Project Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Project Officer, Nature-based Solutions will be based in Vientiane and will lead the implementation of on-ground works and activities under the Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Adaptation (NATURA) project and will be primarily responsible for managing the delivery of ecosystem restoration works at the project site, but will also support the smooth implementation of any other NATURA project activities to support project intervention’s positive impact. The position requires an experienced project officer with technical expertise, and extensive experience in working with government partners and community groups in project implementation. Experience delivering wetland restoration and nature-based solutions in the field will be a considerable advantage.

The position will report directly to the Senior Officer, Water Resources (who is also the Project Manager of NATURA) and will ensure alignment of the NATURA project with relevant Government of Lao PDR policies and strategies, and work closely with the project’s government counterpart, the Department of Housing and Urban Planning (DHUP) as well as key partner departments of the Vientiane Capital Administration, village heads and community groups.

PURPOSE 

• Advance delivery and execution of key components of the NATURA project, under the guidance of the Project Manager, and ensure that execution is high-quality, on-schedule and to-budget.
• Provide technical expertise and advice on Lao PDR policy, planning and regulations relevant to water resource management, urban flood management and wetlands.
• Lead all project related communications and coordination with government project partners.
• Actively engage with local stakeholders, in government, private sector and community, to promote nature-based solutions as a key component in managing urban flood risks.
• Actively scope and participate in the technical design and delivery of ecosystem restoration works at the project site.

ENGAGEMENT 

• Lead communication, coordination and collaborative decision making with government counterparts from the Department of Housing and Urban Planning (DHUP), Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), and other project partners at central, district (Vientiane City) and village levels to support project implementation.
• Build strategic partnerships and collaborative working relationships with other stakeholders with a view to generating synergies with other projects and initiatives.
• Ensure full understanding, cooperation and an appropriate local fit between project activities and project beneficiaries, including government and communities.
• Ensure that project activities are consistent with relevant government of Lao PDR policies, plans and strategies.

DELIVERY 

• Assist in project planning, monitoring and evaluation, budget planning and contract management.
• Assist in developing detailed project and activity work-plans, concept notes and budgets based on agreed yearly workplans, and in consultation with government counterparts.
• Support project consultants and contractors supervision to ensure quality of work against established timeframes and standards.
• Assist in the drafting of project reports and knowledge products.
• Support PM in project delivery as a whole, in coordination with other team members and LAo country Program.
• Ensure that environmental and social safeguards are consistently applied as per the Environmental and Social Management plan during restauration works construction and O&M phases.

REQUIREMENTS 

• An advanced degree (master’s or graduate degree) in hydrology, integrated water resources management, environmental management or water resources engineering, or in related fields.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in a relevant field (i.e. water resource management, flood management, rural development and water resource infrastructure construction,  environmental or natural resource management, etc.)
• Experience in supporting public consultations, validation meetings and workshops.
• Understanding of climate change mitigation and adaptation in the context of building community-based flood resilience.
• Experience in any of the following will be an advantage: wetlands restoration,  ecosystem-based adaptation , land-use planning and urban infrastructure design, and contract management.
• Experience with projects funded by international development partners will be a plus.
• Experience managing technical teams and consultants working on projects with a community-based development focus.
• Native Lao language skill and good command of English.

Source: https://careers.gggi.org/vacancy/project-officer-naturebased-solutions-569983.html