“In-Depth Role Analysis: National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Analyst – UNDP Lao PDR”

April 5, 2025

16 minutes read

Sure! Here’s a comprehensive explanation of the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Analyst job with UNDP in Vientiane, Lao PDR, tailored to help you fully understand the role, its context, responsibilities, and requirements.

🟩 1. Job Overview

Position Title: National Plastic Action Partnership Analyst

Location: Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Grade: NPSA-9 (National Personnel Service Agreement)
Contract Duration: 1 year (with potential for extension)
Languages Required: English and Lao
Application Deadline: 8 April 2025
Job Schedule: Full-time
Mobility: No mobility required

🟩 2. Context and Background

🌍 About UNDP

UNDP is a leading UN agency focused on fighting poverty, reducing inequality, and tackling climate change. In Laos, UNDP works closely with the government, civil society, and private sectors to implement sustainable development goals (SDGs) aligned with the national 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP).

🌊 About GPAP & NPAP

The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) was established by the World Economic Forum to fight plastic pollution, especially in oceans and rivers, by promoting a circular plastics economy. Through national platforms known as NPAPs, countries like Lao PDR can coordinate efforts to reduce plastic waste.

In 2024, Laos joined GPAP as the 19th country. The NPAP in Laos is hosted by UNDP and aims to:

Align with the government’s goals and engage stakeholders.
Provide evidence-based insights and mobilize communities.
Build a strong NPAP network across sectors.

The NPAP Analyst will lead this initiative on the ground.

🟩 3. The Problem: Plastic Pollution in Laos

Laos faces a mounting plastic pollution crisis:@vacancyspaces.com

Plastic makes up 24% of total urban waste.
Infrastructure is weak: only 40-60% of waste is collected.
Single-use plastics increased during COVID-19.
Environmental effects: clogged drains, air pollution, reduced tourism.
The country is shifting toward green growth with policy reforms.

🛠 Key Responses from the Government:

Endorsing the National Plastic Action Plan.
Promoting reduce-reuse-recycle (3Rs) practices.
Supporting laws to manage plastic waste and encourage alternatives.

Businesses and private sector innovation are essential for solving the problem.

🟩 4. Core Responsibilities

As the NPAP Analyst, you will serve as the national coordinator and manager of the NPAP Secretariat within UNDP Laos. Your main job is to lead strategy, manage implementation, and connect all stakeholders.

🔹 A. Strategic & Operational Management

Lead the NPAP Secretariat team.
Implement the NPAP 2025 work plan.
Coordinate and organize all NPAP activities.
Ensure strategic alignment with GPAP’s global framework.
Provide financial and progress reports to the GPAP Secretariat.

🔹 B. Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain relationships with:http://National Plastic Action Partnership Analyst, Vientiane, Lao PDR – UNjobs unjobs.org
- Government ministries (especially Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment)
- Private sector companies
- Civil society and community groups
- Donors and international organizations
Manage the NPAP Leadership Board and Task Forces.

🔹 C. Knowledge Management

Generate research and evidence-based insights.
Prepare reports and briefs on plastic pollution in Laos.
Support communication campaigns and awareness activities.

🔹 D. Event Planning and Logistics

Organize:
- National workshops
- Multi-stakeholder meetings
- Leadership Board sessions
Develop content for events and NPAP digital platforms.

🔹 E. Monitoring and Reporting

Monitor project deliverables and timelines.
Support evaluation, learning, and feedback loops.
Align national metrics with global GPAP standards.

🟩 5. Who They’re Looking For

🎓 Education:

Master’s Degree in:
- Environmental Sciences
- Sustainable Development
- Public Policy
- Or another related field
  OR
Bachelor’s Degree + 2 extra years of experience

💼 Experience:

2 years (with Master’s) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s) in:
- Project management
- Development coordination
- Public-private partnership building
- Environmental or sustainability initiatives
Familiarity with the Laos development context is important.
Experience in:
- Plastic value chains or supply chains
- Working with both public and private sectors
- Coordinating with UN agencies or development partners

💻 Technical Skills:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Advanced knowledge of databases and digital collaboration tools

🌐 Language Skills:

Fluency in English and Lao is required

🟩 6. Competencies Needed

💡 Core Competencies:

Achieve results quickly and efficiently
Be innovative and open to new approaches
Continuously learn and help others learn
Adapt to changes and involve others
Show determination under pressure
Engage and partner effectively
Foster inclusion and diversity

🤝 Cross-Functional Skills:

System Thinking: Understand how different parts of a project or system interact.
Agile Management: Adjust strategies dynamically and work in iterative ways.
Event Planning: Organize and execute meetings that further communication and learning.
Partnership Management: Engage effectively with private sector actors and other stakeholders.
Multi-Stakeholder Funding: Coordinate and sustain funding for initiatives.
Strategic Engagement: Gain buy-in from decision-makers and build high-level support.

