Programme Policy Officer (Livelihood and Technical Training Specialist)

About the role

The World Food Programme (WFP) is hiring a Livelihood and Technical Training Specialist (national position, SC8) based at the Department of Rural Development and Poverty Reduction of the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The role supports the Building Resilience and Reducing Rural Poverty Project, a government initiative with the Asian Development Bank that pilots a poverty graduation programme for poor rural women across four provinces. The specialist advises the ministry on nutrition-sensitive, climate-smart agriculture, livelihood approaches and food systems, and works closely with WFP.

Key responsibilities

• Advise the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on nutrition-sensitive and climate-smart agriculture, livelihood approaches, resilience building and food systems transformation.
• Review climate resilience and vulnerability assessments and the menu of livelihood options for each district.
• Develop livelihood tools and train district coordinators, coaches and ministry staff on livelihood matching, livelihood plan templates and grant monitoring.
• Support livelihood training modules and materials, incorporating climate resilience and gender considerations from the Gender Assessment and Gender Action Plan.
• Provide inputs on indicators, procedures and tools for monitoring livelihoods, and analyse monthly livelihoods data.
• Organize Training of Trainers for district coordinators and coaches, and recommend partnerships for technical training.
• Develop guidance notes for purchasing assets, using mobile money, using the second tranche of the livelihood grant and diversifying income.
• Collaborate with the Gender and Social Development Specialist on an intensive support initiative, and oversee documentation of best practices and lessons learned.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in livelihoods, value chains, sustainable development, economics, public policy or a related field.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in livelihood programmes, including SMEs, poverty reduction, social protection, economic inclusion, rural development and women's empowerment.
• Experience developing, managing and organizing training modules, and experience in climate-resilient livelihoods development.
• Prior experience on international donor-supported projects (UN agencies, IFIs such as IFAD, ADB, World Bank).
• Fluency in Lao and excellent English writing, speaking and understanding.

Required skills

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Communication and stakeholder engagement with government institutions and development partners.
• Understanding of the Lao context, including the post-restructuring government structure and agriculture sector plans.