National Project Coordinator, Skills

Introduction

The ILO/China Partnership Project on Strengthening Skills Development in ASEAN through South-South and Triangular Cooperation is a nine-year regional programme (2019-2027) funded by the Chinese Government through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS) of China. The programme aims to enhance workers' employability and improve enterprise productivity through skills development initiatives and institutional capacity building. It also contributes to the promotion of decent work, with an initial focus on strengthening skills development systems and public employment services across ASEAN countries.

To contribute to the implementation of this project, the International Labour Organization (ILO) seeks to recruit a National Project Coordinator (NPC) to support above mentioned project implementation. The NPC will be responsible for coordinating skills, employability and all activities concerning Lao PDR under “ILO/China Partnership Project on Strengthening Skills Development in ASEAN through South South and triangular cooperation” . The position is located in the ILO Joint Project office (JPO) in  Vientiane, Lao PDR. He/she will work in close collaboration with other colleagues in the JPO, colleagues under the same project who are based in Thailand, Cambodia as required, and with ILO’s project partners.

The National PC will be responsible for developing, providing direct technical support  and monitoring the delivery of the activities envisaged in the respective work plans,  promoting ILO policies in the project related technical areas.

Reporting lines

The National Project Coordinator will work under direct supervision of the Project Manager of ILO/China Partnership Project on Strengthening Skills Development in ASEAN through South-South and triangular cooperation. He/she will receive technical backstopping by the Bangkok based skills and employability specialist and will work in close collaboration with the ILO National Coordinator in Lao PDR and other project team members and other related programmes/projects of the Country Office as required by the Director of CO/Bangkok. He/she will also collaborate with NPC of the project in Cambodia

Description of Duties

• Review and analyse the country’s specific development plans and priorities, socioeconomic data, reports and other relevant information. Identify potential technical cooperation areas and provide written analysis on the findings to the PM of the project.
• Work in close collaboration with ILO constituents and relevant organizations in Lao PDR to design and revise project annual work plans as well as preparation of the budget proposal, considering different approaches and alternative methods, management, problem identification and problem resolution, especially for the parts of the project supporting the institutional and capacity development of constituents, government agencies, line ministries, and social partners.
• Review, verify and analyse work plans, progress and final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness and monitor the progress of Project activities. Follow-up on delayed documents, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements to support successful completion of agreed activities.
• Assist in the programming and control of resources of the project, prepare budget estimates and expenditure forecasts by analysing and monitoring situation of resources as compared to planned activities and making recommendations for remedial action. Identify problems, propose solutions and actions.
• In close coordination with the Skills and employability specialist in DWT/CO-Bangkok, provide programming and administrative support to cooperation activities in the area of skills development and employability, and closely collaborate with other relevant programmes of the Country Office including Safe and Fair and Triangle projects to identify and take advantage of opportunities for enhanced programme synergy and greater outcome with other ILO activities in Lao PDR.
• Provide technical assistance to national partners, namely the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the Social Partners in the definition and implementation of skills development policies and programs.
• Follow-up with relevant technical officers with counterparts in organizations and line ministries at national level, partner and executing agencies, government offices, constituents and in other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets.
• Participate and represent ILO in national skills development and employability related working groups and committees.
• Conduct research and provide technical inputs for country analyses, reports and publications related to skills development issues in Lao PDR.
• Contribute to training materials development. Contribute to counterparts training and capacity development in the areas of skills development and employability. Serve as public relations liaison and relations officer of the project and promote ILO activities.

optional section (if needed)

• Participate in the preparation and conduct of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, and consultative meetings. Speak on behalf of the Project when attending these gatherings alone.
• Undertake missions to project sites independently or accompanying others.
• Leverage technical expertise in the skills development and employability to support regional and cross-country knowledge development and knowledge sharing opportunities. Promote linkages and share best practices and lessons learnt in the areas of skills development coordination, public debate, analysis and financing.
• Prepare terms of references for external collaborators, identify consultants, guide and assess their work.
• Lead in the preparation of briefs, background information, technical reports and periodic progress reports and statistical data on status of the overall activities of the Project.
• Strengthening the South-South Cooperation Skills Development Network in TVET, with a focus on Cambodia, Lao PDR and other ASEAN countries.
• Lead the preparation of annual project reports for the donor and DWCP implementation in Lao PDR.
• Assist the Project Manager in drafting project proposals for resource mobilization.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the DWT/CO-Bangkok and direct supervisor.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in socio-economic science, development studies or a relevant field. A Master’s degree would be an added advantage.

Experience

•    At least 2 years of professional experience at the national level in the area of project management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation with a thematic emphasis on employment and if possible on skills development and employability systems implementation and reform.
•    Proven experience in working effectively with government bodies in charge of policy making and with development partners would be an asset.
•    Familiarity with UN policies and procedures including experience working with officials of ministries Labour and Social Welfare in Lao PDR.
•    Familiarity with, or experience in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) would be an advantage. 

Languages

Excellent command of Lao language and English language, both spoken and written.

Competencies

-    Good knowledge of the Lao PDR skills development system and TVET system of the mandate and structure of labour market institutions in Lao PDR; ability to interact with Government, Civil Society, Academia and the Media on issues related to skills development reform;
-    Understanding of the ILO skills development and employability standards;
-    Ability to lead and work in a team and good interpersonal relations. 
-    Good knowledge of programming principles and budgeting, project administration and evaluation concepts and procedures; Knowledge of the office’s financial rules and regulations
-    Good knowledge of the context and challenges for the project areas of expertise
-    Strong analytical skills and ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution and good drafting skills
-    Good ability to interpret project information and to identify and analyse problems with implementation
-    Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to clarify information
-    Demonstrate collaborative and team work experience and ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team as well as work on his/her own initiative
-    Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility, as well as Ability to work as a member of a team
-    Good drafting and analytical skills;
-    Ability to work under pressure and to meet the deadline
-    Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications
-    Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.