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.

The Project Assistant – MEL will lead on collecting the field data at different stages of the project and work with MEL advisor for analysing and reporting.

The Assistant 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 Project Assistant – MEL is required to undertake the following:

• Serve as a primary focal person for conducting data collection.
• Work with MEL advisor to develop and refine various data collection tools and instruments (both quantitative and qualitative) and maintain a results database to aggregate data.
• Prepare periodic planning activities for field data collection
• Train project team members and stakeholders on the accurate use of the monitoring systems, providing ongoing coaching/support through regular site monitoring visits, and ensure quality control and problem solving as needed. 
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders and mobilize the field team to conduct the baseline surveys, follow‐on monitoring and evaluation exercises for various initiatives in the project areas. Ensure that methodology and data complies with monitoring requirements and data quality standards.
• Validate, compile and manage data and information received from project partners and other stakeholders.
• Assist the MEL unit for the development of communication materials related to MEL findings and learning outcomes

Perform other duties as required and as instructed by supervisor and senior staff members

• Bachelor’s degree in statistics, demographics, public policy, international development, economics, engineering or related field.
• At least one year of relevant experience in MEL work
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Familiarity with MEL databases and systems.
• Strong attention to detail and data quality.
• Ability to participate in qualitative assessments, interviews, and case studies.
• Communication skills for donor reporting and adaptive management.
• Willing to travel to rural and difficult areas in the country on a regular basis and enjoy working frequently in rural areas.
• Able to work closely with communities, private enterprises, and government officials in a multi-stakeholder platform
• Computer knowledge on database management
• Ready to work in odd hours and under the pressure of deadlines.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Fluency in English language (spoken and written)

Reporting:

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

Assignment Location:

• The Project Officer shall be based in Vientiane Capital with frequent travel to project locations in other provinces.