The Northern Uplands Development Programme (NUDP) is a Programme of the Government of Laos supported by several Development Partners. One of the components of the NUDP is local governance and planning which is supported by the German Government and by its implementing Agency GIZ through the Lao-German “Integrated Rural Development Programme in Poverty Regions of Laos” (NU-IRDP).

Starting Date: March. 01, .2012
Duration of Assignment: 12 months, with the possibility of extension
Work Location: Vientiane Capital (base), covering also Phongsaly, Huaphanh and Luang Prabang

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• Support and advise the Lao Government in its initiative to further develop local governance and planning within the Northern Provinces covered by NUDP.
• Support and advise the local population and authorities (District and Kumban) in local participatory planning.
• Work very closely with the NLBRDPE, as well as MAF and MPI, and other National and International Organisations in Laos, but in particular with the selected key government staff at the provincial and district levels in the Northern Provinces.
• Design training, train, coach and guide the staff on the provincial and district level of the Northern Provinces to enable them to carry out their tasks. Strong emphasis on promoting community practices in the target areas.
• Support the design and conduct of a NUDP socio-economic surveys, development and capacity asssments..
• Prepare and accompany the works of international and national consultants on various studies on local governance and planning.
• Coordinate closely with the NUDP component for Land Management and Registration as well as with other NUDP fields of activities.
• Attend meetings and workshops related to the field of work in Vientiane & Northern Provinces.
• Apply the monitoring system to ensure timely information and gathering of programme related data.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Recognised qualification (pref. M.Sc.) in Rural/Community Development, Social Science or Economics, Management and Public Administration, or similar field.
• Several years work experience in the field of rural development, participatory planning in Laos, either with the Government or / and ideally with international organisations.
• At least 5 years experience of project implementation in rural settings.
• Proven ability to work sensitively and adapt to the needs of diverse communities.
• Experience with designing and conducting training programs in Lao PDR.
• Good planning and organisational skills, with ability to supervise field-based activities.
• Proven team player, with the responsible Government staff as well as with NUDP’s Team of advisors and consultants..
• Effective reporting and communication skills.
• Written and spoken English language ability is a must.
• Proficient computer knowledge (MS-Word, MS-Excel, etc.) is required.

The incumbent will receive a one-year extendable GIZ-contract with attractive conditions and she/he will work as member of a national / international team of experts within NUDP under the supervision of the GIZ-Programme Director of the German contribution - NU-IRDP.

Interested candidates should send their application to the HR Unit, GIZ office, Watnak Nyai Road, House # 247, 19 Unit, Thaphalanxay Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane; or P.O. Box 9233, Vientiane Capital, Lao P.D.R., email: Pamouane.phetthany@giz.de. Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining how your experience meets the requirements; latest by Monday, 30th of January, 2012, at 12.00am.

All applications will be treated confidentially and only short-listed candidates will be notified.