National Specialist for AFFRIM Lao PDR

Organizational Setting

Funded by the Republic of Korea, FAO is implementing “Assuring the Future of Forests with Integrated Risk Management (AFFIRM) work planning between 2023 and 2026”. This AFFIRM Mechanism is proposed as a way to address known gaps in data needs, information, and understanding of forest-related risks, as well as a lack of an integrated approach to risk management for forest sustainability. AFFIRM will be piloted in four countries in its first phase (including Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Thailand and Viet Nam), using the skills and expertise of a demonstration country (Republic of Korea). Recognizing the threat of damaging wildfires globally and considering the scale of the initial budget, AFFIRM will initially address integrated risk management for wildfires.

This position is based in the Lao PDR office, in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

Reporting Lines

The National Specialist reports formally to the FAOR in Lao PDR. Operationally and technically, the National Specialistwill work with the National Coordination staff for AFFIRM (based in Lao PDR), and the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) based in Bangkok, Thailand. The incumbent will operate both as part of the team following the Project Work Plan and Activities, and also operate independently and takes decisions on work priorities and exercises initiative within the scope of the Project Work Plan and Activities.

Technical Focus

The National Specialist performs technical analysis and drafting work, as well as a range of coordination functions with the government agencies and partnering agencies. Technically, the incumbent should be familiar with the forestry and environment sector and how Government and communities interact within the forest and conservation landscapes and the various uses of fire across those landscapes. The incumbent will need to be fluent in English including in technical terminology to comprehend technical constructs of fire management.

Tasks and responsibilities

• In close collaboration with the FAOKH AFFIRM team, liaise with the government focal agencies on technical and operational aspects to ensure timely and quality delivery of data analyses and reports; • Undertake secondary research studies on facets of fire management (collection and collation of existing data, reports or records), including summarizing and reporting on the research tasks. Research tasks, and focal areas, will be developed by the CTA in collaboration with the National Consultant and FAOKH AFFIRM team; • Prioritize work activities to be efficient and timely with assigned tasks. • Coordinate and assist with the tasks and activities of the government agencies undertaking data collection and collation on fire management. • Participate in meetings, workshops and presentations; • Take a lead role to drafting report components on the interaction of fire across the landscape; • Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in forestry, natural resources or similar. • At least 5 years of technical or administrative experience in forestry, natural resource, governmental or inter-government activities. • Working knowledge of English, for written and verbal communication. • National of Lao PDR

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in forestry or natural resources sector • Familiarity with government agencies and managing working relations with them • Good oral and writing skills in English language

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.