[Vacancy Notice] Local Project Assistant in Laos, Carbon Projects Team

1. 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 motivated and community-oriented Project Assistant to support the implementation of our carbon project in Laos. The Local Project Assistant will act as a bridge between our technical team and local communities, ensuring that project activities such as facilitating stakeholder engagement, assist 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 are conducted transparently, accurately, and in full cooperation with village authorities.

2. 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 closely assist to coordinate and implement with the Carbon Projects Team Officers at the AFoCO Secretariat and a government staffs and others stakeholders for carbon project as below.

1. Project Development and Research Support
   • Conduct background research and data compilation to support feasibility studies, concept note preparation, and carbon/agroforestry project design.
   • Review and summarize information from relevant policies, reports, and stakeholder documents to support project proposal development.
   • Assist in drafting project-related materials such as summary tables, stakeholder lists, and supporting annexes.
   • Provide inputs to business development and partnership mapping activities under the supervision of AFoCO’s Carbon Team.
2. Administrative and Logistical Support
   • Organize and coordinate meetings, workshops, and field activities, including communication with the Department of Forestry (DoF) and other national and subnational partners.
   • Prepare and maintain meeting minutes, attendance lists, receipts, and related project documentation.
   • Support logistical arrangements such as travel coordination, procurement preparation, and on-site meeting facilitation.
   • Ensure systematic filing and recordkeeping of all project-related materials, both in soft and hard copies.
3. Translation and Communication
   • Translate project-related documents, reports, and correspondence between English and Lao, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
   • Provide interpretation support during internal meetings, stakeholder consultations, or field activities when required.
   • Assist in preparing official communications, letters, and short reports for AFoCO and DoF coordination.
4. Financial and Document Organization 
   • Support the organization and verification of receipts, vouchers, and other project financial documents.
   • Assist in compiling and preparing supporting documents for financial reporting and donor communications.
   • Maintain accurate records of administrative and financial transactions under the supervision of AFoCO’s Carbon Team.
5. Coordination and Other Tasks
   • Liaise with national and local partners under the direction of AFoCO’s Carbon Team to facilitate smooth implementation of project activities. 
   • Support the preparation of project reports, presentations, and communications related to AFoCO’s carbon project initiatives in Lao PDR.
   • Carry out any additional assignments as directed by the AFoCO Secretariat.

Qualifications 

1. Education and qualification
   • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required.
   • Background in forestry, agriculture, environment, environment, international cooperation, or a closely related field is highly desirable.
2. Core Competencies
   • Strong passion to learn and grow in the field of forest-based climate action and community-based project coordination.
   • Ability to foster effective collaboration, manage stakeholder relationships, and maintain constructive engagement with relevant departments.
   • Proficiency in communication and documentation, ensuring clarity and accuracy in stakeholder engagement, reporting, and follow-up.
3. 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.
4. Language Proficiency 
   • Strong communication skills in both Lao and English are required.
   • Ability to draft clear and simple documents in English and provide interpretation between local stakeholders and the Secretariat.
5. Documentation Skills
   • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). 
   • Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and professional reports independently.
   • Strong skills in compiling, organizing, and submitting documents in compliance with required formats, standards, and procedures.
6. Contract Duration and Working Conditions 
   • The position is offered 3-month short-term contract to assess performance and suitability.
   • The Local Project Assistant will be based at the AFoCO Office, located in the Department of Forestry (DoF) in Vientiane, and is expected to maintain regular communication with the AFoCO Secretariat.

Assessment Method

• Preliminary Review: All applications will undergo a screening process. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified of the results and provided with the interview schedule via email.
• Interview, Written and Computer-Based Tests: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a competency-based oral interview (in English) in Vientiane. In addition, they will be required to complete a written assessment, a multiple-choice test, and a computer literacy test to evaluate problem-solving ability, writing skills, and digital proficiency.
• Reference Check: A reference check for the final selected candidate may be conducted. Applicants are therefore requested to ensure that their CV includes the names, organizations, positions, and contact information of two referees.
• Updates: Any changes to the recruitment process or timeline will be communicated to applicants 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)
• Copy of degree certificate(s)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; early submissions are encouraged.

Please send your application to:
Ms. Wai Mon Thet, Fellowship Officer, Carbon Projects Team
Email: waimon@afocosec.org