Junior Project Associate

Volunteering

Overview

Assist in enhancing border management capacity in Lao PDR.

You have:

• Experience in migration, human trafficking or related field.
• Fluency in Japanese for communication with the Government of Japan.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including drafting and reporting.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.
• Strong organizational and planning skills to manage multiple projects.

Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

The International UNV (Youth) will primarily contribute to the project through which IOM is assisting the Department of Immigration (DOI) to enhance the border management capacity of Lao People’s Democratic Republic through technology improvement. Though the project, it is expected that Lao People’s Democratic Republic will be able to facilitate safe, orderly and regular border crossing, while prevent migrant smuggling and human trafficking from and transit through the country in order to realize a peaceful and secure society.

The UNV will work at the UN House, with an occasional visit to the Point of Entries (including those outside of Vientiane), under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and direct supervision of Head of Unit – Immigration and Border Governance (IBG), IOM Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

The UNV is expected to working closely with IOM’s programme team which works on a range of migration and development-related issues related to the border management, including human trafficking, smuggling of migrants among others. S/he will also work in close collaboration with the colleagues from the IOM’s Regional Office for the Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) based in Bangkok, as well as other UN colleagues based in Vientiane as required. Further, the UNV will be critical focal point to enhance relationship between IOM and the Government of Japan (i.e., Embassy of Japan, JICA) to strengthen current collaboration and expand IOM interventions in the country.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of Unit - IBG or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Junior Project Associate will:

• Assist in the technical and administrative tasks and planning to ensure effective implementation of IBG projects in coordination with relevant IOM units in the mission in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, other relevant mission(s), regional office and headquarters;
• Support on activities related to the IBG in the country, including assisting in reviewing existing policy interventions and frameworks, regulations, procedures and processes;
• Assist the IBG unit by actively coordinating with the partners and stakeholders, including the Government of Japan (i.e., Embassy, JICA) by providing contextual insights that will further the efforts of the unit to strengthen and maintain effective working relationship with these entities. This also includes engaging with the Government of Japan and other Japanese stakeholders in fluent Japanese to support the IBG unit in fostering relationships and exploring opportunities for future collaboration between IOM, Embassy of Japan and JICA in Lao People’s Democratic Republic;
• Support the unit in monitoring programme implementation through discussions and correspondence with project and technical staff, as well as with government authorities and project partners, and through field visits as required;
• Assist the IBG unit to writing reports, briefing notes, press release, meeting minutes, and other relevant documents as per programme and project requirements;
• Support the IBG unit in promoting dialogue, information-sharing and cooperation among government and non-government actors on areas of cooperation and project implementation for at the national, regional and international level; promote internal information sharing within units in IOM Lao People’s Democratic Republic;
• Assist with the preparation of situational analysis, briefing note, presentations, and media monitoring on IBG activities as assigned. Such updates, should include, among others, analysis of Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s positioning in the Greater Mekong Subregion and migration dynamics;
• Support the IBG unit with the development of new concept notes, project proposals and expansion of existing IBG programmes in line with IOM Country Strategy and United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022 – 2026;
• Undertake duty travel relating to project activities, as required.

• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to IOM; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to IOM procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and IOM in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards IOM’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

migration, human trafficking or related field; - Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation and reporting skills; - 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; - Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; - 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.

Vientiane is the capital city of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, located in the Mekong River Valley. It is considered a safe and relaxed city, with a tropical monsoon climate, low cost of living, and good availability of basic necessities like food, water, and electricity. There are a variety of accommodation options, and the city has an international airport with regular flights to regional destinations. Bank branches and ATMs are widely available, and telecommunications infrastructure, including internet and mobile phone coverage, is good. Medical facilities are adequate but may have limited supplies. Overall, Vientiane offers a comfortable living environment for those looking for a peaceful city in Southeast Asia. Below is more information relating to Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic;

• Security: Vientiane is considered a safe city with low crime rates.
• Access and air travel: Vientiane has an international airport with regular flights to regional destinations.
• Climate: Tropical monsoon climate with hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters.
• Cost of living: Generally low compared to Western cities, but prices have been rising in recent years.
• Accommodation: A range of options including hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and houses for rent.
• Food/Water/Electricity: Adequate supply of food, water, and electricity.
• Medical facilities: Adequate medical care available, but some medical supplies may be limited.
• Banking facilities: Bank branches and ATMs are widely available.
• Communications infrastructure: Good telecommunications infrastructure including internet and mobile phone coverage.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic is a unique country, and the IBG unit work being a unique operation as it is a land-linked country. It provides an exciting and enriching environment but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. The country is a culturally rich one with a strong sense of community, making it a unique and rewarding place for those working in humanitarian operations to experience. Overall, the country presents a combination of challenges and opportunities for development work, particularly those around safe migration, making it an attractive location for organizations looking to make a difference.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org