National Health Project Officer
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Lao People's Democratic Republic, established in 2002, supports safe, orderly, and humane migration aligned with national priorities and international standards. IOM collaborates with government, civil society, and international partners to strengthen migration governance, assist vulnerable migrants, and promote sustainable development. This role supports the overall implementation of migrant health activities in Lao PDR.
Job Purpose
This role serves as a focal point for the implementation of migrant health activities in Lao PDR, under the supervision of the Head of Programmes. The incumbent will coordinate and manage the day-to-day execution of the Pandemic Fund project, ensuring alignment with project objectives, IOM procedures, and donor requirements. The project aims to enhance pandemic preparedness and cross-border health security by improving early warning systems, surveillance at border communities and Points of Entry, and supporting bilateral coordination with neighboring countries to detect and respond to public health threats. The position contributes to strengthening migration health and health security initiatives within the country.
Responsibilities
Coordinate and manage the daily implementation of the Pandemic Fund project in Lao PDR, adhering to project documents, workplans, budgets, and IOM procedures. Develop and update detailed project workplans, implementation schedules, and expenditure forecasts in collaboration with partners. Plan, organize, and deliver project activities, including assessments, capacity-building, field interventions, and coordination meetings related to migration health and health security. Monitor project progress against indicators, timelines, and budget, identifying and addressing challenges. Oversee project administrative and financial management, including expenditure monitoring, procurement, and budget revisions. Supervise project personnel, providing guidance and identifying development needs. Maintain liaison and coordination with government ministries, UN agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders. Support government ownership and institutional sustainability through partner participation in project processes. Contribute to project proposals and communication materials. Undertake duty travel for project implementation and monitoring.
Work Experience
Experience liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, UN agencies, and NGOs. Experience working with vulnerable groups such as migrants, refugees, and victims of trafficking. Prior experience in a multicultural setting with international humanitarian organizations is advantageous. Ability to interpret and utilize public health and surveillance data for evidence-based planning and decision-making. Knowledge of data collection, quality assurance, and visualization tools is beneficial.
Skills
Knowledge of public health systems, health security, disease prevention and control, emergency preparedness, and health systems strengthening. Understanding of International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), One Health approaches, and global health security initiatives. Familiarity with migration health, border health, and population mobility. Proven skills in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and working with government officials, UN agencies, NGOs, and donors.