Coordination Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

Placing women’s rights at the center of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates the United Nations system’s efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It provides strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States’ priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

Under the leadership of the UN Residence Coordinator Office (RCO) in Lao PDR, UN Women will be working close with the UN RCO to support Lao PDR Chairpersonship of ASEAN 2024 with particular focus on promoting gender equality as a cross cutting issue under the Chair’s priorities, including the organization of the ASEAN Women Leaders Summit among others. He/she will also keep the RCO/ UNCT informed and updated of broader ASEAN related development related events/ discussions/decisions as relevant which may go beyond the specific thematic gender focus.

Under the direct supervision of the RCO Office in Lao PDR and matrix reporting to UN Women ASEAN Governance and WPS Lead, the UNV will undertake the following task in supporting the Lao Women Union and the government of Lao PDR in coordinating the organization the ASEAN Women Leaders Summit and supporting Lao PDR in integrating gender equality into the priority of Lao PDR Chair of ASEAN in 2024. This includes the following:

• Provide technical support to RCO in coordinating with Lao PDR during its Chairpersonship of ASEAN in 2024 to promote gender equality and integration of gender into Chair’s priorities • Leveraging UN Women’s normative and coordination mandate to ensure UN system coordination to provide technical support to Lao PDR in the organization of the ASEAN Women Leaders Summit 2024, including drafting outcome documents, coordinating various stakeholders who are interested in supporting Lao PDR to ensure coherent outcome and result of the meetings linking with regional and global inter-governmental processes (e.g. Bejing+30 prep meeting, CSW, among others) to amplify Lao PDR Chairpersonship in 2024 • Assist in identifying relevant stakeholders interested to support Lao PDR Chair of ASEAN on issues related to integration of gender into Chair’s priorities and organizing the regular briefing and update to key relevant partners to ensure coherent collaboration and partnership within the UN system • Coordinating with UN Women Indonesia Country Office and ASEAN Liaison Function and the Regional Office of Asia and the Pacific (ROPA) to ensure sufficient technical support to support Lao PDR Chairpersonship of ASEAN • Assist in preparation of the progress update and report of the meetings and relevant documents • Perform any other duties within the scope of work assigned by the RCO in response to the demand from Lao Women’s Union and the Government of Lao PDR vis-à-vis its Chair’s priorities related to gender equality, SDG report related to gender-relevant and gender specific indicators

Communication and inter-personal skills: • Communicates effectively with different kinds of people regardless of their ethnic or cultural background, and is outgoing and comfortable in handling external relations at all levels; • Excellent interpersonal and liaison skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; • Demonstrates sensitivity, tact and diplomacy; • Is culturally sensitive and demonstrates appreciation and understanding for different cultures and practices.

Professional capacity: • Excellent practical analytical skills • Able to exercise sound judgment • Adept at working in a highly pressured professional environment and ready to take on a wide range of tasks • Works well in a team and projects a positive image • Self-motivated and able to recommend innovative options for resolution of issues • Able to handle confidential and politically sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner

programme coordination and/or coordination with multistakeholder partners is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Understanding of gender equality issues linked to the broader sustainable development in the context of law is required technical knowledge. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in gender equality, women’s empowerment and the SDGs, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

Vientiane, the vibrant capital of Lao PDR, offers a unique and enriching experience for internationals seeking employment opportunities. As an emerging city with a blend of traditional and modern influences, it boasts a relatively low cost of living compared to other capital cities in the region. Visitors can expect comfortable housing options in expatriate-friendly neighbourhoods, with access to a variety of dining and entertainment venues. While public transportation is still developing, navigating the city is manageable with private vehicles or affordable taxi services. However, potential applicants should be prepared for occasional challenges such as language barriers, limited access to specialized healthcare, and occasional power outages. Overall, Vientiane offers a distinctive and rewarding experience for those interested in working in an emerging, culturally rich setting.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.