Description of assignment title

Programme Support Associate

Assignment country

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Duty stations

Vientiane

Work location

On UN premises

Expected start date

12/15/2026

Duration

6 months

Sustainable Development Goal

Reduced inequalities

Host entity

IOM

Modality

Onsite

Type

International

Volunteer category

Associate UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule

Full-time

Number of Assignments

Mission and objectives

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people. The UN University Volunteer will work at the UN House, with an occasional visit to the field project sites, under the supervision of the Head of Office and the Programme Officers of IOM Vientiane, Lao PDR. This position will require working closely with IOM’s programme team which works on a range of migration and development-related issues, including human trafficking, border management, labour migration and skills development as well as migrant health. He/She will also work in close collaboration with the United Nations Communications Group (UNCG) members based in Vientiane and the IOM’s Regional Office for the Asia Pacific (ROAP) based in Bangkok.

Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Lao People's Democratic Republic has worked closely with the Government of Lao PDR since 2001 to promote safe, orderly and regular migration and support migrants in vulnerable situations. Based in Vientiane, IOM works in partnership with government counterparts, United Nations agencies, development partners, civil society organizations and migrant communities to strengthen migration governance and maximize the benefits of migration for sustainable development. IOM Lao PDR implements programmes across a range of thematic areas, including labour migration, migrant protection, counter-trafficking, border management, migration governance, migration data and research, emergency preparedness and response, and climate mobility. IOM works closely with the Government of Lao PDR and United Nations partners to advance evidence-based migration governance and support the implementation of national, regional and global migration commitments. The Mission plays an important role in strengthening migration data systems, supporting policy development processes and promoting the integration of migration considerations into national development frameworks and sectoral policies. IOM's close engagement with government institutions, United Nations agencies, development partners, civil society organizations and migrant communities provides the Mission with a strong comparative advantage in identifying migration trends and challenges and supporting evidence-based policy and programme responses. This positioning enables IOM to support national efforts to strengthen migration governance and harness the positive contribution of migration to sustainable development. Through its Programme Support Unit (PSU), IOM Lao PDR provides strategic, programmatic and technical support across the Mission's portfolio. The Unit coordinates donor reporting, programme development, resource mobilization, results monitoring, knowledge management and strategic planning processes across a diverse portfolio of projects and partnerships. Given the breadth of these responsibilities, the Programme Support Associate will contribute to strengthening reporting systems, supporting the preparation of donor and institutional reports, developing knowledge products, conducting research and analysis, supporting strategic planning processes, and contributing to project development efforts. Under the overall supervision of the Officer in Charge, the successful candidate will support reporting, programme development, strategic planning and knowledge management efforts across the Mission. The UN Associate Volunteer will work at the UN House, with an occasional visit to the field project sites, under the supervision of the Head of Office and the Programme Officers of IOM Vientiane, Lao PDR. This position will require working closely with IOM’s programme team which works on a range of migration and development-related issues, including human trafficking, border management, labour migration and skills development as well as migrant health. He/She will also work in close collaboration with the United Nations Communications Group (UNCG) members based in Vientiane and the IOM’s Regional Office for the Asia Pacific (ROAP) based in Bangkok.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Officer in Charge, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Support the development of guidance and tools and contribute to enhancing reporting and knowledge management systems of the country office.
Assist with the development, compilation and timely submission of donor reports, institutional reports and other Mission-specific reporting products, ensuring accuracy and compliance with donor and organizational requirements.
Support coordination with programme teams and other units within the Mission on reporting processes, information management and programme monitoring.
Contribute to the preparation of Mission reports, strategic planning documents, briefing materials and updates for the Regional Office (RO), Headquarters (HQ), government counterparts, development partners and other stakeholders, as required.
Support research and analysis on migration trends, policy developments, donor priorities and emerging issues relevant to the Mission’s strategic objectives.
Assist in drafting, reviewing and editing knowledge products, including good practice factsheets, policy briefs, knowledge bites, articles, research reports and analytical papers, in coordination with relevant internal counterparts.
Contribute to identifying gaps in data, evidence and information relevant to the Mission’s strategic priorities and support the preparation of concept notes and project proposals aimed at addressing such needs.
Support programme development and strategic planning processes through research, analysis and the preparation of background materials.
Participate in and provide support for programme-related meetings, workshops, conferences and coordination mechanisms at the national, regional and international levels, including the preparation of background materials, summaries and briefing notes, as required.
Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Eligibility criteria

Age

18 - 80

Required experience

1 month

Donor priorities

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Additional eligibility criteria

As this assignment is funded by CYVA, specific eligibility criteria apply. Candidates must be Chinese nationals affiliated with a university participating in CYVA’s programme.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience

No experience required

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Public Policy, Migration Studies, Social Sciences, International Development or a related field from an accredited academic institution.

Competencies and values

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Building Trust Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Ethics and Values Integrity Knowledge Sharing Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Working in Teams

Skills and experience

Research, policy analysis, programme development or strategic planning;
Donor reporting, knowledge management, monitoring and reporting, or project management support;
Coordination and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in a multicultural environment;
Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.
Research, analysis and drafting of reports, policy briefs and other knowledge products;
Programme development, strategic planning and information management.

Area(s) of expertise

Community development, Emergency preparedness, crisis response, Migration, refugees

Driving license

Other information

Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.

Living conditions and remarks

Lao People's Democratic Republic offers a peaceful and welcoming living environment with a rich cultural heritage and a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many cities in the region. Vientiane, the duty station for this assignment, is the country's capital and serves as its political, administrative and economic centre. The city provides a range of accommodation options, international and local dining establishments, retail services, recreational facilities and other amenities that support a comfortable lifestyle for international personnel. Lao PDR has a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons: a cool season from November to February, a hot season from March to May, and a rainy season from May to October. Temperatures generally range between 20°C and 35°C, although they may exceed this during the hottest months. Rainfall during the wet season can be heavy at times, but showers are often intermittent. Vientiane is a relatively compact city with manageable commuting times and a relaxed pace of life compared with many regional capitals. Most areas of the city are easily accessible by private vehicle, taxi or local ride-hailing services, while a growing range of commercial, cultural and leisure amenities continue to enhance the quality of life for residents. Lao PDR is known for its warm hospitality, rich cultural traditions and strong sense of community. International personnel work in a multicultural environment and have opportunities to engage with a wide range of national and international partners. Staff members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local customs and regulations while enjoying the country's unique history, cuisine and cultural heritage. Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

Scam warning

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Programme Support Associate, Vientiane