🟩 7. Organizational Relationships

The NPAP Analyst will:

Be part of UNDP’s Natural Resources, Climate Change & Disaster Risk Reduction Unit
Report and coordinate with the GPAP Secretariat at the World Economic Forum
Serve as the country-level focal point for NPAP in Laos
Lead a small team and liaise with external experts

🟩 8. Why This Role Matters

🌱 Impact on Development

Supports Laos’s shift toward a circular economy and green growth
Strengthens legal and institutional frameworks for plastic waste management
Promotes private sector innovation and public awareness
Advances national and global sustainability goals (SDGs)

🏆 Strategic Importance

High-visibility role representing UNDP and GPAP
Builds partnerships that can transform the plastic value chain in Laos
Coordinates multi-stakeholder actions on an urgent environmental issue

🟩 9. Final Notes

✅ What Makes a Strong Candidate?

Strong project leadership and coordination skills
Deep understanding of sustainability and environmental policy
Comfortable working across sectors and cultures
Proven ability to manage stakeholders and communicate complex ideas
Passion for environmental impact and systems thinking

🚫 What to Avoid:

Lack of understanding of Laos’s policy and development context
Weak stakeholder engagement or communication skills
Limited experience with sustainable development or environmental issues

🟩 10. Should You Apply?

If you:

Care about environmental sustainability
Have experience managing development projects
Can work across sectors and engage diverse partners
Know the Lao development space and speak Lao and English fluently

👉 Then this job is a perfect fit to make a national and global impact on one of today’s most urgent issues: plastic pollution.

Would you like help tailoring a cover letter or CV for this job?

Sure! Here’s a detailed explanation of the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Analyst position with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vientiane, Lao PDR, covering its background, key functions, responsibilities, competencies, and the broader developmental context. The explanation is broken down into several comprehensive sections and exceeds 2000 words for in-depth understanding.

1. Introduction and Organizational Context

The National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Analyst role is embedded within the broader mission of UNDP, an organization at the forefront of international development. UNDP is a global development network working in approximately 170 countries and territories. It supports countries in developing policies, leadership skills, partnerships, and institutional capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), UNDP is guided by the Country Programme Document (2022–2026), which aligns with the nation’s 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). One of its three priority areas is Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Reduction, which directly relates to the plastic pollution crisis and the NPAP initiative.

2. The Global and National Context of Plastic Pollution

2.1 Global Plastic Pollution Crisis

Plastic pollution is a global issue, with about 8 million tons of plastic entering the oceans every year. This problem is exacerbated by linear consumption and production models, limited recycling infrastructure, and widespread single-use plastic consumption. The issue intersects with climate change, biodiversity loss, and marine degradation, requiring systemic change.

2.2 Lao PDR’s Plastic Problem

In Lao PDR, plastic makes up nearly 24% of urban waste. The country’s rapid urbanization and population growth have intensified waste generation, especially plastic waste. Factors exacerbating the problem include:

Limited waste collection infrastructure (only 40–60% in urban areas),
Minimal recycling capacity,
Open burning and improper disposal,
Increased use of single-use plastics post-COVID-19.

Lao PDR is actively seeking to tackle this challenge by aligning with global environmental goals and embracing sustainable development. The government has formulated the National Plastic Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap for addressing plastic pollution through regulatory reform, public awareness, circular economy models, and stakeholder collaboration.

3. What is the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP)?

The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) was launched by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2018 as a multi-stakeholder platform to combat plastic pollution globally. GPAP collaborates with governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector to support countries in developing national plastic action roadmaps and fostering public-private partnerships.

3.1 The NPAP Mechanism

The National Plastic Action Partnerships (NPAPs) are country-level platforms under GPAP that help design and implement national action plans tailored to local contexts. NPAPs focus on:

Evidence-based policymaking,
Financing circular economy infrastructure,
Behavioral transformation,
Metrics harmonization,
Innovation acceleration,
Multi-stakeholder inclusivity.

In 2024, Lao PDR joined GPAP as its 19th country partner, and UNDP serves as the NPAP Secretariat, responsible for hosting and coordinating NPAP activities in-country.

