IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

IUCN International Union of Conservation of Nature Lao PDR Country Office in Vientiane seeks to recruit a self-motivated and competent staff for the position of Finance Officer. This position directly reports to the Country Representative of the IUCN Lao PDR Office, and functionally to the Regional Accounting and Finance Coordinator, IUCN Asia Region Office. The finance Officer will have overall responsibility for the efficiency and accountability of the finance function in IUCN Lao PDR Country Office.

Specific duties include;

•  Supervise the recording, classifying and summarizing of the financial transactions of the IUCN Laos Country Office; ensure proper update and maintenance of SUN Accounts; analyze and interpret project financial statements and recommend courses of action;
•  Prepare the country office cash flow projections and monitors the continued availability of funds;
•  Assist in the IUCN Laos Country Office operations and its project and programmes taking a lead in the financial plans and budgets;
•  In consultation with the Programme Coordinator assist with the development, planning and monitoring of the OABC list; develop proposals and/or projects, ensuring adequate levels of cost recovery/ ensure all proposals, budgets and agreements comply fully with APDG rules, Delegation of Authority and IUCN policy and Procedures;
•  Ensure the identification and proper inventory of fixed assets of the country office through the conducting annual inventory;
•  Ensure systems and procedures are set for accurate preparation and disbursement of payroll ;
•  Coordinates with the auditors for the internal and external audit of country office and its component programmes and projects and;
•  Provide accounting services and support to the Cambodia project office;
•  Provide the required financial information and requirements for Regional Office and IUCN Head Quarters.

The successful candidate should have;

•  At least a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent with a major in finance, and / or an internationally recognised accounting qualification
•  At least 3 - 5 years experience in accounting and financial management, preferably in an international organisation,
•  Experience of working with various accounting packages, including SUN will be an advantage. Exposure to / familiarity with ERP systems will be a distinct advantage
•  Fluency in written and spoken English and Lao is essential.
•  Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multicultural, multidisciplinary team will be a distinct advantage.

This position is open for Lao Nationals only and is for the initial contract for a period of two years with the possibility of extension. This position is classified as P1 in our classification system and the minimum starting basic monthly salary is USD 917 with a comprehensive health and life insurance.

Interested candidates should send their applications including CV and the names and contact information of two references by latest 08 January 2012. Please send your application to:

IUCN Lao PDR and DoF seek to recruit a highly motivated and competent Lao national or foreigner for the position of Short-term Consultant: TA to the development and drafting of the 2^nd National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).  The assignment requires two months (45 days) of work to spread out over a five month period, and it is likely this input will be provided through three site visits to Vientiane with the rest of the time spent working remotely.

The NBSAP consultant will report to the CBD National Focal Point at DoF,  the head of the Division of Forest Resource Conservation, the TABI CTA Team Leader, the TABI MAF/DoP Coordinator and IUCN Lao PDR. 

Main Duties:

•  Seek and present examples of NBSAPs from other relevant countries;
• Draft a proposed Format or Outline for the 2nd NBSAP and prepare a workplan for development of 2nd NBSAP;
• Assist and provide technical backstopping to IUCN and DoF in the implementation of this 2^nd NBSAP development work plan;
• As the NBSAP assignments delegated to the technical GoL working groups, provinces and other stakeholders are submitted, compile them into progressive drafts on the 2^nd NBSAP document itself;
• Work closely with IUCN and DoF to draft the NBSAP in two languages, English and Lao;
• Participate in and present at the stakeholder workshop to discuss the full draft NBSAP;  
•  With assistance from the IUCN team, improve and finalize the NBSAP for submission to the government.

Required Skills:

• A University degree in natural sciences, livelihoods and development (agriculture, forestry, conservation biology etc.)
• Ability to draft clear strategy and action plan documents, related to ABD, biodiversity and/or natural resources management;
• Good communication skills, and excellent English writing skills;
• Lao Language ability a definite advantage.

Essential Experience

• Experience in the field implementation of programs and projects related to agro-biodiversity, natural resources management and rural livelihoods;
• Understanding/experience working with Multilateral environmental Agreements (MEAs), preferably CDB and NBSAPs
• Understanding/experience in policy framework related to biodiversity management and conservation in Laos, similar countries or SE Asia;  

Deadline: Friday, 29 July, 2011

 http://www.iucn.org/lao