Chief Technical Advisor, CCAI Mekong River Commission

Mekong River Commission

The role of MRC is to promote and coordinate sustainable management and development of water and related resources for the countries’ mutual benefit and the people’s well-being.

MRC Secretariat is now recruiting a highly qualified candidate for the position of

CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISOR

Climate Change and Adaptation Initiative (CCAI), Environment Division
International:Post level L-5, based in Vientiane, Lao PDR

The MRC Climate Change and Adaptation Initiative (CCAI) is a collaborative regional initiative of MRC member countries aiming to support the countries in adapting to the new challenges posed by climate change with the objective of guiding climate change adaptation planning and implementation through improved strategies and plans at various levels and in priority locations throughout the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB). The Chief Technical Advisor will assist and provide guidance on the coordination and implementation of activities of the CCAI, especially technical guidance, work planning, training etc.

Key Tasks

The incumbent performs the following tasks:

- Supervise CCAI programme officers and specialists (both riparian and international) and consultants, particularly concerning technical aspects;

- Support the Programme Coordinator in coordination and implementation of programme activities, organize and facilitate in preparing the implementation plan; and in collaborating with other MRC programmes and sections;

- Support the Programme Coordinator in drafting progress reports, annual performance reports, completion report and other routine reports in accordance with MRCS procedures and specific requirements of the CCAI;

- Support the Division Director and Programme Coordinator in providing programme outputs and products and coordinating with development partners and others to achieve programme objectives and funding support;

- Draft Terms of Reference for and participate in recruitment of programme staff and contracting for the experts/consultants;

- Draft, formulate and update the CCAI annual work plan;

- Advise on technical aspects of the design, preparation and implementation of activities, and check the quality of related materials and TOR before submission to Member Countries for comments and/or consideration;

- Guide and support the implementation of basin-wide pilot activities on climate change adaptation;

- Guide and coordinate the preparation of the triennial report on the Status of climate change adaption in the Mekong River basin;

- Guide and support the establishment and operation of the Mekong Panel of Climate Change;

- Guide the establishment and operation of networks of partners including other regional organisations within the field of climate change and adaptation in the Mekong Region and develop the coordination mechanism;

- Coordinating and communication with senior management officials of the MRC programmes and stakeholders for knowledge sharing and dissemination of CCAI results and outcomes;

- Guiding and supporting general advocacy, promotion and dissemination of CCAI results and outcomes with stakeholders and civil society;

- Provide on the job training to programme officers on technical issues;

- Performing any other duties related to the coordination and implementation of CCAI as assigned by the Programme Coordinator and the Director of Environment Division

Post-Specific Qualifications

- M.Sc level degree or higher in related field (within the fields of water resources management, environmental science, environmental management, economics, rural development, development management, or other fieds with relevance to climate change adaptation);

- At least 15 years experiences in the fields relevant to current climate change adaptation challenges and development projects such as water resources management, environmental management, disaster preparedness, agricutural development and rural development;

- Proven knowledge on climate change and its impacts on natural systems, economic development and livelihoods in the Mekong context, and climate change adaptation and mitigation;

- Experience in institutional development and capacity building, development project planning, programming, strategy formulation, project preparation and project implementation work in developing countries and LMB countries including procurement of services and contracting is required;

- Experience and good knowledge of the Mekong riparian countries and the Mekong River Basin is desirable.

- Advisory and oversight role through working experiences are a must;

- Ability to work, communicate and co-operate in a multicultural and international environment;

- Excellent proficiency in written and spoken English. Written proficiency is proven and recorded by quality international publications and reports. Working knowledge of one or more riparian languages desirable.

The remuneration package, subject to change, includes (i) annual net base salary exempt from tax by Lao authorities, starting at US$86,904.00 (L-05, step 1, dependency rate); (ii) a variable Post Adjustment which currently amounts to US$ 37,629 (July 2012); (iii) 6 weeks’ annual vacation; (iv) MRC’s contribution to staff member’s Provident fund of 14% of basic salary upon completion of 3 years in service; (v) Contribution of MRC to Health and Accident insurances (on shared basis with employee); (vi) other entitlements and benefits such as Hardship Allowance, Dependency benefits, Rental Subsidy, Education Grant, Relocation Grant, Travel cost and Shipment expenses on assignment and upon separation, Repatriation Grant, Home Leave Travel, etc.

The duration of the assignment of this position is up to maximum 3 years according to the CCAI Programme document.

THE MRCS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO APPOINT A CANDIDATE AT A LEVEL LOWER THAN THE ADVERTISED LEVEL OF THE POST

The job description and other information can be obtained at MRC website http://www.mrcmekong.org/working-with-mrc/employment. Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply. Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

Application procedures:

The application should include (i) a cover letter outlining clearly how the candidate meets the requirements of the position, (ii) a detailed CV, and (iii) MRC Personal History Form. The position tittle and division/section must be indicated in the cover letter. The application should be sent to:

Mekong River Commission
Office of the Secretariat in Vientiane (OSV)
P.O. Box 6101, 184 Fa NgoumRoad
Vientiane 01000, Lao PDR
Email: mrcs@mrcmekong.org

Closing date for applications: 7 September 2012