National Project Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to ensure that labor standards are upheld globally, promoting rights at work, encouraging decent employment opportunities, enhancing social protection, and strengthening dialogue on work-related issues. The ILO operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce dedicated to improving labor conditions and promoting social justice. The organization values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, or other factors.

Job Overview:
The National Project Coordinator will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Social Protection Project under the ILO/China Partnership Programme in Lao PDR. This position is vital for enhancing social protection coverage for workers in the informal economy, which is a significant challenge in the country due to a large portion of the population being employed in informal and agricultural sectors. The coordinator will work closely with the Project Manager and other stakeholders to ensure effective project planning, execution, and monitoring. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying challenges and proposing solutions, as well as the ability to engage with various partners to foster collaboration and synergies among different initiatives. The coordinator will also be responsible for preparing reports, managing resources, and facilitating training and workshops to support project objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and engage with government and non-government organizations, national partners, and beneficiaries to ensure effective project planning and implementation.
• Collaborate with other ILO projects and donor-funded initiatives in Lao PDR to enhance project effectiveness.
• Develop work plans and implementation strategies, providing substantive input to ensure timely delivery of project activities.
• Identify potential problems, propose solutions, and follow up with relevant authorities to expedite implementation.
• Contribute creative ideas for program planning and development, serving as a national program advisor.
• Administer project resources, prepare budget estimates, and monitor expenditures.
• Organize assignments and field missions for international staff and consultants, including setting up appointments and performing translation work.
• Plan and facilitate trainings, workshops, and meetings for project staff and stakeholders.
• Prepare presentations for workshops and seminars. 1
• Guide support staff in their duties as needed. 1
• Monitor project progress by reviewing reports and data for clarity and completeness. 1
• Prepare briefs and reports on project activities. 1
• Compile information on project activities and assist in implementing the communication strategy. 1
• Collect and analyze data relevant to the project for communication activities. 1
• Undertake missions to project sites and perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in economics, social sciences, social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, human resource management, digital and information technology, or other relevant fields. A strong understanding of labor economics, economic development, poverty reduction, and social policies is essential. Knowledge of the policy-making process in Lao PDR is also required. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to communicate effectively, and experience working in a multicultural environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is necessary, along with the ability to work independently and under pressure.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as economics, social sciences, social security, human resource management, or digital and information technology is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of social protection systems and project management.

Experience:
At least two years of professional experience at the national level in project management, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation is required. Experience working with government bodies, particularly in relation to labor and social welfare policies, is highly desirable. Proven ability to engage with development partners and stakeholders will be an asset.

Languages:
Excellent proficiency in both English and Lao languages is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication with local stakeholders and for the successful implementation of the project.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term contract lasting 10 months, with an expected end date of 31 December 202

• The recruitment process is open to both internal and external candidates, with specific eligibility criteria for national officer positions. The ILO emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The appointment of external candidates will typically be made at the first step of the salary grade. Candidates should be aware that technical cooperation appointments do not lead to a career in the ILO and do not carry expectations of renewal or conversion to other types of appointments.