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 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 of approximately 3,500 employees. The ILO is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its workforce and actively encourages applications from women and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The National Project Coordinator (NPC) will play a crucial role in leading and managing a project aimed at eliminating workplace discrimination, harassment, and child labor in Lao PDR. This project, funded by the Government of Canada, is designed to strengthen the promotion and enforcement of labor laws in compliance with international labor standards, particularly in trade sectors. The NPC will be responsible for ensuring the timely implementation of project activities, providing technical and administrative supervision to the project team, and coordinating with various stakeholders, including government bodies, employers, and workers' organizations. The role requires strategic planning, resource management, and effective communication to enhance the project's visibility and impact. The NPC will also facilitate social dialogue and capacity building among tripartite constituents to address fundamental principles and rights at work (FPRW) issues, which are critical for Lao PDR's engagement in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) as it prepares to graduate from LDC status.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Project Coordinator will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Leading the project management process, ensuring effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of project activities in accordance with ILO policies and guidelines.
• Providing technical and administrative supervision to the project team and ensuring compliance with project objectives.
• Coordinating with tripartite partners and stakeholders at both national and local levels to facilitate collaboration and resource sharing.
• Monitoring project progress against objectives and preparing periodic reports on implementation status.
• Organizing and facilitating conferences, workshops, and training sessions to promote project activities and stakeholder engagement.
• Preparing briefs, reports, and communication materials in both English and Lao languages.
• Identifying synergies with other ILO country interventions and mobilizing additional resources for project activities.
• Conducting field visits to monitor project activities and ensure quality delivery.
• Performing other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in economics, management, social science, or related fields, along with demonstrated expertise or equivalent experience. Training in results-based planning, design, data collection, monitoring and evaluation methodologies, and project cycle management is considered an advantage. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of labor standards and the ability to promote gender equality through project work.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as economics, management, social science, or a related discipline is required. Additional training in project management methodologies, monitoring and evaluation, and results-based planning is highly desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant professional experience at the national level, preferably in project management and topics related to international labor standards. Experience collaborating with government entities, workers' and employers' organizations, civil society, UN agencies, and other stakeholders is advantageous. Proven ability to promote gender equality through project work is also essential.

Languages:
Excellent command of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in an official national language of the duty station (Lao). Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for two years, with the possibility of extension based on various factors such as availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The recruitment process for National Officer positions is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria. The ILO values 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, and the ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.