Project overview: 

GOPA is implementing a land management project in Laos to promote effective land utilization and sustainable development. Laos, where the majority of the population relies on agriculture and forestry, faces economic challenges augmented by insecure land tenure. While about 1.2 million of the 3 million land parcels are already registered, the Government of Laos envisions registering the entire country by 2025. Implementing this project requires a culturally sensitive approach that respects the diverse land tenure schemes and the strong dependence of rural communities on having access to natural resources.

To support the project implementation in the project areas, we are looking for two International Provincial Coordinators who will be based in the provinces during the roll-out of the systematic land registration process. 

The project takes place in four different provinces in Laos over the course of the project duration. During the first half, the project operates in two provinces in the northeast, and in the second half, in the northwest of the country. The two positions are designed in such a way that an expert is responsible for one province in the first roll-out phase and moves on to the second province in the second roll-out phase. 

His/her role will involve supporting our national expert team in enforcing environmental and safeguard frameworks, ensuring adherence to established standards. He/she will also serve as a key communicator, bridging the gap between the provincial operations, the National Coordinator in Vientiane and the Team Leader who is not permanently based in Laos.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise national experts in the provinces and districts, ensuring they meet project targets
• Monitor Environmental & Social (E&S) Safeguards during the land registration works in the provinces to ensure they align with project guidelines and international standards.
• Maintain close contact with the Team Leader not permanently based in Laos and the National Coordinator based in Vientiane
• Conduct training sessions in his/her area of expertise
• Support partners in provinces and districts with their project tasks
• Prepare weekly activity reports to monitor progress and generally support the reporting

Profile:

• University degree (Master or comparable) in social sciences, anthropology, geography or a similar field.
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in a developing country context.
• Previous experience working in Southeast Asia is preferred.
• Previous experience with monitoring Environmental & Social (E&S) Safeguards, Environmental, Social, Health, and Safety (ESHS) standards would be an asset.
• Knowledge of applying participatory rural development approaches would be an asset. 
• Experience in land management, land use planning, or GIS would be an asset. 
• Proficiency in English.
• Highly motivated, with a passion for working in an international team.
• Strong intercultural competence and sensitivity.
• Willingness to live in rural provinces in Laos.
• Openness for social integration in the local communities.

If you are passionate about environmental and social sustainability and are eager to make an impact on our projects site, we invite you to apply.

For more information regarding this position, please contact Marcus Plahusch (marcus.plahusch [at] gopa.de (marcus[dot]plahusch[at]gopa[dot]de)) and Claudia Laube (claudia.laube [at] gopa.de (claudia[dot]laube[at]gopa[dot]de)).