National Coordinator for Lao PDR

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 promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce that includes professionals from various fields. The ILO values diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from women and individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to fostering a work environment that is free from discrimination and promotes equal opportunities for all employees.

Job Overview:
The National Coordinator for Lao PDR is a pivotal role based in Vientiane, responsible for coordinating national efforts to implement the ILO's Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP). This position involves a blend of operational and technical responsibilities, aimed at supporting the ILO's strategic objectives in Lao PDR. The incumbent will serve as the primary liaison for ILO's tripartite constituents, which include government bodies, employers' organizations, and workers' organizations. The role requires the incumbent to facilitate inter-agency cooperation, particularly with the UN Country Team (UNCT), and to provide programming and administrative support for development cooperation activities in the country. The National Coordinator will also be involved in the formulation of national strategies related to the Decent Work Agenda, ensuring that the ILO's initiatives align with the broader objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). This position is crucial for enhancing the ILO's presence and effectiveness in Lao PDR, as it directly contributes to poverty reduction and sustainable development efforts within the national context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Coordinator will undertake a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: serving as the primary operational and administrative contact for ILO constituents in Lao PDR; maintaining liaison with UNCT members; overseeing all programmatic and administrative functions in the country; collaborating with ILO project staff and national counterparts on program/project initiation and implementation; participating in the formulation of national strategies related to the Decent Work Agenda; coordinating and planning technical/programming and administrative functions related to the DWCP; preparing regular and ad hoc reports and briefs; reviewing and analyzing country-specific development plans and socioeconomic data; identifying potential development cooperation project areas; contributing to program/project development; identifying problems and proposing solutions; facilitating inter-agency information-sharing; participating in policy dialogue and technical consultations; drafting speeches and addressing meetings on behalf of the ILO; and performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a field relevant to the job. A first-level university degree with equivalent experience in a relevant field is also acceptable. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of program and budget management, project formulation, administration, and evaluation techniques. Knowledge of the UN system's operations and the ILO's financial rules and regulations is essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent drafting skills, effective communication abilities, and strong analytical skills. The ability to work independently and as part of a team, along with good organizational skills and the capacity to deal with people with tact and diplomacy, is crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in a relevant field is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree and equivalent experience in a relevant area will also be considered. The educational background should ideally align with the responsibilities of the National Coordinator role, emphasizing areas such as social sciences, international relations, or development studies.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of professional experience at the national level in a relevant occupational area. This experience should ideally include work related to labor issues, development cooperation, or project management within the context of the ILO or similar organizations. The candidate's experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of the operational and technical aspects of implementing development programs.

Languages:
Excellent command of both English and Lao is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the ILO's operations in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on various factors, including the availability of funds and the continuing need for the functions performed by the incumbent. The recruitment process for National Officer positions is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria. The ILO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The appointment of an external candidate will typically be made at the first step of the grade, in accordance with existing ILO practices. Candidates must complete an online application form to apply for this position.