GITEC-IGIP GmbH is seeking a highly qualified international forestry and natural resource management expert to serve as Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) for the Village Forestry Management Project – Phase II (VFMP II), financed by KfW Development Bank. The role requires proven project leadership, sustainable forest management, Financial Cooperation (FC) administration, and coordination of donor-funded development projects.

About the company

GITEC-IGIP GmbH is a leading consulting company for international development cooperation projects headquartered in Germany’s fourth-largest city Cologne. GITEC-IGIP’s multi-cultural team and global network of companies and offices around the world has more than five decades of professional experience across four continents. Our companies lead mainly publicly financed development projects.

 

Location: Lao PDR (field-based, with travel to project sites in northern and central provinces)
Project Duration: 6 years (expected input: approx. 10 months/year)
Funding: KfW (German Financial Cooperation)
Implementing Partners: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) & Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI)

 

About the Project

The Village Forestry Management Project (VFMP) Phase II builds on Phase I to enhance sustainable forest management, strengthen community livelihoods, and improve climate resilience in Lao PDR. With an investment of EUR 20 million plus Lao counterpart contribution, VFMP II scales up village forestry models, promotes secure land tenure, and advances sustainable financing mechanisms such as Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES). Here the ToR for more info. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee project administration, financial management, procurement, and reporting in line with KfW guidelines.
  • Lead strategic planning, operational management, and supervision of the implementation team.
  • Refine and support the national village forestry management programme.
  • Guide participatory forest management, secure forest-land tenure models, and climate-resilient forestry practices.
  • Coordinate and supervise short-term experts (livelihoods, PES, M&E/MIS, environmental safeguards).
  • Ensure quality assurance, knowledge exchange, and compliance with environmental & social safeguards.
  • Facilitate coordination with KfW, partner ministries, and other donor programmes.

Qualifications

  • University degree (preferably postgraduate) in forestry, biodiversity, natural resource management, or related field.
  • Minimum 8 years of professional experience in forestry or natural resources management.
  • At least 7 years in development cooperation, including KfW or other donor-funded projects.
  • Proven leadership as CTA or Team Leader in similar international assignments (min. 3 CTA roles or 5 years TL experience).
  • At least 3 years’ experience in administrative duties of FC projects (preferably KfW, ADB, or World Bank).
  • Experience in project management, procurement, and financial administration in FC projects.
  • Strong background in Southeast Asia; experience in Lao PDR is a distinct advantage.
  • Excellent English; knowledge of Lao and/or German is an asset.
  • Willingness to spend up to 40% of time in the field.

 

 

If you are interested

Please send us an email containing your most recent English CV, copies of relevant diplomas and employers‘ certificates including full contact details, fee expectations (per day / per month) and details on availability to:

careers@gic-group.com

Quoting the Job ref. no.: 250276 LAO

Or apply online via the Application-Form in the section below.

Please note that we can only consider candidates who meet the required criteria!