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.

Context

The incumbent will assist in all communication and strategic all aspects of IOM Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s multi-dimensioned communications effort through strategic communications approaches that aims to raising awareness in migration, promoting safe and regular pathways, and normalizing migrants in the country. The assignment shall support the communications implementation across IOM’s portfolios from migration policy and governance to labour mobility to counter trafficking in persons under the direct supervision of the Media and Communications Assistant.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Media and Communications Assistant, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Support to draft press release, press note/ briefing, project factsheets, PowerPoint presentation, meeting minutes, newsletters, awareness raising materials and other materials. • Assist in developing human-interest stories, Information, Education and Communications (IEC) materials and awareness raising materials across portfolios (Labour Migration and Human Development, Counter-trafficking and Migration Health etc) for in-ternal and external engagement, including social media visuals, graphic and video contents. • Support in managing institutional social media accounts, including drafting, creating content, and maintaining social media contents. • Provide support on communications, photography, video production, and editing for IOM activities across the organizational portfolios. • Enhance existing internal documentation and knowledge management through various platform on IOM’s mandate in compliance with the requirements at HQ, regional, and country level. • Support in ensuring extensive media coverage in coordination with relevant units and stakeholders in organizing awareness raising activities. • Assist IOM or UN Communications Group (UNCG) activities as needed. • Support in reviewing all communication material developed and ensure compliance with IOM and donor branding guidelines across portfolios. • Engage in duty travel related to programme activities, as needed. • Perform other duties as may be assigned. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publica-tions/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenev-er technically possible.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Building Trust • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Creativity • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Knowledge Sharing • Managing Performance • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Self-Management • Technological Awareness • Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

Vientiane, the capital city of Lao PDR is a relatively quiet and safe duty station with a low crime rate. It offers a relaxed pace of life. The city has a topical monsoon climate with distinct wet (May to October) and dry (November to April) seasons. Temperatures are generally warm year-round. Accommodation options are widely available and range from basic apartments to modern serviced units. Electricity and water supply are generally reliable in the capital. The cost of living is moderate, with affordable access to fresh food, restaurants, and basic household goods. Imported goods can be expensive. Mobile phone coverage and internet services are available and improving, though quality can vary across providers. Medical facilities in Vientiane are adequate for common conditions, with several private clin-ics and international-standard hospitals. For serious medical conditions, evacuation to Bang-kok or another regional hub may be necessary. Banking services, including ATMs and cur-rency exchange, are readily available, though cash is preferred in some rural areas. Cultural awareness is important: Lao society is conservative and values respect, humility, and social harmony. Dress modestly in professional and public settings. Alcohol consumption is common in social contexts but should be approached with sensitivity, particularly when en-gaging with government and community counterparts. Lao PDR is a unique country and this UN Volunteer assignment offers an enriching and re-warding experience. It requires a high level of cultural sensitivity, personal initiative, and commitment to contributing to sustainable development through migration governance. Flexi-bility and adaptability are essential in navigating a developing country context.