Job title: National Health Project Officer
Location: Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
Employment schedule: Full time
Posting timestamp: 2026-10-16T07:06:47.000Z
Closing timestamp: 2026-10-30T16:55:00.000Z
Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.
IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates as well as external women candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.
Organizational Context and Scope
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Lao People’s Democratic Republic supports safe, orderly, and humane migration in alignment with national priorities and international standards. Established in Lao PDR in 2002 and becoming a full member state in 2018, IOM works closely with government institutions, civil society, and international partners to strengthen migration governance, assist vulnerable migrants including victims of trafficking, and promote sustainable development.
The mission emphasizes building government capacity, providing humanitarian assistance when needed, and creating opportunities for migrants to contribute positively to society. Through collaboration with national institutions, communities, and international partners, IOM Lao PDR advances effective migration management and fosters resilience for both migrants and host communities.
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission Country Office with Coordinating Functions - Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thailand, and the direct supervision of the Head of Programmes in Lao PDR, the incumbent will be a focal point and support the overall implementation of migrant health activities in Lao PDR
1. Coordinate and manage the day-to-day implementation of the Pandemic Fund project in Lao PDR, ensuring that activities are delivered in accordance with the approved project document, workplan, budget, IOM rules and procedures, and donor requirements. The project strengthens pandemic preparedness and cross-border health security in Lao PDR by generating mobility evidence to improve early warning and surveillance at selected border communities and Points of Entry.
It also supports bilateral coordination, standard operating procedures and data-sharing protocols with neighbouring countries to detect and respond to cross-border public health threats.
2. Develop, regularly review and update detailed project workplans, implementation schedules and expenditure forecasts, in coordination with relevant IOM units, government counterparts and other project partners.
3. Coordinate the planning, organization and delivery of project activities, including assessments, technical consultations, capacity-building activities, field-based interventions, coordination meetings and other activities related to migration health and health security, including public health preparedness, as well as population mobility and flow monitoring, in coordination with the respective technical leads and relevant government counterparts.
4. Monitor project implementation against agreed outputs, indicators, timelines and budget, identify operational or programmatic challenges, and recommend corrective measures to ensure timely and effective delivery.
5. Oversee the administrative and financial management of the project, including monitoring expenditures, reviewing financial information, coordinating procurement and contracting requirements, and supporting timely budget revisions when required.
6. Supervise project personnel, where applicable, including providing guidance, supporting performance management, identifying capacity-development needs and facilitating effective coordination within the project team.
7. Maintain regular liaison and coordination with relevant government ministries, provincial and local authorities, health facilities, United Nations agencies, development partners, civil society organizations and other stakeholders involved in project implementation.
8. Support government ownership and institutional sustainability by facilitating the participation of national and subnational counterparts in project planning, implementation, monitoring and review processes.
9. Participate in the preparation of project proposals and a diverse range of communication products, concept notes and other planning documents.
10. Supervise and provide training and technical guidance to project staff.
11. Undertake duty travel relating to project implementation, monitoring visits, project assessments, liaison with counterparts, etc.
12. Perform such other relevant duties as maybe assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with minimum two years of relevant professional experience; or,
- Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with two years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organisations;
- Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and,
- Prior work experience with international humanitarian organisations, non-government or government institutions/organisation in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
- Ability to interpret and use programme, public health and surveillance data to support evidence-based planning, monitoring, reporting and decision-making.
- Knowledge of data collection, data quality assurance, results monitoring and visualization tools is an advantage.
Skills
- Knowledge of public health systems, health security, disease prevention and control, emergency preparedness and response, and/or health systems strengthening.
- Understanding of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), One Health approaches, pandemic preparedness and response frameworks, and global health security initiatives.
- Knowledge of migration health, border health, population mobility, and the public health dimensions of migration.
- Proven skills and experience in working and coordinating multidisciplinary teams and working relations with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, and Donors, including familiarity with the humanitarian cluster system is a plus.
Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.
REQUIRED
For this position, fluency in English and Lao is required (oral and written).
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
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: Maintains 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 2
- 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.
Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2, if with direct reports
- Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
- Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
- Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
- Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
- Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.
Notes
Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies