The government of Laos, with support from the World Bank, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Ausaid and JSDF, has set up the Poverty Reduction Fund (PRF) to deliver small scale development project including support to livelihood activities at the Kum ban and villages levels. The project is now seeking for the following positions to be based in Vientiane Office:
1. Community Relations Officer
The main objective of the position is to manage the overall implementation and monitoring of the Feedback and Resolution Mechanism in order to ensure that:
- The voices of the community members (and in particularly the poor and vulnerable) can be heard through appropriate and easy access channels of communication;
- The issues raised through the FRM are resolved effectively and expeditiously;
- The feedback received can support the overall improvement of the processes and procedures of the PRF.
Required qualifications and experience:
- A university degree in fields related to community development, social sciences, political sciences, laws;
- At least 3 years relevant working experience in the field of rural development in mountainous and remote areas, working directly with the communities and local authorities, with an emphasis on feedback resolution and data analysis would be preferable;
- Experiences in project/program using participatory development tools, and community driven approaches;
- Experiences in conflict resolution;
- Familiarity with government and foreign aid project operations would be an advantage;
- Experience in training of trainers;
- Fluency in written and spoken English is essential;
- Comprehensive computer skills: in particular MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and basic database management.
- Women and small ethnic group members are encouraged to apply
2. Community Capacity Building Officer
- A university degree in community development, social sciences, political sciences or relevant fields;
- At least 5 years of experience in multi-sectoral project management in decentralized and Community Development approaches is required;
- Experience in working with – in particular training of ethnic groups in mountainous and remote areas through bottom-up and participatory approaches reflective of community needs;
- Experience in the implementation of program with focus on gender promotion;
- Experience in training of Project staff for community development operations;
- Comprehensive knowledge in participatory planning and PRA tools;
- Experience in organizing meetings and delivering training;
- Comprehensive computer skills: in particular MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint;
- Fluency in written and spoken English is essential;
- Excellent Communication and social skills;
- Familiarity with government and foreign aid project operations;
- Willingness to travel in rural areas.
3. Public Information Officer
The main responsibilities of the position are to 1) disseminate all information (prepare in both Lao and English) regarding PRF at the national, provincial and district levels 2) support Information-Education-Communication (IEC) team in the development of appropriate IEC material that can effectively articulate the goals and objectives of the PRFP to rural communities 3) extend the media campaign to inform the general public and international community, particularly in the context of Community Driven Development (CDD).
- A University degree in one or more of the following disciplines: communications social marketing, journalism, international relations, public relations or other related fields,
- At least 3 years of professional experience as a journalist, public information officer or professional writer, including experience in the preparation and production of materials for publication or IEC tools;
- Leadership skills with competencies in facilitation, organization of meetings and workshop community mobilization.
- Ability to work independently, within an interpreted framework of the project’s requirements;
- Creativity;
- Good interpersonal and management skill;
- Willingness to work in rural areas in order to assist related IEC activities.
- Comprehensive computer skills including desktop publishing, graphic design, word, data, and visual material processing skills;
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Lao;
- Ability to translate between Lao and English.
The job descriptions (detailed or specific duties and expected outputs) can be download at 1. Community Relations Officer , 2. Community Capacity Building Officer , 3. Public Information Officer or at PRF Office. Women are encouraged to apply for all positions.
All interested applicants should submit (1) a cover letter outlining clearly how the candidate meets the requirements of the position, (2) a detailed CV with one (3x4) photo and (3) supporting documents (certificate of the most recent employment, certificates of qualification/graduation, transcript of graduation, a list of at least three referees, etc) to the HR Officer, Poverty Reduction Fund, Prime Minister’s Office 501 building, Sisavathtai Village, Chanthabouly District, P.O Box 4625 Vientiane, Tel: 021 261479 - 80, Email: piengngeune@prflaos.org. Please note that all submitted documents will not be returned.
Deadline for applications: 18th May 2012
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview