A Chief Technical Adviser on tea value chain – Laos

GRET- HELVETAS – CCL are looking for
A Chief Technical Adviser on tea value chain – Laos

A consortium of three iNGOs

GRET
GRET is an international solidarity organization whose goal is to improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable populations and promote social justice, while preserving our planet. Founded in 1976, the association is now present in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Its areas of expertise are diverse: natural resources, essential services, cities and housing, integration and employment, nutrition and health, food systems, land governance, and inclusive economics and finance.
GRET’s actions are based on an action-research approach, co-construction with communities, and the creation of relationships with a vast network of partners. By sharing their experiences and knowledge, its teams also contribute to the evolution of public policies and development practices.
In both its interventions and its internal operations, GRET advocates gender equality and democratic participation. The association is also particularly committed to preserving biodiversity and combating climate change.

HELVETAS
HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation (Helvetas) is a non-profit organization. It is a member of Alliance 2015, a strategic network of eight European non-governmental organizations, and denominationally neutral and politically independent. Helvetas combines development support and humanitarian response. With about 250 own and mandated projects, it actively contributes to improving the living conditions of economically, socially and politically disadvantaged communities. Helvetas works in almost 40 developing and transitional countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.

CCL
Comité de Coopération avec Laos (CCL) is a French Non-Governmental Organization based in Vientiane in Laos, working independently on international solidarity. CCL main objective is to improve the living conditions of all without distinction, by promoting access to food, healthcare, education and knowledge, culture and stable incomes in a sustainable environment. By promoting empowerment and autonomy, CCL supports populations and decision-makers in identifying and implementing solutions adapted to each situation. By the end of 2023, the CCL team in Laos consisted of 35 employees, with 40% being women.

Involved on Lao tea sector

GRET led the Mekong Tea Project which aimed to support tea producers in the Meung district of Bokeo province, as technical assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. One of the main objectives was to strengthen the Producers’ Cooperative and promote its development and empowerment, by enhancing quality and certified teas. GRET was also leading the Geographical Indications project, which included Komean Tea from Phongsaly to be certified as GI, implemented by AFD. The improvement of agricultural practices, process, quality control and traceability was supporting an improvement of the value of Komean Tea.

HELVETAS through its LURAS project, has provided technical assistance to tea producers in Phou San and the surrounding area, helping to improve the quality of production, the organization of producers, and the marketing of their products. Through its COPE project implemented in the Phongsaly district, Helvetas supported 5,000 tea farmers to organise in community-based organizations’ initiatives that support tea value chain through better access to markets, valuing the diverse contributions of women, ethnic groups and other traditionally disadvantaged groups. Helvetas’ Biotrade project has continued to support the same communities of Phongsaly to ensure a fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the certified tea.

CCL has been working since 2010 in the Nyot Ou district, located in the Phongsaly province, to improve the sustainable livelihoods of upland populations. From the first agrarian diagnoses carried out, forest tea was identified as an economic opportunity for farmers. The premium aspect of tea represents an important lever for the development of a quality and sustainable sector. The CCL has provided technical and material assistance to more than 3,000 producers. Since 2024, the CCL has been working with tea producers in the

Boun Neua and Phongsaly districts in the Phongsaly province through its GREEN project, to strengthen the livelihoods of local communities.

Implementing GreenCup project

GRET, HELVETAS and CCL pool their expertise in the form of a consortium to implement the GreenCup project and provide the technical assistance necessary to enhance the quality development of the tea sector through agro-ecological community-based action, climate-resilient and inclusive value chain with a gender and human rights-based approach. The Green Cup project is a part of the Team Europe Partnership with Lao PDR to increase sustainable and inclusive trade, investment, recognition of producers’ practices and connectivity with agroforestry, focusing on Northern parts of the country: Phongsaly, Bokeo and Xiengkhouang.

are looking for a CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISER

Coordinating a team of 6 persons, the CTA will be based in Vientiane to provide technical assistance to the client, with travels in Northern parts of the country: Phongsaly, Bokeo and Xiengkhouang.
The CTA will start on November 2025, a 35 months’ contract, Full Time position. Remuneration will be discussed in accordance with the candidate’s profile.

MAIN DUTIES
– Support the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to manage the project: general coordination, preparation of work plans and budgets, application of project
procedures, environment and social management plan.
– Supervise the overall implementation and monitor of the project activities.
– Lead the coordination between a wide range actors and partners.
– Prepare the deliverables: project monitoring, reporting and financial reporting etc.
– Monitor the global budgets of the project.
– Manage the financial audits.
– Facilitate the coordination of the project Monitoring and Evaluation system implementation.
– Lead the preparation and drafting of all contractual deliverables, periodic technical and financial reports.
– Be accountable for the time delivery of all outputs/deliverables.

PROFILE – National or International
Master’s degree in agricultural economics, agronomy or other related field.

Experience
– At least 2 direct experiences as “project team leader” of development programs.
– Proven ability to develop, implement, and monitor the project work plans.
– Experience in planning, monitoring and managing funds.
– Managerial competencies (capacity to develop mission & strategies and to adjust strategies, taking into account the changing of circumstances.
– Strong diplomatic and communication skills (demonstrates a high level of communication skills, good problem-solving skills in day-to-day situations).
– Record in implementing technical assistance for donor-funded rural projects will be an advantage.
– Having a good knowledge of the tea sector. Lao tea sector will be appreciated.

Language
Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of Lao language will be an advantage.

HOW TO APPLY
CV and cover letter to be sent before 20th of October 2025 to ayerbe@gret.org with the subject of the email IP Tea – GreenCup.
Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview – please do not call.

Gret is committed to people with disabilities and actively fights against all forms of discrimination. This vacancy is open to anyone with the required profile.
Gret publishes all its job and internship offers on its website: https://gret.org/rejoindre-le-gret/ To apply, please refer exclusively to the job offer on GRET’s website.
Applying is free of charge. Any request for a financial contribution constitutes fraud. Please do not respond to any such requests.
Gret never uses personal data entry forms. Requests to fill in such forms could be an attempt to phish for your personal data.