OFFICER (FINANCE, OPERATIONS) LAO PDR

Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Country Representative, the position is responsible for the management of GGGI Lao PDR Country Program budgeting framework and budget control policies, compliance, reporting and analysis of GGGI’s financial data, interpreting and providing meaningful information to the Country Representative and Project Managers and line managers in executing GGGI Lao PDR work program budget and related strategic plans. The position will lead and oversee the Country Program’s finance, procurement and key corporate services and operations. The position will lead GGGI Lao PDR’s Finance and Corporate Services (FCS) Unit in Vientiane, and work in close coordination with GGGI’s Global Finance and Corporate Services team.

PURPOSE

• Manages an effective, transparent and flexible budgeting and forecasting system that is aligned with GGGI Lao PDR’s strategic plans.
• Prepares GGGI Lao PDR’s budget control policies and procedures that is aligned with and supports the implementation of one GGGI strategic plans.
• Reviews and implements financial and operational controls to ensure the accuracy and correctness of timesheet charging, vendor payment requests, employee claims, operational budgets, donor reports, bank, credit card, and cash reconciliation, among other transactions and reports for the country.
• Establish and promote the use of the budget monitoring and reporting systems and empower the Programs Managers to manage budget variations effectively and efficiently.

ENGAGEMENT

• Provides professional finance and operational advice to the Country Representative and Project Managers for smooth operations and consistent application of the financial and operational controls across the country operations.
• Manages other Finance and Corporate Services staff within the country by fostering a collaborative work environment and driving high performance through ambitious goals, regular feedback and effective delegation.
• Collaborates with Country Representative and Project Managers to devise appropriate tools for tracking, forecasting, and managing the country’s budget execution plans and schedules in line with yearly work programs and donor-funded projects.
• Engage the external and internal auditors in providing information and responding to finance and operational queries during internal and external audits.

DELIVERY

• Develops a sound understanding of GGGI’s ERP and other operational systems to support troubleshooting, and efficient operation within the country. 
• Actively engage in development of budget systems, recommend improvement measures in consultation with project units and the country office FSC team.
• Develops a sound understanding of specific country donor agreements for projects within the country, control best practices, GGGI policies, and procedures to support assessment of the deviations and control deficiencies within the country and to
• recommend changes by benchmarking against practices of other similar sized country teams and overall GGGI policies. 
• Regularly promote cost awareness culture through best practices established in other country programs and International Organization and actively participate in relevant forums and meetings.
• Establishes practical communication approaches with the Headquarters, Regional Office Country Representatives, Country Finance and Operations staff to ensure strong financial controls, regularly share knowledge and ensure timely resolution of issues.
• Identifies creative tools to condense the organizational policies and knowledge products and continuously builds the financial management capacity of the country on demand or through scheduled capacity building sessions
• Provides technical guidance and capacity building as needed to project staff on budgeting and financial reporting.

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field (A Bachelor's degree with significant professional experience may be considered).
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in accounting and financial management systems with supervisory roles in an international organization.
• Demonstrated strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required. The candidate must be capable of using advanced formulas, Pivot Tables, and Data Validation to manage complex financial datasets, perform budget-to-actual variance analysis, and automate financial reconciliations.
• Demonstrated grasp of GGGI policies and extensive hands-on experience with ERP systems and GGGI Online (GO).
• Previous experience with internal/external audits and successfully addressing findings is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English (written and verbal) is required.

FUNCTIONAL

• Proficiency in communicating with the management and staff of the country program.
• Ability to undertake multiple tasks at the same time without losing focus.
• Must be proactive, with the ability to meet and surpass project deadlines.
• Possess exceptional analytical reasoning skills to think problems thoroughly and generate solutions.
• Work with minimal daily direction and supervision.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Assist with implementing business and operational plans.

CORPORATE

• Understands and actively supports GGGI's mission and vision.
• Promotes the optimum use of resources.
• Promotes an organizational culture shaped by GGGI’s values: Integrity, Excellence, Transformational, Inclusiveness, and Boldness.
• Promotes consistent integration of gender and social inclusion.
• Drives environmental sustainability in work.
• Promotes creativity and innovation among staff.
• Be able to lead where needed and provide solutions to project-level challenge.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position is a G8 grade level in GGGI’s National salary scale. Determination of base salary is subject to candidate's experience, academic background and internal equity.
• GGGI provides 15% of base salary towards retirement plan/long-term savings, 27 days of annual leave, and private health insurance that covers dental and vision. 
• GGGI is committed to providing a work environment that is sufficiently flexible to accommodate diverse life-cycle challenges and assist Staff members to achieve a better balance between work and personal/family commitments, thus ensuring high performance, long-term productivity, and well-being of Staff members. 
• The chosen candidate is expected to be based in Vientiane, Lao PDR, and will report to the Country Representative (also based in Vientiane).
• This is a national position and does not include relocation benefits.

INTRODUCTION TO  COUNTRY PROGRAM

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting a model of economic growth known as "green growth", which targets key aspects of economic performance such as poverty reduction, job creation, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

GGGI works with countries around the world, building their capacity and working collaboratively on green growth policies that can impact the lives of millions. The organization partners with countries, multilateral institutions, government bodies, and private sectors to help build economies that grow strongly and are more efficient and sustainable in the use of natural resources, less carbon-intensive, and more resilient to climate change.

The GGGI Lao PDR program has been expanding rapidly in the areas of climate change, green cities, and green investment mobilization. Since 2019, GGGI Lao PDR has been implementing a 5-year program covering solid waste management, sanitation, and green city planning in Vientiane and Pakse, with support from KOICA. GGGI has also been implementing projects supported by the Green Climate Fund and European Union in green finance, capacity building, climate modelling, energy efficiency, electric mobility, and climate policy.

GGGI Lao PDR’s Finance and Corporate Service unit (FCS) provides programmatic support across the country portfolio in key areas such as administration, procurement, human resource management, budgeting, financial reporting, and communications. As the portfolio grows in complexity, GGGI is seeking an experienced Finance and Operations Officer to lead the FCS unit.