Job Description

Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (CEFM) remains prevalent in several parts of Lao PDR, especially among ethnic minority communities in border provinces, where it is driven by poverty, limited economic opportunities, and entrenched gender norms. Consultations conducted in Luang Namtha and Oudomxay confirmed widespread informal marriages that leave girls unprotected and increase their vulnerability to trafficking and exploitation. This project aims to strengthen local leadership, resilience, and inclusive community engagement to address CEFM and its associated risks.

To strengthen safe migration pathways and reintegration, IOM supports returning migrant workers in applying skills gained abroad to secure better employment in Lao PDR. Although employers demand these skills, gaps remain in effectively matching returnees with suitable job opportunities. The iMAC at the Lao Thai Friendship Bridge I addresses this by providing job‑matching, referrals, and other support services for returning and aspiring migrants. The iMAC works in complement with the provincial information booths in Luang Namtha and Oudomxay. While the iMAC serves as the main national hub at the point of entry, the booths extend support to border communities at the provincial level, ensuring a coordinated and continuous service pathway throughout the migration journey. 

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, in coordination with the Head of Programmes, and direct supervision of the National Project Officer of CTIP; the iMAC consultant provides daily operational assistance and support to the iMAC. The incumbent is expected to carry out to perform duties in accordance with ethical standards and with respect for gender and socio-cultural differences of migrants and victims of trafficking. This role contributes directly to the Government of Lao PDR’s broader efforts to facilitate safe, orderly, and regular migration. 

Responsibilities

1. Deliver Safe Migration Orientation sessions, distribute information on employment and skills development opportunities, and provide referrals to relevant services and partners. 

2. Retrieve, compile, summarize and disseminate updated information on job opportunities available in local and overseas labour market, including travel procedures, fees and required documentation for working abroad. 

3. Collect data on the number of beneficiaries data, including the number of individuals receiving services; conduct periodic follow‑ups and monitor outcomes. 

4. Prepare statistics, presentations, weekly updates, monthly reports, and analysis as requested. 

Tasks:

1. Support migrants in identifying and addressing needs and challenges and provide referrals to the appropriate government departments or ministries for resolution.

2. Participate in outreach activities with returning and prospective Lao migrants, providing safe migration information, counselling, and referrals to relevant services.

3. Strengthen iMAC operations and raise awareness of available services among migrant communities.

4. Conduct comprehensive data analysis to identify key trends and inform programme planning.

5. Engage with central and provincial government counterparts and NGO partners to collect relevant information supporting iMAC operations and interventions, update project databases and reporting systems accordingly.

6. Develop human‑interest stories of beneficiaries as requested.

7. Ensure strict confidentiality and compliance with IOM’s privacy and data‑protection guidelines in all case records and beneficiary information.

8. Attend monthly meetings and other relevant meetings as required.

9. Respond to general information requests, manage inquiries, and maintain organized files and records.

10. Undertake duty travel as required to support project activities.

11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in political or social sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, Management, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least two years of relevant professional experience; or
• School diploma with a minimum of four years of relevant experience.

Experience

• Minimum two years of experience working on development projects.
• Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced people, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups.
• Proven experience liaising with government authorities, national and international institutions, UN agencies, and NGOs.
• Experience in organizing and coordinating workshops, training, and outreach activities.
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, government institutions, or NGOs in a multi‑cultural setting is an advantage.
• Experience working on labour migration and issues affecting vulnerable populations in Lao PDR is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of internal and international migration issues in Lao PDR is an advantage.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders and vulnerable populations.

• Good computer literacy, including MS Office applications and basic database management.

• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Skills in visibility and communications (e.g., storytelling, storyboarding, and familiarity with tools such as Adobe and Photoshop) are an advantage.

Language

• Strong written and oral communication skills in both English and Lao.

• Knowledge of the United Nations system is an advantage.

1. Travel required.

   Project activities will be based at Lao Thai Friendship Bridge 1 in Vientiane Capital.  The precise workplan and travel requirements will be determined and agreed upon prior to signing the contract.

   Telephone and Internet cards will be provided monthly.

2. Competencies 

   Values

   • Inclusion and respect for diversity respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

     • Integrity and transparency: maintain high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

     • Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent, and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

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 action and delegated work.

    • Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring, and motivational way.

Required Skills

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