Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF)

The Government of Laos, with support from the World Bank and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, has set up the Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF) to deliver small scale development project including support to livelihood activities at the Koumban and Village levels. The project is now seeking for a:

National Coordinator for Livelihood Activities Based at the PRF Office in Vientiane with regular field visit

    While carrying on the implementation of existing activities supported by the PRF I, PRF II would also support livelihoods activity on a parallel financing track through a pilot innovative livelihood focused community driven development program in five districts in Huaphan and Savannakhet provinces. Livelihood component is financed by the Japanese Social Development Fund (JSDF). Through a grant (US$2.6 million) other a period of 3 years.  This project will enable vulnerable households in ethnic communities in rural areas to improve their livelihoods and wellbeing through group-based activities by developing strong links between livelihood improvement and nutrition.

    The main objectives of the National Coordinator responsibilities are to participate to the project preparation of the livelihood activities under the PRF II and coordinate the implementation of the livelihood activities in the course of the project. This includes the participation of the definition to the overall process and methodology for the formation of the self-help groups, the development and monitoring of the implementation of the capacity building component for the different stakeholders involved in the project and the coordination of the livelihood activities with the other PRF activities to ensure complementarities and synergy. The job description (detailed or specific duties and expected outputs) can be obtained at Download or at PRF Office.

Required qualifications and experiences:

• An advanced degree in community development or relevant discipline;
• At least 5 years of experience in multi-sectoral project management in decentralized and Community Development approaches is required;
• Experience in working with ethnic groups in mountainous and remote areas;
• Experience in the implementation of program with focus on gender promotion;
• Experience in agriculture-based livelihood activities, handicraft or other micro-enterprise;
• Experience of project preparation, design, coordination support and institutional strengthening;
• Experience in training of Project staff for community development operations;

All interested applicants should submit (1) a cover letter outlining clearly how the candidate meets the requirements of the position, (2) a detailed CV with one (3x4) photo and (3) supporting documents (certificate of the most recent employment, certificates of qualification/graduation, transcript of graduation, etc) to the HR Officer, Poverty Reduction Fund, c/o Ministry of Planning and Investment, Luang Prabang Road, Sikhottabong District, P.O Box 4625 Vientiane, Tel: 021 261479 - 80, Email: piengngeune@prflaos.org. Please note that all submitted documents will not be returned.
Deadline for applications : 19th April, 2011
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.