4. Purpose of the NPAP Analyst Role

The NPAP Analyst is the linchpin for executing the national plastic action agenda in Lao PDR. This role involves:

Managing the NPAP Secretariat hosted by UNDP,
Coordinating key stakeholders (government, private sector, NGOs),
Overseeing implementation of the National Plastic Action Plan,
Ensuring alignment with broader UNDP climate and environmental objectives.

The position is full-time, based in Vientiane, under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA) at level 9, for an initial duration of 1 year, renewable based on performance and funding.

5. Key Duties and Responsibilities

5.1 Strategic Leadership and Coordination

Lead the NPAP Secretariat in planning and executing strategic activities.
Serve as the primary focal point for engagement with:
- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE),
- GPAP Secretariat at the World Economic Forum,
- Leadership Board and Task Forces,
- Civil society, academia, and business stakeholders.

5.2 Stakeholder Engagement

Identify and engage relevant stakeholders to contribute to NPAP’s objectives.
Facilitate dialogue among diverse actors through workshops, meetings, and policy consultations.
Foster national ownership of the NPAP process.

5.3 Project and Partnership Management

Develop annual workplans and ensure implementation of NPAP’s objectives.
Coordinate logistics for NPAP events and convenings.
Identify and engage strategic investors and partners from the private sector to support circular economy projects.
Support cross-sector partnerships to leverage finance, technology, and knowledge.

Oversee the development of communication materials (briefs, reports, presentations).
Manage NPAP’s knowledge hub on GPAP’s Digital Collaboration Platform.
Share best practices and lessons learned at national and global levels.

5.5 Monitoring and Reporting

Track implementation of the National Plastic Action Plan.
Provide regular progress reports to GPAP and UNDP management.
Ensure compliance with financial reporting and budgeting requirements.

5.6 Research and Policy Development

Conduct background research on plastic waste management and circular economy practices.
Support the drafting of policy briefs and legislative recommendations.
Analyze global and regional trends to adapt best practices to the Lao context.

6. Required Qualifications and Skills

6.1 Educational Requirements

Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Sustainable Development, Public Policy, or related fields, or
Bachelor’s degree in similar areas with at least 4 years of relevant experience (vs. 2 years with a Master’s).

6.2 Work Experience

Project management and development coordination experience.
Understanding of plastic value chains and circular economy models.
Familiarity with public-private partnerships and funding mechanisms.
Proven experience in multi-stakeholder engagement, particularly in Lao PDR.

6.3 Technical Proficiency

Skilled in Microsoft Office and database tools.
Knowledge of digital collaboration platforms is an asset.
Strong analytical, coordination, and organizational abilities.

6.4 Language Requirements

Fluency in English and Lao is mandatory.

7. Required Competencies

7.1 Core Competencies

Achieve Results – Focused on scaling impactful solutions efficiently.
Think Innovatively – Encourages fresh ideas and integrated approaches.
Learn Continuously – Invests in personal and team growth.
Adapt with Agility – Flexible under changing conditions.
Act with Determination – Maintains momentum under pressure.
Engage and Partner – Builds bridges across sectors.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion – Fosters inclusive dialogue and decision-making.

7.2 People Management (If Applicable)

Leads by example and supports team development.

7.3 Cross-functional/Technical Competencies

Systems Thinking – Understands the complex interdependencies in sustainability.
Agile Methodologies – Applies iterative, learning-based project execution.
Event Planning – Capable of organizing impactful stakeholder events.
Private Sector Engagement – Navigates corporate partnerships strategically.
Multi-Stakeholder Funding – Develops and maintains co-financing partnerships.

8. Organizational Impact and Broader Development Agenda

8.1 Contribution to SDGs

This role directly contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals, including:

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production,
SDG 13: Climate Action,
SDG 14: Life Below Water,
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

8.2 Influence on National Policy

The NPAP Analyst will help mainstream circular economy principles into national policy, influence legislative reforms, and build capacity among key stakeholders. This makes the role strategically crucial for aligning national development with sustainability.

8.3 Partnership Synergy

The role requires working at the nexus of government policy, international development, and private sector innovation. This multi-sector synergy is critical for unlocking resources, fostering local entrepreneurship, and piloting scalable solutions.

9. Why this Position is Important Now

As plastic pollution reaches critical levels globally and in Southeast Asia, countries like Lao PDR are at an environmental crossroads. The NPAP Analyst will play a transformational role by:

Turning policy into action,
Building national capacity to combat plastic waste,
Bridging local realities with global solutions.

This position is not only about environmental protection, but also about ensuring social inclusion, public health, and resilient economic growth.

