National Program Officer (Full-time, Vientiane Capital)
The Swiss Cooperation Office in Lao PDR designs and steers the Government of Switzerland’s bilateral development programme in the country. In particular, the development programme supports the Government of Lao PDR to reduce poverty and to reach the targets outlined in the National Social and Economic Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) prioritises sustainable and equitable development, especially in remote rural areas with a focus on ethnic groups; governance reforms favouring the poor and disadvantaged; gender equity and access to services.
We are a Swiss-Lao team of highly motivated professionals looking for a dynamic Lao National to fill the position of:
National Program Officer (Full-time, Vientiane Capital)
SDC is currently financing several projects in the area of agriculture and food security, and has been expanding our works in the inclusive economic development, climate change and natural resource management in Lao PDR. In addition, we are supporting a COVID-19 response project and a regional project focusing on safe migration the Mekong Region. The Swiss Cooperation Office is looking for a professional with sound experience in project management and thematic knowledge in agriculture and food security, inclusive economic development, climate change and natural resource management.
The NPO will perform the following tasks:
- Program Development and Portfolio Project Management: Monitor and following-up of assigned projects, oversight of and advice to the implementing partners and ensure the implementation of the projects and programmes progresses in line with project framework and standard procedures, support the formulation of new projects and programmes.
- Partner and Policy Dialogue: maintain good coordination and represent SDC in policy and partner dialogue fora, and where needed related to Agriculture and Food Security, Inclusive Economic Development, Climate Change and Natural Resource Management thematic areas.
- Context Monitoring and Strategy Adaptation: analyse national and Mekong region contexts, in particular with respect to changes in the agriculture and food security, inclusive economic development, climate change and natural resources management and informs of any changes to SDC.
- Communication and Reporting: support the implementation of the Mekong Region Cooperation Program and preparation of reporting requirements, produces communication messages on projects and results in collaboration with the Communication Officer.
Would this be a worthwhile challenge for you? Do you have:
- A master in agriculture, agribusiness, private sector engagement, skills development and employment, climate change and natural resource management or related degree in a relevant discipline?
- Relevant working experience in agriculture, agribusiness, private sector engagement, skills development and employment, climate change and natural resource management?
- Strong analytical skills, programme and project management, communication, and coordination skills?
- Able to work in team and independently?
- Very good English language skills, both verbal and written?
- Interest to travel both in Laos and if needed internationally?
SDC is a value based equal opportunities employer, appointing on merits by open competition. We highly encourage women and persons from different ethnic backgrounds to apply. Please send us your Curriculum Vitae (incl. references, certificates and expected salary) and an application letter (not more than one page) explaining why we should consider you to be the ideal candidate for the position. Kindly submit your application to: vientiane@eda.admin.ch
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Swiss Cooperation Office and Consular Agency in Laos
House 192 / 1 Sibounheuang Road
Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
P.O Box 5666
www.eda.admin.ch/mekong
www.facebook.com/SwissCooperationMekong
Closing date for applications is Friday, July 23, 2021.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview. SDC does not return application files.
