Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and direct supervision of the International Project Officer; and in close coordination with Regional Communications Team. The Media and Communications Assistant will primarily be responsible for communications work for the IOM mission in Lao PDR.ย
A specific focus on providing communication assistance with a specific focus on the project Building Community Leadership and Resilience to Reduce the Risks of Child trafficking, Child, Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM) through Community Awareness in the Lao Peopleโs Democratic Republic. ย The project aims to strengthen community leadership, promote collective ownership and enhance community knowledge, awareness, and protective behaviours to reduce risks of trafficking in persons (TiP) and CEFM, in partnership with government authorities and local civil society organization (CSOs). ย
- Assist theย implementation of the IOM Lao PDR Media and Communications plan ensuring alignment with the Headquarters (HQ) andย Regional Office (RO) media and communication strategies and activities.
- Contribute toย outreach and communications efforts to raise awareness of IOM Lao PDRโs work and promote accurate and positive narratives on migration among media, United Nations (UN) agencies, government counterparts, Civil Society Organization (CSOs) and other partners. Maintain constructive working relationships with these stakeholders and support internal communications and advocacy.
- Coordinate closely with project staff to provide communications and visibility support including press releases, press notes/briefings, project factsheets, PowerPoint presentations, meeting minutes for portfolios such as Trafficking in Persons, Child, Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM), Labour Migration, Immigration and Border Management.
Draft, edit and produce high quality communication materials including press notes, newsletters, website and social media content, as well as information, Education and Communications (IEC) materials and awareness raising productsย (visual, audio and multimedia) with appropriate gender sensitivity and cultural relevance.
- Manage and update IOM Lao PDR social media channels, and provide content for Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and other platforms.
Support timely publication and distribution of communication products on the IOM Lao PDR website and IOM social media channels, while maintainingย posting logs, archives and digital content repositories.
- Support the development, translation and audio localization of Social Behaviour Change communication materials onย Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (CEFM) in Lao, relevant ethnic languages.
- Assist the project team in youth-focused digital engagement including coordination with Lao influencers, social media partners and youth-oriented online ย ย campaigns.
Disseminate targeted Social Behaviour Change materials and Communicating with Communities resources for crisis-affected or vulnerable communities, adapted to local contexts.
- Provide logistical and editorial support for local campaigns, community screenings and video production, including documentation of success stories, survivor informed initiatives, and coordination of short film package with subtitles and multiple language dubbing.
Ensure compliance with IOM branding, visibility standards, data protection principles and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) requirements across materials, events, and vendor deliverables and escalate issues to supervisors when needed.
- Engage in duty travel to target provinces and communities as required for project activities, as needed.
Perform other -related tasks as assigned.
EDUCATION
High School Degree/Certificate with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
University degree in ย Media and Communications, Public Information, Journalism,ย or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience.ย
EXPERIENCE
Experience in a Public Information (PI) role within a UN agency or similar international organization and,
Experience in working for a news media organization.
Experience supporting Social and Behaviour Change (SBC), Communication for Development (C4D) or community engagement activities is an advantage.
Experience coordinating with civil society organizations (CSOs) and local media in Lao PDR is an advantage.
SKILLS
Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
Knowledge of graphic design, web, social media management, and video production;
Familiarity with migration-related issues in the Region advantageous;
Cultural mediation and facilitation skills for multi-ethnic settings;
Understanding of informed consent processes, data minimization and brand/visibility compliance;
Ability to work independently, manage priorities and perform under pressure;
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; and,
Self-motivated, proactive and results oriented.
REQUIRED
For this position, fluency in Lao and English is required (oral and written).
DESIRABLE
Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
Proficiency in Laoย or an ethnic language commonly spoken in Luang Namtha or Oudomxay is an advantage.
Competencies
The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:
VALUES -ย All IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
Inclusion and respect for diversity:ย Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
Integrity and transparency:ย Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
Professionalism:ย Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
Courage:ย Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
Empathy:ย Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
ยCORE COMPETENCIESย -ย Behavioral indicators โย Level 2
Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
Delivering results:ย Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
Managing and sharing knowledge:ย Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organizationโs priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
Communication:ย Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring, and motivational way.