Job Description

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the UN migration agency that works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners on migration. 

IOM works to promote safe, orderly, and regular migration; strengthen international cooperation on migration issues; support practical solutions to migration challenges; and provide humanitarian assistance to migrants. IOM has been working in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) since 2002. 

Current thematic priorities in the country include assistance to vulnerable migrants, including victims of trafficking; capacity development for government counterparts; skills development of migrants, returnees, and aspirant migrants; ethical recruitment; and poverty reduction activities. 

Under the overall supervision of the Project Officer and direct supervision of the National Project Officer, and in close coordination with the Senior Project Assistant. The two field project coordinators play a central role in implementing IOM activities at the provincial and community levels. 

The position requires frequent field travel and direct engagement with provincial line ministries, district authorities, village leaders, community volunteers, and project beneficiaries. The two field project coordinators ensure that project interventions are effectively delivered, contextually adapted, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations, including women, children, internal migrants, cross‑border migrants, and returned Lao nationals. This role is essential in bridging the work between IOM Lao PDR in Vientiane and communities across the provinces (Oudomxay and Luang Namtha Province), ensuring that project objectives are met and that IOM maintains effective, trusted partnerships at the grassroots level. 

Responsibilities

1. Assume the role of IOM Lao’s focal point for capacity building and prevention activities at targeted provinces.
2. Support the project team in day-to-day project implementation, including the coordination of logistical arrangements internally, within IOM, as well as with IOM partners, including local government agencies, civil society organizations, and other non-governmental organizations.

3. Draft invitation letter, terms of reference, and other documents related to the project’s work in both English and Lao languages.

4. Support the project team in maintaining the partnerships database and CT data, including updating data regularly. 

5. Assist in preparing notes for file and activity reports for capacity-building activities, including workshops, trainings, peer support groups, and awareness raisings.

6. Facilitate translation and dissemination of the training manuals, outreach activities, and related documents under the CEFM – Trafficking in Persons (TiP) prevention project as requested.
7. Collect and compile field data for reporting, including KAP survey contributions, training records, beneficiary lists, case trends, and feedback from community structures (KSG, CPN, CSOs).

8. Ensure timely preparation and submission of field mission reports, activity reports, visibility documentation, and inputs for quarterly donor reports and internal monitoring requirements.

9. Undertake regular travel within and outside of the duty station as may be required for official duties and carry out any other related duties that may be assigned by the supervisor.

10. Perform other related tasks as assigned by the National Project Officer to support project delivery.

11. Ensure adherence to Do‑No‑Harm principles, gender-sensitive approaches, safeguarding, and PSEAH standards, particularly when working with girls, survivors, ethnic communities, and individuals at increased risk.

12. Perform other related tasks as assigned by the National Project Officer to support project delivery and IOM operations in Lao PDR.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, community development, international relations, education, gender studies, law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution.

• Completed secondary education with at least five years of relevant professional experience in community-based project work, protection, social development, or related fields. 

Experience

• Experience in community mobilization and field coordination in rural and remote settings, working with vulnerable groups, including women, children, and ethnic communities. 

• Experience working on issues related to Trafficking in Persons (TiP), CEFM, gender-based violence, child protection, or migration is a strong advantage.

• Experience coordinating with government counterparts at the provincial level and local stakeholders, including CSOs, community committees, and youth groups. 

• Experience working with ethnic minority communities and understanding socio-cultural sensitivities is an asset. 

• Experience preparing training materials, IEC development, or community-friendly materials in multilingual or low-literacy settings is desirable. 

• Experience supporting monitoring and evaluation, including data collection, reporting, beneficiary tracking and field assessments. 

Skills

• Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage sensitively with women, youth, elders and diverse ethnic groups;

• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple field activities simultaneously with minimal supervision;

• Good understanding of protection principles, Do-No-Harm, safeguarding, PSEAH, gender sensitivity and survivor-informed approaches;

• Excellent organizational and communication skills, including report writing and documentation of field activities;

• Knowledge of Lao language required and knowledge of local ethnic languages of LNT/ODX is a significant advantage.

• Ability to work independently, manage priorities and perform under pressure;

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; and,

• Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented.

Languages

Fluency in Lao and working knowledge of English (required for reporting)

Knowledge of local ethnic languages (Hmong, Khmu, Akha, etc.) is a strong advantage.

REQUIRED

For this position, fluency in Lao and English (oral and written) is required.

DESIRABLE

• Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

• Proficiency in Lao or an ethnic language commonly spoken in Luang Namtha or Oudomxay is an advantage.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates the ability to work in a composed, competent, and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected, and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge, and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the organization's priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring, and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators (applicable only if with direct reports)

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example, and demonstrates the ability to carry out the organization's vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the organization's goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging one's own shortcomings. 

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM job categories.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background, or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

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