National Project Officer (NPO)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been operational in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) since 200

• The organization focuses on various thematic areas, including assisting vulnerable migrants, capacity development of government officials, skills development for migrants and returnees, ethical recruitment practices, and poverty reduction initiatives. IOM aims to enhance the well-being of migrants and promote humane and orderly migration through its programs and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The National Project Officer (NPO) will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission at IOM Lao PDR. The primary responsibility of the NPO is to implement high-quality, results-oriented counter-trafficking-in-persons (TIP) and protection programs in Laos. This role involves assisting both government and non-government stakeholders in their efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations. The NPO will manage partnerships with stakeholders and donors, ensuring effective project implementation, particularly focusing on Building Community Leadership and Resilience against Trafficking for Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (CEFM) through community awareness initiatives. The position requires coordination and monitoring of operational, administrative, and financial aspects of the projects, ensuring compliance with IOM policies and donor requirements. The NPO will also contribute to the development of work plans, project budgets, and evaluation tools, and will be responsible for preparing project reports and communication materials. Additionally, the NPO will serve as a national technical focal point for counter-trafficking efforts and will participate in relevant conferences and workshops to promote IOM's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Project Officer include:

• Implementing counter-trafficking and protection programs in accordance with IOM policies and donor requirements.
• Coordinating project implementation tasks and ensuring effective management of partnerships with stakeholders.
• Monitoring operational, administrative, and financial aspects of projects.
• Developing and adjusting work plans, project budgets, and evaluation tools.
• Preparing and disseminating project reports, briefing notes, and other relevant materials.
• Liaising with donors, partners, and government authorities to strengthen collaboration.
• Contributing to national policy dialogue on migration management and IOM's mandate.
• Planning and delivering capacity-building activities for IOM staff and partners.
• Supervising project staff and providing training and technical guidance. 1
• Undertaking duty travel for project implementation and monitoring. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or related fields from an accredited institution, along with two years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a Master’s degree in the aforementioned fields is acceptable. Candidates should have experience in liaising with governmental authorities, international institutions, and NGOs, particularly in the context of working with vulnerable groups such as migrants and victims of trafficking. Experience in development project implementation, especially related to combating human trafficking and protection, is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, or Law. A Master’s degree in these areas is preferred and may substitute for some professional experience.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have experience working with governmental authorities, international organizations, and NGOs, particularly in contexts involving migrants, refugees, and victims of trafficking. Prior experience with international humanitarian organizations or in multicultural settings is advantageous. Specific experience in development project implementation focused on counter-trafficking and protection is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in the Lao language (both oral and written) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in IOM’s official languages, which include English, French, and Spanish, is also beneficial and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve international recruitment. The specific contract duration and seniority level are not mentioned in the job description. Compensation and benefits details are also not provided, but candidates can expect a competitive package commensurate with their experience and qualifications.