Vacancy Announcement

The Swiss Cooperation Office in Laos designs and steers the Government of Switzerland’s bilateral development programme in Lao PDR. In particular, the development programme supports the Government of Lao PDR to reduce poverty and to reach the targets outlined in the National Social and Economic Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) prioritises sustainable and equitable development, especially in remote rural areas with a focus on ethnic groups; governance reforms favouring the poor and disadvantaged;  gender equity and access to services.

We are a Swiss-Lao team of highly motivated professionals looking for a dynamic Lao National to temporarily reinforce team in the Vientiane Office and fill the position of:

National Program Officer in Skills Development / TVET and Employment 

For the period of July 1 until December 31, 2021 (6 months / 100%)

SDC is currently financing four projects for skills development, TVET and employment in Lao PDR. In addition, we are supporting a regional project focusing on the integration of work-based concepts into the formal TVET systems of Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar. The Swiss Cooperation Office is looking for a professional with sound experience in project management and thematic knowledge in TVET, skills development and rural employment.

The incumbent will be replacing a national program officer for the period of 6 months, and will be covering the following tasks:

• Project Management: monitors assigned projects of the portfolio supporting project cycles and controlling both operational and financial performance, represents SDC in dialogues and negotiations with implementing partners, government institutions and international technical assistance,
• Partner and Policy Dialogue: takes part in thematic discussions and policy dialogue on TVET / Skills development,
• Sector Development: analyses trends and opportunities related  to TVET / Skills development and employment and produces high quality inputs both in content and English language for SDC’s four year programme 2022, steering and-decision making processes  writes project proposals,
• Strategy implementation: takes part in the SDC internal annual monitoring and planning processes and produces good quality English language inputs; supports the communication plan and prepares relevant and useful messages.

Would this be a worthwhile challenge for you? Do you have:

• A master in economics, education, development studies or related degree in a relevant discipline?
• Relevant working experience in skills development, TVET or employment promotions?
• Well-developed social skills and willingness to work in a team?
• Strong analytical skills and high intrinsic motivation to excel?
• Very good English language skills, both verbal and written?
• Experience in working in development cooperation and/or with the private sector?
• Interest to travel both in Laos and if needed internationally?

SDC is a value based equal opportunities employer, appointing on merits by open competition. We highly encourage women and persons from different ethnic backgrounds to apply. Please send us your Curriculum Vitae (incl. references, certificates and expected salary) and an application letter (not more than one page) explaining why we should consider you to be the ideal candidate for the position. Kindly submit your application to: vientiane@eda.admin.ch

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

Swiss Cooperation Office and Consular Agency in Laos

House 192 / 1 Sibounheuang Road

Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR

P.O Box 5666

Website: www.eda.admin.ch/mekong

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/SwissCooperationMekong 

Closing date for applications is Monday, April 19, 2021.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview. SDC does not return application files.