals & Waste, particularly Persistent Organic Pollutants.

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