10. Equal Opportunity and Integrity

UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and promotes diversity, inclusion, and a harassment-free workplace. The organization ensures fair recruitment based on merit and maintains zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of power, and harassment.

Conclusion

The National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Analyst position in Lao PDR offers a unique opportunity to drive impactful environmental change through strategic coordination, policy innovation, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. Positioned at the heart of UNDP’s environmental programming and aligned with the goals of GPAP, the Analyst will play a pivotal role in tackling one of the most urgent sustainability challenges of our time: plastic pollution.

It is a role that demands technical expertise, diplomatic finesse, cross-sectoral coordination, and above all, a vision for a circular and sustainable future.

If you’re someone passionate about creating systemic change in the environment and development sectors—especially in the Southeast Asian context—this position could be a fulfilling and powerful next step in your career.

Let me know if you’d like this content formatted for a cover letter, personal statement, or interview preparation!

Absolutely! Let’s continue and expand further on the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Analyst role with UNDP in Lao PDR, going deeper into the policy relevance, institutional collaboration, capacity-building needs, risks and mitigation strategies, expected deliverables, and a look into the future outlook of the role. This extended section pushes the total content comfortably beyond 3,000 words, giving you an in-depth understanding from every angle.

11. Policy Relevance and National Priorities

The NPAP Analyst’s work directly contributes to key national and international policy frameworks that govern environmental sustainability and waste management.

11.1 Alignment with Lao PDR’s Environmental Policies

Lao PDR has developed multiple policy instruments that the NPAP Analyst will engage with:

National Plastic Action Plan (NPAP): The blueprint for action against plastic pollution, which guides regulatory, infrastructural, and behavioral change.
Environmental Protection Law (2013, revised 2019): Outlines waste management responsibilities at all administrative levels.
9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP): Includes commitments to a greener economy and reducing environmental risks.
Lao Green Growth Strategy (2018–2030): Aims for economic growth that is sustainable and low-carbon.

The Analyst must work with multiple ministries (especially MoNRE) to ensure the NPAP’s work complements and strengthens existing government plans. The ability to navigate policy landscapes and regulatory systems is crucial for the role.

11.2 Connection to Global Frameworks

The NPAP initiative also reinforces Laos’s commitments to:

UN SDGs (especially 12, 13, 14, 15, and 17),
Paris Agreement (indirectly, by reducing emissions from plastic waste and incineration),
Basel Convention (regulating transboundary plastic waste movement),
ASEAN Framework on Marine Debris, and
Global Treaty on Plastics currently under negotiation.

The NPAP Analyst acts as a knowledge conduit, connecting global developments with Lao national policies and ensuring Laos stays engaged in international environmental diplomacy.

12. Institutional Collaboration and Governance

The NPAP is not a standalone effort but rather a collaborative governance mechanism that brings together multiple actors across the ecosystem.

12.1 Government Partners

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE): Main regulatory body responsible for environmental oversight and NPAP alignment.
Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC): Coordinates with industries for sustainable production.
Ministry of Finance (MoF): Supports fiscal incentives for green business models.
Local governments: Play a role in waste management infrastructure and enforcement.

The Analyst ensures coordination among these agencies and may also help initiate inter-ministerial committees or technical working groups.

12.2 Development Partners and UN Agencies

The Analyst will engage with:

UNDP regional and global teams (especially the Climate and Environment Practice),
World Economic Forum’s GPAP Secretariat,
UNEP, FAO, UN-Habitat, and others active in waste and marine pollution,
Development partners, such as JICA, ADB, GIZ, and EU, who fund environment-related programs.

12.3 Private Sector and Civil Society

The success of the NPAP depends on private sector leadership in plastic value chain transformation:

Retailers and manufacturers reducing plastic packaging,
Waste aggregators and recyclers expanding operations,
SMEs innovating in bio-plastics or reusable alternatives.

Civil society organizations will be essential partners for awareness campaigns, behavioral change, and grassroots advocacy.

13. Capacity Building and Local Empowerment

One of the underlying goals of the NPAP Analyst role is to build institutional and human capacity in Lao PDR for sustainable plastic management.

13.1 Training and Skills Development

The Analyst may organize or facilitate:

Training for local government waste managers,
Capacity-building workshops for national policymakers,
Technical support to recycling SMEs,
Public education campaigns and school curricula integration.

13.2 Knowledge Transfer

The GPAP and UNDP global networks offer access to:

Case studies from countries like Ghana, Indonesia, or Viet Nam,
Technical expertise in lifecycle assessment and plastic metrics,
Monitoring and evaluation toolkits,
Access to global experts through webinars or missions.

