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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
  
  

Job Posting

03/Dec/2025

Closure Date

22/Dec/2025, 2:59:00 AM

Organizational Unit

FALAO - FAO Representation in the Lao People's Democratic Republic

Job Type

Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition

NPP (National Project Personnel)

Grade Level

N/A

Primary Location

Lao People's Democratic Republic-Vientiane

Duration

12 months (extendable)

Post Number

N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
  
  

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.