Gender and PSEA Coordinator
Support inter-agency coordination on gender equality and PSEA in Lao PDR.
Overview
Support inter-agency coordination on gender equality and PSEA in Lao PDR.
You have:
- Minimum of 3 years working experience in a relevant field such as project coordination, including project management and implementation or progress monitoring and evaluation
- Experience working to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment is required
- Understanding of Lao’s priorities on gender equality and relevant priorities of ASEAN
- 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
- Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills
- Experience in programme coordination and/or coordination with multistakeholder partners is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization
Contract
This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) supports and coordinates the work of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Lao PDR to advance the implementation of the Cooperation Framework and strengthen coherent, effective, and accountable UN system-wide support to national development priorities. The UNRCO plays a key role in promoting inter-agency coordination, policy coherence, partnerships, and collective action across the UN system, including on gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE) and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). Hosted by the UNRCO, the position supports inter-agency coordination on GEWE and PSEA within the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Lao PDR. The role works closely with UN agencies to support the implementation of the UNCT Gender Equality Scorecard, PSEA Country Action Plan, joint inter-agency initiatives. The position also supports the coordination and facilitation of relevant inter-agency mechanisms, including the Gender Theme Group (GTG) and PSEA Network, to strengthen collective UN system accountability and progress on GEWE and PSEA commitments in Lao PDR.
Under the direct supervision of the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Lao PDR, the UN Volunteer supports inter-agency coordination and provides technical assistance on gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE) and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) within the UN Country Team (UNCT). The role focuses on strengthening UN system-wide coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting to support collective progress on GEWE and PSEA accountability commitments in Lao PDR. This includes the following responsibilities: • Provide technical and coordination support for the implementation of the UNCT PSEA Country Action Plan, including coordination with UN agencies, focal points, and relevant partners to strengthen prevention, awareness-raisin and reporting mechanisms. • Support the coordination and implementation of the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard, including facilitating inter-agency collaboration, monitoring progress against indicators, compiling evidence, and supporting annual reporting processes. • Coordinate and facilitate the work of relevant inter-agency coordination mechanisms, including organizing quarterly meeting for the Gender Theme Group (GTG) and PSEA Network, to strengthen collective UN system efforts on GEWE mainstreaming and PSEA accountability. • Contribute to monitoring progress, annual reporting, and assessment of UNCT performance under the UNCT-SWAP Gender Equality Scorecard framework and PSEA Country Action Plan, including identifying strategic opportunities to strengthen collective accountability and results. • Support the inclusion of the PSEA clause and gender integration in the 2027 – 2031 Cooperation Framework • Perform any other related tasks assigned by the RCO within the scope of GEWE mainstreaming, PSEA, and UN coordination support.
• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management
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
• Experience in 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. • Minimum of 3 years working experience in a relevant field such as project coordination, including project management and implementation or progress monitoring and evaluation • Experience working to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment is required • Understanding of Lao’s priorities on gender equality and relevant priorities of ASEAN • Experience in managing and coordinating multi-stakeholder groups • Knowledge of the SDGs especially gender relevant targets and indicators is an advantage • Previous experience as a volunteer at local and/or national levels is a distinct advantage.
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. 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.
Potential interview questions
| Describe a time when you had to coordinate multiple stakeholders to achieve a common goal, particularly related to gender equality. | This question assesses your experience and ability to manage diverse partners effectively. | Provide a clear example demonstrating your coordination skills, focusing on communication and collaboration. |
| How do you ensure that gender considerations are integrated into project planning and implementation? | This question evaluates your understanding and application of gender mainstreaming. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of how you have handled sensitive issues in a professional setting? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies would you use to enhance awareness of PSEA among different UN agencies? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you assess the effectiveness of gender equality initiatives? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Share an experience where you had to adapt quickly to challenges in a project. What did you learn? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What approach do you take to ensure accountability in gender equality commitments? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you promote cultural sensitivity while working in diverse teams? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |