Project Associate - Migration Health

Host entity: IOM

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Community development, Migration, refugees

Application deadline: 03/11/2026

Mission and objectives

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people. The UN University Volunteer will work at the UN House, with an occasional visit to the field project sites, under the supervision of the Head of Office and the Programme Officers of IOM Vientiane, Lao PDR. This position will require working closely with IOM’s programme team which works on a range of migration and development-related issues, including human trafficking, border management, labour migration and skills development as well as migrant health. He/She will also work in close collaboration with the United Nations Communications Group (UNCG) members based in Vientiane and the IOM’s Regional Office for the Asia Pacific (ROAP) based in Bangkok.

Assignment context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Lao People's Democratic Republic has worked closely with the Government of Lao PDR since 2001 to promote safe, orderly and regular migration and support migrants in vulnerable situations. Based in Vientiane, IOM works in partnership with government counterparts, United Nations agencies, development partners, civil society organizations and migrant communities to strengthen migration governance and improve the health and well-being of migrants and mobile populations.

IOM Lao PDR supports national efforts to strengthen equitable access to health services for migrants and vulnerable populations, improve migration health outcomes and enhance community resilience. They work closely with government institutions, health authorities, civil society organizations, community volunteers, implementing partners and migrant communities to implement migration health interventions, health promotion activities and capacity-building initiatives.

The Project Associate - Migration Health will support the implementation of migration health projects, coordination with implementing partners and stakeholders, community engagement activities, project monitoring and reporting, and administrative aspects of project delivery. The assignment offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in migration health programming, project implementation, inter-agency coordination and community outreach while working with a diverse range of national and international stakeholders.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the National Migration Officer – Migration Governance, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the implementation of migration health projects and activities under the guidance of the project team.
• Assist in coordinating project activities and maintaining project documentation, schedules and records.
• Contribute to community outreach, awareness-raising and health promotion activities targeting migrant and vulnerable populations.
• Support the organization of trainings, workshops, consultations and capacity-building activities for government counterparts, civil society organizations, community volunteers and other partners, including preparing meeting materials, summaries and logistical arrangements.
• Participate in field visits and support project monitoring activities, data collection exercises and implementation of project interventions, as required.
• Assist in collecting, compiling and organizing project data, information, lessons learned and other relevant documentation to support project monitoring and reporting requirements.
• Contribute to the preparation of donor reports, project updates, briefing notes, presentations and other project-related documents.
• Assist in coordinating administrative and operational processes related to project implementation, including liaison with relevant internal units, under the guidance of the project team.
• Contribute to research, information gathering and the development of knowledge products related to migration health and project priorities, as required.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check-ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to two years) in:

• Public health, migration health, community health, humanitarian assistance or related development programmes;
• Project implementation support, project monitoring, reporting, data collection or community outreach activities;
• Organizing trainings, workshops, events or stakeholder consultations;
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Skills in:

• Project implementation support, coordination and community engagement;
• Monitoring, reporting and information management.

Competencies and values

Accountability
Adaptability and Flexibility
Building Trust
Commitment and Motivation
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Communication
Creativity
Ethics and Values
Integrity
Knowledge Sharing
Planning and Organizing
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity
Working in Teams

Living conditions

Lao People's Democratic Republic offers a peaceful and welcoming living environment with a rich cultural heritage and a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many cities in the region. Vientiane, the duty station for this assignment, is the country's capital and serves as its political, administrative and economic centre. The city provides a range of accommodation options, international and local dining establishments, retail services, recreational facilities and other amenities that support a comfortable lifestyle for international personnel.
Lao PDR has a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons: a cool season from November to February, a hot season from March to May, and a rainy season from May to October. Temperatures generally range between 20°C and 35°C, although they may exceed this during the hottest months. Rainfall during the wet season can be heavy at times, but showers are often intermittent.
Vientiane is a relatively compact city with manageable commuting times and a relaxed pace of life compared with many regional capitals. Most areas of the city are easily accessible by private vehicle, taxi or local ride-hailing services, while a growing range of commercial, cultural and leisure amenities continue to enhance the quality of life for residents.Lao PDR is known for its warm hospitality, rich cultural traditions and strong sense of community. International personnel work in a multicultural environment and have opportunities to engage with a wide range of national and international partners. Staff members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local customs and regulations while enjoying the country's unique history, cuisine and cultural heritage.

Conditions of Service
The Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.