MRC-Vacancy

 

Title: Programme Officer
Functional Title: Environmental Management Specialist, Environment Programme
Division: Environment Division (ENV)
Level: M 11i (Riparian Professional)
Duration: One-year contract renewable
Location: MRC Secretariat, Vientiane, Lao PDR
Reporting to: Programme Coordinator, Environment Programme

1. THE MEKONG RIVER COMMISSION
The Mekong River Commission (MRC) was established by the 1995 Agreement on Co-operation for the Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin, between the governments of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Viet Nam. In accordance with this Agreement, the Mission 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 by implementing strategic programmes and activities and providing scientific information and policy advice”.

2. THE ENVIRONMENT DIVISION AND PROGRAMME
The Environment Division and Programme generates data, information and knowledge in order to balance economic development and environmental conservation in decision-making. In addition to establishing systems for monitoring the Basin’s environmental health, improving policies and legislation, and encouraging co-operation among the riparian countries, the programme is also charged with increasing environmental awareness amongst the public. The MRC Climate Change and Adaptation Initiative is newly established under the Environment Division.

3. JOB SUMMARY
Under the overall supervision of the Division Director and immediate supervision of the Programme Coordinator and advised by the Chief Technical Advisor of the Environment Programme, the Environmental Management Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing and efficient use of environmental management cooperation mechanisms and tools for Mekong region aiming to assist Lower Mekong Member Countries and collaborate with upper Mekong dialogue countries. In addition, he/she is responsible for promoting environmental policy for sustainable development of the Lower Mekong river basin.

4. KEY TASKS
The incumbent performs the following tasks:

1. Assists in the organisation, development and implementation of environmental management cooperation mechanisms and tools to reflect the Mekong 1995 Agreement;
2. Promotes an efficient use of environmental management cooperation mechanisms and tools (including, but not necessarily limited to, environmental impact assessment, transboundary environmental impact assessment, strategic environmental impact assessment, cumulative impact assessment, environmental and health risk assessment and vulnerability assessment) in Member Countries and beyond in Mekong region with a focus on regional and transboundary cooperation;
3. Assists in strengthening capacity, awareness and knowledge of Member Countries on environmental management cooperation mechanisms and tools at all levels; from policymakers, decision makers to education level;
4. Assists in recruitment, engagement, oversight and support to consultants and experts in the implementation of related activities to key duties under the Environment Programme;
5. Manages administrative tasks related to key duties (preparation/reviewing TORs, draft reports, etc.);
6. Prepares, reviews and reports related technical reports, publications, papers and presentation materials pertaining to promote and disseminate the activities and outputs under key duties for the Programme to Member Countries and the public;
7. Prepares input to annual workplans and progress and performance reports and other routine reports in accordance with MRC Procedures and specific requirements on activities related to environmental management and policy activities;
8. Maintains regular communication with the National Mekong Committees (NMCs), related line agencies, national experts and other related organizations in riparian countries on environmental management cooperation mechanisms and tools of the Environment Programme;
9. Works as a team member in the overall planning, implementation management and reporting of Environment Programme activities;
10. Performs any other duties as assigned by the Environment Programme Coordinator and the Environment Division Director.

5. SCOPE OF AUTHORITY
(a) Supervision requirements: The incumbent has no supervision mandate to the staff of the Environment Programme and the Environment Division, but is responsible for his/her outputs to be carried out in line with the Environment Division’s and MRCS requirements.
(b) Level of autonomy: Has no decisions making, but directly delivers qualified technical support under his/her respective activities.
(c) Level of problem solving required: Problem solving can be complex and the incumbent should display initiative and creativity.
(d) Level and type of communications required: Communications are wide, both within and outside of the organisation, very good spoken and written skill are required for this position.

6. COMPETENCE REQUIREMENTS
(a) Core Values: Integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity.
(b) Core Competencies: Communication, teamwork, planning and organizing, accountability, creativity, client orientation, commitment to continuous learning, and technological awareness.
(c) Managerial Competencies: Vision, leadership, empowering others, building trust and managing performance.

7. POST-SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Master or higher degree in environmental science, environmental management, environmental law or related fields
• At least 10 years relevant experience with environmental management mechanisms, tools and legislation, such as environmental impact assessment, strategic enviromenmental impact assessment, cumulative impact assessment, transboundary impact assessment, environmental management legislation, environmental impact study and review in developing countries, preferably in the MRC Member Countries either in government or international organization;
• Experience within development project planning, management, implementation and reporting; experience in preparation of annual work plans and budgets, and the use of a logical framework for summarising and guiding implementation is an advantage;
• Experience with and ability to work through networks and implement activities in a mutiple partner context;
• Experience in conflict resolution, mediation, complex negotiations or similar is an advantage;
• Experience with and good knowledge of the Mekong riparian countries and the Mekong River basin and expereince in working in a multicultural and international environment;
• Fluency in written and spoken English and at least one of MRC riparian languages is essential.

Brief information on remuneration

The remuneration package, subject to change, includes (i) annual net base salary exempt from tax by Laos authorities, starting at US$ 28,467.00 (M-11, step I); (ii) Monthly fluctuation and removable Devaluation Allowance (10% of basic salary for the month of May 2012); (iii) MRC’s contribution to staff member’s Provident Fund of 14% of basic salary upon completion of 3 years in service; (iv) Contribution of MRC to Health and Accident insurances (on shared basis with employee); (v) other entitlements and benefits such as dependency allowance, 6 weeks’ annual vacation; sick leave, maternity leave etc.

Non-resident staff members receive an additional (i) 7% of basic salary for Post Adjustment allowance; (ii) 7% of basic salary for Hardship allowance; (iii) Rental subsidy of 40% of the rent rate up to maximum of US$ 6,000 annual; (iv) Education Grant of 75% of max. expense of US$ 13,000; (v) Travel cost and Shipment expenses on assignment and upon separation; (vi) other entitlements and benefits such as Relocation Grant allowance, Home Leave Travel, Education Grant Travel, etc.

The duration of the assignment of MRC Riparian Professional Staff is up to maximum 6 years according to 1995 Mekong Agreement and Procedural Rules.

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

The job descriptions 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.

Closing date for applications: 9 August 2012

Application procedures:
Only nationals of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam are eligible to apply. 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 title and section/division must be indicated in the cover letter. The application should be sent to the National Mekong Committee in the applicant’s home country.

Mekong River Commission Secretariat
P.O. Box 6101
Vientiane 01000, Lao PDR
Email: mrcs@mrcmekong.org
Closing date for applications: 28 October 2011
Cambodia National Mekong Committee
P.O.Box 623, 364 Monivong Blvd.,
Sangkat Phsar Doerm Thkouv, Khan Chamkar Mon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel. (855-23) 216 514 Fax. (855-23) 218 506
E-mail: ou_sophanna@cnmc.gov.kh

Thai National Mekong Committee
Department of Water Resources
180/3 Rama 6 Road, Soi Phibul Watana Building
Phayathai, Bangkok 10400 Thailand
Tel. (66-2) 271 6165, 271 6620
Fax. (66-2) 298 6605
E-mail: tnmc@dwr.mail.go.th

Lao National Mekong Committee
Prime Minister’s Office, Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel. (856-21) 260 981-3 Fax. (856-21) 260 984
E-mail: lnmc@lnmc.gov.la

Viet Nam National Mekong Committee
23 Hang Tre, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Tel. (84-4) 825 4785 Fax. (84-4) 825 6929
E-mail: vnmc.personnel@gmail.com