The Coordinator works closely with and supports the Head of the Governance Unit and Programme Analyst project coordinator in the rule of law and access to justice portfolio will be responsible for the coordination of project activities and will manage the project budget, work planning and organisation of activities across all results of the project. The Coordinatorwill liaise directly with key project partners, government, and development partners, and support the LBA and lawyer network in ensuring the planned outputs and activities of the project are successfully implemented.

The position will be based in the UNDP Lao PDR Country Office in Vientiane.

UNDP Lao PDR is committed to achieving gender balance in recruitment processes. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Persons with disabilities, persons from ethnic groups and people from other diverse groups are also encouraged to apply.

Summary of key functions :

• Ensure coordination of key project activities
• Ensure effective project planning and implementation
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with Lao Bar Association and networks of lawyers, and the Ministry of Justice
• Monitor and report on progress in implementing project activities and achieving the targets set
• Provide relevant, timely, and integrated technical and advisory support on matters related to the law profession, access to justice, or the rule of law

Duties and responsibilities :

The Project Coordinator will work under direct supervision of the Head of Governance Unit and Programme Analyst.

Ensure coordination of project activities and budget

• Coordinate between Project Partners and LBA’s management team, staff and members of the Bar on planning and implementation in line with the Lawyer Project’s workplan, project document and results framework
• Support coordination of activities as requested by the LBA and lawyer network
• Supervise project staff and international and national consultants for quality assurance and timely completion of tasks.
• Review and monitor project budget and expenditure

Ensure effective project planning and implementation.

• Coordinate, and supervise project implementation to ensure 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
• Lead revisions of the project’s annual work plan (AWP) and lead development of detailed implementation plans. Support the Head of Governance Unit and Programme Analyst to identify key policy/programmatic gaps and opportunities

Develop and maintain strategic partnerships.

• Maintain and strengthening partnerships with Lao Bar Association (LBA) the Ministry of Justice, and other key project partners
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with implementing and development partners, government officials, NGOs, other national and regional stakeholders, and beneficiaries to support implementation and quality programming
• Contribute to project communications and visibility efforts. Make recommendations to the management team on activities with potential for scale-up, replicability and synergies

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

• In accordance with the Project Document and in close coordination with the Responsible Parties, support implementation of Annual Workplans and M&E framework targets and indicators
• Coordinate the preparation of donor and government reports in line with the reporting schedule and UNDP and donor requirements

Provide relevant and timely technical and advisory support on matters related to the law profession, access to justice, or the rule of law

• Identify key issues for national and sub-national policy support and assistance regarding lawyer and Bar development
• Provide technical support to implementing partners on the rule of law, lawyer and bar development, and access to justice

Required skills and experience :

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, public policy, law, development studies or other relevant discipline is required.
• First-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in political science, public policy, law, development studies or other relevant discipline in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master's degree.

Experience :

• Minimum 2 years (with Master's degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor's degree) of relevant experience in project management and coordination, including developing budgets and work plans
• Thorough understanding of the political, administrative and institutional set up of the government in Lao PDR
• Experience working in the area of rule of law or access to justice in Lao PDR is an asset
• Experience designing and delivering effective institutional strengthening programs or providing advisory services to public officials is an asset
• Technical knowledge in lawyer and legal system strengthening is preferred.

Required languages :

• Fluency in English and Lao is required.