The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Sr. Project Assistant and the overall guidance of the National Project Officer within the Protection and Counter-Trafficking Team. He/She will provide support in coordination, communication, and reporting, while working closely with the protection team to develop a comprehensive understanding of IOM’s operations and strategic partnerships.
The intern will contribute to advancing IOM Lao PDR’s protection and counter-trafficking projects and assist the team in identifying resource mobilization opportunities. This will include engaging with stakeholders to explore potential areas of collaboration between IOM, government counterparts, and partners.
The internship will be based at the IOM Office in the United Nations House, Vientiane Capital, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and will be governed by IOM’s standard Human Resources rules and regulations.
The position may require travel outside Vientiane to accompany programme units and/or the Chief of Mission, depending on operational needs. Such travel will be subject to approval by the supervisor and the Resource Management Officer and will be carried out in compliance with IOM’s standard security procedures.
Assist with coordination, communication, and reporting for protection and counter-trafficking projects. These include writing the notes for file, briefing notes, workplans, letter meeting minutes, visibility documents, media monitoring, Monitoring and Evaluation and other related documents.
Draft correspondence, meeting minutes, reports, and other documentation.
Support organization of training, workshops, coordination and advocacy activities.
Provide administrative and logistical support for project implementation. Including contributing to the effective filing and documentation of project activities.
Translate documents (English Lao) and review communication materials for accuracy. Provide interpretation where required.
Support the team in strengthening the IOM’s relationship with key government counterparts, partners, UN agencies, donors and other relevant stakeholders.
Assist in identifying opportunities for collaboration with government counterparts and partners to strengthen IOM’s engagement and expand project funding.
Support visibility and communications in line with donor and IOM requirements.
Participate and contribute to IOM or UN in-house activities as required.
Undertake duty travel related to project activities, subject to approval and security procedures.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Undertake duty travel as required.
TRAINING COMPONENTS AND LEARNING ELEMENTS
Following are the training components and learning elements:
Build foundational project and reporting skills by supporting the drafting of correspondence, meeting minutes, donor reports, and operational documentation for protection and counter‑trafficking projects.
Strengthen communication and stakeholder engagement competencies through assisting with trainings, advocacy activities, visibility efforts, and collaboration with government, UN agencies, donors, and partners.
Gain operational and cross‑cultural experience by providing administrative and logistical support, translating and interpreting between English and Lao, and participating in field missions and UN in‑house activities.
EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in business administration, International Studies, International Relations, Law or related field from an accredited academic institution.
University degree in the above fields with one year of relevant professional experience.
EXPERIENCE
A strong academic background in areas like international relations, public policy, development studies, or migration-related fields.
Demonstrates good understanding of IOM’s mandate, strategic vision and programmatic priorities (desirable).
Have good command of English as the main language and knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
SKILLS
In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization; and,
Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.
Languages
REQUIRED
For all applicants, fluency in English and Lao is required (oral and written).
DESIRABLE
Working knowledge of another UN language, (Chinese, French, Russian), is desirable.
Competencies
The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:
VALUES - All IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
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.
Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
CORE COMPETENCIES - Behavioural indicators – Level 1
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 actions and delegated work.
Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
NOTES
Eligibility and Selection
In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who:
a) have a interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities.
b) are either enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme
(Minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and additional enquiries will only be addressed if the candidate is shortlisted.