Public Engagement Officer

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Public Engagement Officer
(Work Location – Vientiane capital)
This position is available to LAO nationals only

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

About CRS Lao PDR

Since 1994, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been dedicated to supporting communities in Lao PDR. Our ongoing strategic programs prioritize health, nutrition, quality education, and resilient livelihoods.

As an integral part of the extensive CRS global network operating in more than 120 countries, we work towards enhancing lives and upholding human dignity both locally and globally. Aligned with our overarching Vision 2030, which focuses on empowering youth, nurturing families, promoting inclusive development, building resilience, and advocating for justice, CRS Lao PDR engages with various partners, including government entities, civil society organizations, and businesses. Through these collaborations, we aim to empower Lao communities to realize their full potential and flourish.

Project Summary:

The School Lunch and Literacy Program (SLLP) is a five-year project funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program (MGDFY24). The project will be executed by CRS as a sub-recipient of the World Food Programme (WFP) MGDFY25, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES). It will be rolled out across more than 300 primary schools in 7 districts in Khammouane, Savannakhet, Bokeo, and Sekong, benefiting over 21,500 students. Key project activities include providing school meals, promoting inclusive literacy, conducting teacher training, enhancing school readiness, implementing WASH in schools, and improving school governance.

Job Summary:

As the Public Engagement Officer, you are responsible in facilitating government relations for CRS Laos to support the start-up of the SLLP. You will engage with relevant CRS’s staff,government ministries and stakeholder partners to navigate the Memorandum of Understanding MOU process and ensure the successful establishment of the required MOU. Additionally, you will assist in the start-up processes of the SLLP and supports the transition from School Lunch Project (SLP) to SLLP, as well as provide support for any similar processes within CRS.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the process of obtaining MOU for SLLP between CRS and Lao government ministries, overseeing financial, administrative and logistical aspects. This includes leading the preparation of documents, facilitating meetings, and revising based on feedback.
• Support for translation for English – Lao documents, meeting proficiency levels required for government purposes.
• Provide support during the transition from previous projects to the new School Lunch and Literacy Program as needed, including administrative and office setup.
• Assist with other MOU processes and start-up phases to ensure compliance, as well as collaborate closely with managers to address issues and find solutions.
• Collaborate with internal CRS teams and external government stakeholders to navigate any legal or compliance issues, maintain strong partnerships, and address challenges that may arise.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in teaching, Education, International Development, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in development work with a strong focus on government relations.
• Previous experience in the development sector with international NGOs, particularly familiarity with the MoU process, preferred if with Ministry of Education and Sport (MOES), and Ministry of Foreign Affair (MOFA).
• Experience collaborating with iNGOs to facilitate their MoU processes with government partners and local communities

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Previous involvement in educational development projects is a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); familiarity with other ICT tools like Canvas is a plus.
• Effective negotiation skills and ability to communicate project requirements and policies to project partners, government entities, and stakeholders.
• Current knowledge and understanding of relevant policies and frameworks related to Lao development and the Education Sector (e.g., Education Sectorial Development Plan, Inclusive Education Strategy, Primary Education plans, Early Childhood Education plans, etc.).
• Proficient in facilitating workshops.
• Proactive, self-motivated, results-driven, and service-oriented.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness in task execution.
• Critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities with a sound judgment.
• Excellent relationship management skills and ability to collaborate effectively with government and stakeholders, with strong representation capabilities.

Required Languages – English and Lao

• Proficiency in spoken and written Lao, including the level required for government purposes.
• Fluency in spoken, reading, and writing in English.

Travel – must be willing and able to travel up to 40% (negotiable) based in Vientiane

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Head of Program, Country Representative, Program Managers, SLP unit, LEAPS unit, and CRS Lao consultant

External: Government ministries, particularly MOES and MOFA.

APPLICATION INFORMATION: To apply for this position, please submit an application letter stating your expression of interest along with your most current CV by emails to: LA_HR@crs.org.

Closing date for applications: November 24, 2024, Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.