National Finance and Operations Assistant

Organizational Setting

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) to design, implement, and partly finance low emissions and climate-resilient projects aligned with its global commitments. The project is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as the Delivery Partner, in close collaboration with the National Designated Authority (NDA) - the Department of Planning and Finance (DPC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE).
The project has the following objectives:
•     Objective 1 – Capacity building: To enhance NDA and Ministries capacity to design and implement GCF projects and streamline climate data collection, analysis, and information sharing systems
•     Objective 2 – Strategic Frameworks: To undertake a comprehensive Readiness Needs Assessment, update the GCF Country Programme and develop new financial mechanisms for investment in climate action
•     Objective 4 – Pipeline development: To further develop a concept note in the Country Programme and studies for the Funding Proposal while building capacity of the Environment Protection Fund as its potential DAE
•     Objective 5 - Knowledge sharing and learning: To support NDA and line ministries to learn from other countries, prepare and disseminate knowledge products on GCF programming and develop new financial mechanisms for sustainable investment in climate action

The Project Management Unit (PMU), based at DPC/MAE, is responsible for the day-to-day execution of the project under the direction of the NDA and in line with technical guidance from FAO. To ensure effective and efficient project implementation, the PMU requires a National Finance and Operations Assistant who will provide critical support in financial management, procurement processes, recruitment, and administrative operations in compliance with FAO's regulations, rules, and procedures, as well as GCF requirements.

Reporting Lines

The National Finance and Operations Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager (National Institutional Specialist) and technical guidance of the Assistant FAOR (Administration) and International Operations Specialist and FAO Country Office Operations team.

Technical Focus

The National Finance and Operations Assistant provides critical financial, procurement, HR, and administrative support to the GCF Readiness Project’s PMU. The role ensures accurate financial management, compliance with FAO procedures, timely procurement and support the recruitment processes, and smooth day-to-day operations between the PMU, FAO, and national stakeholders.

Tasks and responsibilities

1. Financial Management & Reporting

•     Maintain up-to-date budget tracking systems and expenditure records.
•     Monitor budget execution against approved work plans and flag deviations.
•     Prepare monthly budget vs. expenditure reports and ensure accuracy of financial data.
•     Produce required financial reports for FAO and GCF, including Statements of Expenditure.
•     Maintain a complete financial filing system compliant with FAO standards.

2. Procurement Support

•     Support preparation and updating of the project procurement plan.
•     Prepare procurement requisitions and assist with drafting specifications.
•     Support competitive procurement processes (ITB, RFP and RFQs and solicitation documents).
•     Assist in document preparation and monitoring Letters of Agreement (LoAs) in line with FAO Manual Section 507.

3. Recruitment & HR Administration

•     Organize and facilitate the selection process, including coordinating interviews with the selection panel and preparing reports on evaluated candidates. 
•     Coordinate and manage the publication of calls to attract candidates for vacancies related to national and international affiliate workforce, ensuring proper dissemination to attract qualified talent.

4. Administrative & Operational Support

•     Provide general administrative support to the Project Manager and PMU.
•     To support the project in obtaining LTO clearance and approval, if needed. 
•     Organize and coordinate meetings, workshops, and training events.
•     Facilitate communication between the PMU, FAO Country Office, NDA, and other stakeholders.
•     Support day-to-day operational requirements of the PMU based at DPC/MAE.
•     Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  
 
•     University degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, or a related field
•     Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in financial management, accounting, or project administration
•     Working knowledge of English
•     National of Lao PDR

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     High level of integrity and ethical standards
•     Strong organizational and time management skills
•     Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
•     Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

Selection criteria

•     Experience with international development programmes/projects
•     Demonstrated experience in budget preparation, financial reporting, and expenditure tracking
•     Computer proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION