Programme Support Coordinator

Notice of Recruitment – Lao National Staff

Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) is a Norwegian humanitarian organisation supporting mine action and disarmament, capacity building, and development in many countries around the world. NPA has been engaged in the clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Lao PDR since 1997. NPA is currently conducting UXO survey and clearance across four provinces in southern Lao PDR, including Champasak, Saravane, Sekong, and Attapeu. NPA has the main offices in Vientiane and Pakse, and satellite offices in Saravane, Sekong, and Attapeu.

NPA’s Lao PDR programme is now seeking a qualified, enthusiastic, experienced, and well-motivated person for the following positions:

Programme Support Coordinator: 01 Position – based in Pakse, with regular travels to NPA’s areas of operations in four southern provinces and Vientiane Office

The Programme Support Coordinator position is designed to assist the Deputy Programme Manager (DPM) in coordinating with other staff and departments to execute tasks under the DPM’s responsibilities.

General responsibilities

• Provide support to the DPM in drafting plans, reports, and other documents.
• Coordinate between staff and departments, ensuring that activities are carried out as planned.
• Provide translation and interpretation services for documents and meetings between Lao and English languages, as needed.

Specific duties

• Act as the communication link between the DPM and other Programme Support staff to ensure activities are implemented according to approved plans.
• Keep the DPM informed of the status of ongoing activities and project developments.
• Assist in drafting quarterly and final reports, working with other departments to update Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and other programme-related documents.
• Translate programme documents from Lao to English and vice versa, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and confidentiality. Maintain confidentiality and ensure that translations meet the programme’s standards for clarity and accuracy.
• Provide on-demand translation and interpretation services during meetings, events, or other activities.
• Assist in organizing trainings, workshops, and other programme events, ensuring logistical arrangements and the smooth running of these activities.
• Maintain an organized system for programme-related documents, ensuring all files and records are accessible on SharePoint and comply with organizational standards.
• Assist other members of the Programme Support Department in organizing trainings, events, and activities when needed.
• Drafting meeting minutes for management meetings and when required.
• Any other duties as instructed by the DPM and Country Director (CD).

Required qualifications:

Must have:

• Experience in drafting plans, reports, and other documents in English.
• Experience in drafting official documents in the Lao language.
• Proven experience in translating between Lao and English, both written and verbal.
• Strong proficiency in both English and Lao languages.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage stress in high-pressure situations.
• Good proficiency in computer skills (MS Office, SharePoint, etc.).
• A valid driving license.

Desirable:

• Previous experience working for an international NGO, particularly in the area of mine action or disarmament.
• Experience in drafting donor reports and proposals in English.

Personal Competencies:

• Strong communication skills with a high cultural understanding and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, with a flexible approach to long working hours when necessary.
• Strong organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities.
• Calm under pressure, with the ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Proactive and able to take the initiative in areas of responsibility.