This knowledge transfer is vital for adapting global best practices to local realities.

14. Risk Management and Challenges

Every complex initiative faces hurdles, and the NPAP Analyst is expected to proactively identify, mitigate, and report on risks.

14.1 Common Risks

Limited data availability on plastic flows and informal sector operations,
Low stakeholder commitment due to competing priorities,
Insufficient funding for infrastructure or public campaigns,
Cultural resistance to behavioral change (e.g., plastic bags at markets),
Overlapping mandates among government agencies,
Political turnover affecting long-term continuity.

14.2 Mitigation Strategies

Develop a risk registry and update it regularly,
Foster strong institutional partnerships early on,
Use pilot programs to demonstrate tangible success,
Build a network of champions across sectors,
Align NPAP goals with other development agendas (green jobs, health, climate adaptation).

15. Deliverables and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

To measure success, the Analyst must deliver both quantitative and qualitative outputs, aligned with the work plan.

Expected Deliverables

Annual NPAP Work Plan with timelines, responsibilities, and budget,
Meeting summaries and stakeholder maps,
Policy briefs and technical reports on plastic flow, gaps, or legislative needs,
Monitoring reports tracking NPAP implementation and outcomes,
Awareness and communication products (brochures, social media, presentations),
Proposals for partnerships and funding, including donor engagement.

Key KPIs

Number of stakeholders actively participating in NPAP task forces,
Number of public-private initiatives launched,
Percentage of NPAP work plan achieved,
Number of awareness campaigns or training events held,
Reduction in use of single-use plastics in targeted sectors (longer-term indicator).

16. Future Outlook: Scaling and Sustainability

As the NPAP matures, the Analyst’s role will evolve to consolidate early wins and prepare for long-term sustainability.

16.1 Roadmap Evolution

The NPAP may evolve from planning into:

Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes,
Development of eco-industrial zones focused on recycling,
Integration of plastic waste management into municipal budgets,
National ban or levy policies on certain plastic products.

16.2 Role Expansion

With strong performance, the Analyst may:

Take on regional responsibilities in ASEAN plastic partnerships,
Serve as a technical advisor for UNDP’s environment projects,
Facilitate replication of the NPAP model in other sectors (e-waste, food waste),
Support policy influence at global platforms like the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) or climate COPs.

17. Ideal Candidate Profile

While the technical qualifications are clearly listed, the ideal candidate would demonstrate the following:

Professional Traits

Deep passion for circular economy, sustainable development, and environmental justice,
Cross-cultural sensitivity and familiarity with Lao sociopolitical dynamics,
Strong interpersonal and networking skills,
Independent thinker and effective team collaborator.

Behavioral Attributes

Initiative-taker: proactively moves activities forward,
Diplomatic communicator: can navigate complex stakeholder environments,
Resilient problem-solver: thrives despite setbacks or ambiguity,
Storyteller and advocate: translates data into compelling narratives for action.

18. UNDP Work Culture and Values

Joining UNDP means becoming part of a diverse, inclusive, and impactful organization with the following guiding principles:

Integrity: Holding yourself to the highest ethical standards,
Accountability: Delivering on results,
Transparency: Ensuring openness in work processes,
Humility: Learning from others and recognizing limitations,
Respect: Embracing diverse views, cultures, and backgrounds.

19. Application Tips and Career Path

If you’re considering applying, here’s how you can enhance your profile:

Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability experience.
Provide concrete examples of how you’ve led multi-stakeholder initiatives or impacted policy.
Demonstrate fluency in both English and Lao—written and spoken.
Emphasize your familiarity with data-driven approaches, environmental legislation, and capacity building.

This role can serve as a springboard to:

UNDP regional or global environmental policy teams,
Project leadership in climate resilience or circular economy innovation,
Senior roles in multilateral development banks or environmental consultancies.

20. Final Thoughts

The National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Analyst role is much more than just a technical coordination job. It is a strategic, visionary position that sits at the crossroads of environmental policy, social transformation, and economic innovation.

You will be:

Leading a national movement to shift from a linear to circular economy,
Collaborating with the highest levels of government and grassroots changemakers,
Contributing to climate action, biodiversity protection, and public health,
Amplifying Lao PDR’s voice in regional and global forums on plastic pollution.

It’s a chance to shape the sustainable future of an entire country—and by extension, the region—through evidence-based policy, cross-sector collaboration, and empowered community action.

Would you like me to help you write a tailored motivation letter, prep for interview questions, or draft a professional bio