Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
  • Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.
Guided by the global UNDP Strategic Plan (2026 – 2030) and UNDP Country Programme for Lao PDR (CPD, 2022 – 2026) UNDP in Lao PDR works closely with the line Ministries, mass organizations, civil society, development partners, and the private sector at both national and sub-national levels in pursuit of the national socio-economic development priorities defined in Lao PDR’s five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNDP has a long history working in Lao PDR. UNDP’s comparative advantage has been its ability to work closely with a very broad range of government and local-level institutions at all levels. The current CPD 2022-2026 builds on the achievements of the previous CPD that saw the incorporation of the SDGs into the national planning architecture. UNDP’s work is strongly focused on the provision of policy advice and technical support to the Government of Lao PDR in the design and implementation of national legislation and strategies across three broad priority pillars – (1) inclusive growth and reduced inequalities, including UXO clearance and risk education, (2) natural resources, climate change and disaster risk reduction, and (3) effective, responsive, and accountable governance (Lao CPD|UNDP).

UNDP, in close partnership with key government ministries, institutions, and other stakeholders, has been implementing a diverse array of development projects and interventions across various interconnected sectors. These sectors include natural resources, forestry, biodiversity, water, energy, social issues, economics, finance, poverty alleviation, governance, rule of law, access to justice, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNDP has been implementing the LAO PDR Efficiency and Accessibility to Public services (LEAP) Programme, which aims to improve the quality of public services by enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, accessibility, and inclusivity, in a context characterized by various challenges, including the socio-economic strains  and ongoing digital transformation since 2021, which are rapidly reshaping citizen needs. This stresses the need for adaptive measures to strengthen resilience within the public administration system. The initiative addresses key barriers—high regulatory burdens, excessive fees, limited capacity in remote areas—through streamlined procedures and digital solutions, notably One-Door Service Centers (ODSCs). Despite implementation challenges, the Government’s commitment to digitalization and service standards under the National Strategy on Public Services (2023) and the National Digital Government Strategy (2025) offers a critical opportunity to modernize service delivery nationwide. Local authorities are central to ensuring equitable access, particularly in remote areas, while Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

Under the LEAP Project (2024–2028), UNDP supports this framework through two complementary components: (i) improving access to public services via ODSCs, and (ii) strengthening national civil society engagement in promoting and monitoring public service delivery. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) serves as the Government counterpart, with the Central Committee for Organisation and Personnel (CCOP) and Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MoLSW) as implementing partners, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Technology and Communication (MTC) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF), with the overarching objective of catalyzing transformative and inclusive public service reform.
play a key role in transparency, citizen participation, and advocacy for vulnerable groups. 
[DL2.1]


UNDP is seeking to recruit a Project Manager, who will perform day-to-day implementation of the LEAP project.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Manager  will work under the supervision of the Governance Unit Team Leader at the UNDP Country Office (CO) in Lao PDR. He/she will collaborate closely with programme and operations staff at the CO, as well as relevant technical advisors at the Bangkok Regional Hub (BRH).

This position will be based in the Governance Unit team, UNDP Country Office in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
 

The Project Manager will be under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Governance Unit Team Leader. He/She will coordinate closely with government counterparts and other stakeholders in the execution of the Project.

Specifically, The Project Manager will cover the following:

Lead, manage, coordinate, and develop effective project planning and implementation.

