Strategic Advisor for curricula development and cooperation with the National University of Laos

Job description

The National University of Laos (NUoL), established in 1995, is a governmental institution that plays an essential role in the education system of Lao PDR. The Faculty of Forest Sciences (FFS) is responsible for the development of human resources in forestry and related sectors in tertiary education. At the national level, the FFS is recognised as the highest quality education institution for forestry. Furthermore, FSS provides consultancy services to the national level, non-governmental and international organisations as well as to the private forestry and timber industry. FFS members have contributed to several research articles published at international level and have participated and presented their research findings at international conferences.

The Strategic Advisor will support three of the five academic departments of FSS (namely Forest Economics and Wood Processing Technology, Forest Management, and Ecotourism). Their main responsibilities are amongst others to i) formulate short- and long-term educational development plans in alignment with the faculty’s strategic objectives, ii) develop and execute the department’s development plan and teaching strategies, and to iii) conduct scientific research and provide academic services.

NUoL cooperates with several international universities and development organisations. The German government via GTZ/ GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH) has supported the FFS in their curriculum development, the establishment of a model forest, and human resources development between 1994-2004 through a project on the Promotion of Forestry Education. Since 04/2024, the GIZ project “Protection and Sustainable Use of Forest Ecosystems and Biodiversity“ (ProFEB) advises the Lao Government on improving the normative and institutional framework for the protection and sustainable use of natural resources, like forests and biodiversity. One of ProFEB’s output aims to strengthen the forestry education sector and cooperates with the NUoL.

The application deadline is September 30, 2024.

Your Tasks

• Support in updating and (further) developing the bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes (curriculars incl. modules, teaching manuals, training of teachers) and in developing short courses (e.g. for woodworkers)
• Support in increasing the number of enrolled students, e.g. by developing a scholarship programme and setting up a marketing campaign
• Support in improving and further developing the services of the university’s wood testing laboratory and in obtaining the ISO 9000 certification
• Support in the collection and dissemination of research results (e.g. through using databases)
• Support in the harmonisation of national training programmes in the field of forest sciences, in the establishment of a research network and in cooperation with other universities (e.g. guest lecturers, joint research work)

Your profile

• Completed master’s degree in teaching/education, an advantage if in the field of forestry, (corresponding) doctorate is an advantage
• At least five years of experience in teaching at a university
• At least five years of experience in curriculum development
• Proven history of publications of scientific articles
• Experience in quality management systems, certification, testing of wood properties are an advantage
• Solid IT skills (MS Office and database management)
• Strong management skills, ability to adapt to changing circumstances, flexible working style
• General cultural sensitivity, awareness of the Lao culture is an advantage
• Language skills: business fluent in English, good knowledge of Lao or Thai is an advantage

Our benefits

• Varied work with individual responsibility in an international field
• Teamwork with other development cooperation organisations
• Professional preparation for overseas deployment
• Placement to a local employer as an Integrated Expert for an initial period of two years – an extension is possible
• Attractive monthly allowances as well as a local salary and social benefits

Please follow the link of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs for travel information.

About us

The Centre for International Migration and Development (CIM) is your ideal partner for finding a responsible position in the field of development policy. We place highly qualified staff with employers in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe. Your role is to pass on their knowledge where they are especially needed. In cooperation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (www.giz.de) CIM has been combining development and labour market policy expertise since 1980.

Contact
HR-Service Center
hrsc@giz.de

Website and application