| Publication/Transmission Date | : | 04 April 2025 |
| Deadline for Application | : | 18 April 2025 |
| Job Title | : | Local Project Coordinator |
| Supervised | : | Team Leader, Carbon Projects Team |
| Location | : | Department of Forestry (DoF), Lao PDR |
| Gross Salary | : | To be determined based on qualifications and experience |
| Contact Type | : | One (1) year (Renewable contingent on performance) *initial 3-month grace period included |
| Expected Starte Date | : | As soon as possible |
| CORE FUNCTIONS/DUTIES |
| 1. Project Inception and Coordination – Support the smooth initiation of AFoCO’s carbon-related projects in Lao PDR, particularly in agroforestry and afforestation/reforestation (AR) and other carbon related program, through coordination of inception-level documentation, stakeholder communication and meeting arrangements. – Provide monthly status updates on the inception phase of carbon-related projects Support and facilitate the preparation of project-related documents such as Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), feasibility assessments and field investigation frameworks – Identify and engage key stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of Carbon Team Project. – Establish partnership with relevant institutions, organizations and experts to enhance project sustainability. |
| 2. Project Development – Facilitate strategic dissemination of project concepts, design elements, and proposals to relevant stakeholders in consultation with the Secretariat – Apply knowledge of local conditions and institutional structures to tailor project design to the national context – Build on established relationships to structure feasible, community-relevant, and scalable projects – Support the preparation of technical documents including concept notes, logical frameworks, and presentations. |
| 3. Project Management and Monitoring – Establish and maintain a project governance structure with clear role definitions – Coordinate logistics for meetings and consultations, including agenda preparation and minute-taking – Conduct and coordinate field visits and validation missions under Secretariat guidance – Prepare and submit timely monitoring and activity reports that align with project goals. |
| 4. Project Advocacy – Participate in local forums, workshops and consultations as AFoCO’s project representative – Disseminate the project and their outcomes to various stakeholders |
| 5. Additional Secretariat-Assigned Tasks. |
Background and Organizational Setting
Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) is an inter-governmental organization currently embracing fifteen (15) Parties and two (2) Observer countries in Asia. AFoCO aims to strengthen regional cooperation by transforming proven technology and policies into concrete actions in the context of sustainable forest management to address the impact of climate change.
The AFoCO Secretariat is seeking a qualified Local Project Coordinator to be based in Lao PDR to support the implementation of carbon-related projects, particularly in agroforestry, afforestation/reforestation (AR), and other initiatives related to carbon monitoring, MRV (Measurement, Reporting and Verification), land-use transition, and forest-based climate mitigation. The Coordinator will play a key role in facilitating stakeholder engagement, coordinating field-level activities, and contributing to effective project management and development under the guidance of the AFoCO Secretariat and in close collaboration with the Department of Forestry (DoF) of Lao PDR.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Director of the Projects and Program Division and direct supervision of the Team Leader of Project Team 2 (Carbon Projects Team), the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties and is expected to work in close coordination with the Carbon Projects Team Officers at the AFoCO Secretariat.
- Project Inception and Coordination
- Establish partnership with relevant institutions, organizations and experts to enhance project sustainability.
- Support the smooth initiation of AFoCO’s carbon-related projects in Lao PDR, particularly in agroforestry and afforestation/reforestation (AR) and other carbon related program, through coordination of inception-level documentation, stakeholder communication and meeting arrangements.
- Provide monthly status updates on the inception phase of carbon-related projects
- Support and facilitate the preparation of project-related documents such as Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), feasibility assessments and field investigation frameworks
- Identify and engage key stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of Carbon Team Project.
- Project Development
- Facilitate strategic dissemination of project concepts, design elements, and proposals to relevant stakeholders in consultation with the Secretariat
- Apply knowledge of local conditions and institutional structures to tailor project design to the national context
- Build on established relationships to structure feasible, community-relevant, and scalable projects
- Support the preparation of technical documents including concept notes, logical frameworks, and presentations.
- Project Development
- Establish and maintain a project governance structure with clear role definitions
- Coordinate logistics for meetings and consultations, including agenda preparation and minute-taking
- Conduct and coordinate field visits and validation missions under Secretariat guidance
- Prepare and submit timely monitoring and activity reports that align with project goals.
- Project Advocacy
- Participate in local forums, workshops, and consultations as AFoCO’s project representative.
- Disseminate the project and their outcomes to various stakeholders
- Other Tasks
- Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the AFoCO Secretariat to support the successful implementation of the project
Qualifications
- Education
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required.
- Background in forestry, agroforestry, environment, agriculture, international cooperation, or a closely related field is highly desirable.
- Core Competencies
- Strong passion to learn and grow in the field of forest-based climate action and community-based project coordination
- Ability to adapt to dynamic field situations and proactively seek guidance when needed.
- Self-motivated and willing to take initiative under limited supervision
- Work Experience
- Prior experience in project coordination, forestry, land use, agriculture, rural development, environmental programs preferred.
- Experience working with the DoF, international organizations, other government bodies or non-profit sector is highly desirable.
- Language Proficiency
- Strong communication skills in both Lao and English are required.
- Must be able to draft simple documents in English and interpret conversations between local stakeholders and the Secretariat.
- Documentation Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Ability to independently prepare clear and professional reports.
Contract Duration and Working Conditions
- The position is offered on a renewable one-year contract, with an initial 3-month grace period (probationary period) to assess performance and suitability.
- Contract extension will be based on performance evaluation, project requirements, and available budget.
- The Coordinator will be based at the Department of Forest (DoF) in Vientiane and is expected to maintain regular communication with the AFoCO Secretariat.
Assessment Method
The evaluation process will consist of a preliminary review of application documents, followed by a competency-based oral interview conducted in English, scheduled for April in Vientiane.
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified of the results of the preliminary review and informed of the oral interview schedule via email.
In the event of any changes to the process or timeline, all applicants will be notified in advance by email.
How to Apply
Applicants who meet the qualifications and experience requirements for this position are invited to submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Please send your application to:
Ms. YoungJu Han, Program Officer, Carbon Projects Team
[email protected]
