Project Field Officer – Market Development for Energy Project Office (For Lao National Only)

Company Description

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working in more than 20 countries across Africa and Asia. Building on 60 years of experience and grounded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we work on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance. Together with our team of over 1,600 people, our mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems, which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all. For more information on SNV, visit our website: www.snv.org

Project Background

Following the successful completion of Market Acceleration of Advanced Clean Cookstoves in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region (2019 July-2023 June), EnDev awarded another two-years project named Clean Cooking Project in Laos and the project has been led by SNV in partnership with ARMI. This project focuses on access to modern cooking solution, which is a prerequisite for social and economic development, and to achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Through this project, we address the negative social, economic, environmental, gender, and health implications of traditional cooking in Laos. The use of biomass fuel in traditional cookstove and associated smoke exposure contributes to serious health problems and is responsible for the death of thousands of people in Laos every year.

EnDev promotes through market-based approaches, the dissemination of efficient artisan cookstoves for firewood, as well as the accelerates the transition from firewood to clean cooking fuels. The project enhances awareness, activates demand, and builds capacity of local and national institutions aligned with Lao’s 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP), its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), and Health Plans and others.

Job Description

The Market Development officer will drive project activities and ensure a high quality of implementation. S/he will engage in planning, technical support and coaching to the team in Savannakhet on project activities as well as liaising with national and sub-national government partners and private sector stakeholders.

The officer works in line with SNV standards, SNV`s approach to project management and donor regulations, to achieve high quality and achieve the agreed results and deliverables of the project.

The Market Development Officer is required to undertake the following:

• Conduct research and analysis to understand the local market dynamics, consumer preference and cooking practices, and inform project strategies.
• Develop marketing and communication strategies and materials to promote clean/improved cookstove and fuels.
• Design and implement innovative financial products and last mile distribution strategy to support people from the bottom of poverty pyramid. 
• Collaborate with government agencies, civil societies, private sectors and community institutions to promote clean cooking.
• Engage with local communities, women’s groups and entrepreneurs to raise awareness about clean cooking.
• Train retailers, distributors, and local entrepreneurs on clean cooking technologies and marketing strategy.
• Monitor project progress, track adoption rates, and assess impact on health, environment, and livelihoods.
• Engage with government stakeholders to integrate clean cooking into national/provincial energy and health agendas.
• Additional related tasks as from time to time directed by the Sector Leader

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in specialised/ relevant technical field and (min. 5 years) experience in development work and project implementation in relevant topics such as energy, WASH, Health, or climate change related projects.
• Knowledge and experience in sub-national coordination mechanisms, governance, and policy dialogues desirable
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with national and subnational governments, in a team of national and international members.
• Demonstrates pro-activeness and analytical skills and ability to detect problems, recognise important information and link various data to trace causes of issues and their possible solutions.
• Encouraging and guiding team members in order to make their performance more effective and to enhance their self-perception and problem-solving skills.
• Setting high quality standards and striving for continuous improvement and quality assurance.
• Fluency in English language (spoken and written)
• Ability to undertake data analysis and write project reports to a professional standard
• Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)
• The ability to hold on to views and plans of action despite adversity.

Additional Information

Reporting:

• The Market Development Officer reports to the Sector Leader and works in close collaboration with the project team, including RE Advisor/Officer, MEL Advisor, Project partners, private sectors, government stakeholders and other relevant project stakeholders.

Assignment Location:

• The Market Development Officer shall be based in Savannakhet with frequent travel to project locations and occasionally in Vientiane and other provinces. 

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