  • Lead strategic planning for the project as well as formulation and periodic revisions of the project’s annual work plan (AWP), including plans for budget, HR and procurement that are developed in close coordination with UNDP’s Country Office Programme, HR, and Procurement teams. Lead development of detailed implementation plans. 
  • Manage, coordinate, and supervise project implementation to ensure the overall project relevance and performance, the effective realization and quality of outputs within the specified constraints of time and cost as outlined in the project document, and adherence to applicable UNDP policy and programme management procedures and Government standards, rules, and regulations. Act as a senior advisor on issues related to project activities.
  • Provide direction, guidance, and direct supervision to the project’s personnel. 
  • Undertake technical review of project deliverables produced by the project team and partners, and ensure high technical standards are met.
  • Adhere to UNDP rules, regulations and internal controls in areas such as contracting, asset management, procurement, recruitment and the implementation of the Harmonised Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) framework. Approve financial transactions within the designated authority level.
  • Apply UNDP Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework in the assigned portfolio, including the application of the Social and Environmental Standards (SES) in each project and ensure adequate safeguards measures.
  •  Ensure efficient and effective use of all programme financial and human resources to maximize performance and impact.
  • Foster cross-pillar collaboration and synergies, identify cross-cutting issues, and promote enablers such as digital tools and innovation.
  • Seek opportunities to incorporate international experiences and best practices into the portfolio.
  • Ensure all project interventions integrate a gender equality perspective/gender equality mainstreaming to the extent local context allows.
  • Ensure proper execution of all administrative activities associated with project implementation, including mobilizing goods and services, preparing Terms of Reference, completing contracting processes, recruiting/selecting consultants and experts, and managing financial arrangements/transactions and their correct authorization.
  • Identify opportunities for synergies with other projects within UNDP and beyond, to advance the key objectives and grow its focus.

Develop strategic partnerships.

  • Substantively contribute to the harnessing of effective partnerships and lead the identification and onboarding process for implementing partners.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships and strategic linkages with implementing and development partners, government officials, businesses, NGOs, other national and regional stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support and ensure accurate interpretation of project objectives and promote inclusive project implementation.
  • Substantively contribute to project communications and visibility efforts. Provide technical support to the implementing partners and act as a liaison between UNDP and the partners. 
  • Support resource mobilization efforts and project development.

Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set.

  • Provide leadership and technical advice to the project in developing baselines and indicators for project monitoring and evaluation and coordinate the finalization of detailed results framework. Develop clear strategies and an effective system for data collection, means of verification, and information sharing and reporting. 
  • Lead the implementation of project monitoring, evaluation, and results framework to identify plan deviations and other problems; and make needed course corrections within agreed upon tolerances to achieve results. Conduct field visits as required to verify project activities relative to stated targets and provide regular field updates to UNDP management. 
  • Lead the development and conduct of mid-term and annual reviews, and end line assessment; and coordinate the conduct of independent evaluations. Organize project review and evaluation meetings. Follow up on the implementation of decisions, recommendations, and course corrections.
  • Manage and monitor project risks, including social and environmental risks, initially identified and submit new risks to appropriate project governing bodies for consideration and decision on possible actions. 
  • Coordinate the preparation of corporate, donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements. Ensure provision of ad hoc reports and information requested by relevant entities. 
  • Ensure proper operational and financial closure of the project of UNDP in Lao PDR

Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic areas. 

  • Identify capacity building needs and opportunities. Ensure appropriate training, project workshops and other relevant activities are organized and implemented in a consultative manner, involving technical experts and stakeholders that may include the government, private sector, NGOs, donors, and/or academia.
  • Ensure project reports capture results, lessons learned and good practices for possible wider application.
  • Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on development and project related issues. Support establishment of knowledge platforms for the project, facilitate innovative mechanisms for dissemination of knowledge from the project, and develop knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area. 
  • Promote advocacy for UNDP’s work and opportunities for collaboration in addressing development trends in coordination with the project partners, stakeholders, and UNDP communications staff.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core competencies:

  • Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 
  • Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 
  • Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
  • Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 
  • Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
  • Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management

  • UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

 Business Direction & Strategy    

  • Strategic Thinking. Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.
  • System Thinking. Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Business Management    

  • Project Management. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals
  • Results Based Management. Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge
    and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools
  • Monitoring & Evaluation. Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the
    management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Cross-Functional    

  • Effective Decision Making. Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.

Partnership Management    

  • Relationship Management. Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding

     

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Governance, Rule of Law, Access to Justice, international Development, or a closely related field is required OR
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with  bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services, hands-on experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects, and/or leading and managing projects. 

Required skills:

  • Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
  • Knowledge and experience in relevant thematic area.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

  • Experience in working, liaising, and collaborating with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and public international organizations.
  • Proven track record of in-dept technical knowledge of development issues under the LEAP project, including: Governance/Public Administration and Digital Government/Digitalization, 
  • Proven track record of knowledge of capacity building theory and capacity building/assessment methodologies
  • Experience in project monitoring and quality assurance. 
  • Experience in supervising team and to work in the team effectively.

Required Language(s):

  • Fluency in English and Lao is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.