The European Union Delegation to the Lao PDR, Vientiane is looking for: Policy Officer in the Political, Press and Information Section

We are

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organizations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic missions, known as EU Delegations, with functions similar to those of an embassy.

The EU Delegation to the Lao PDR, Vientiane, works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States. We are a fully-fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the Lao PDR Government in areas within EU competence.

We offer

The post of Policy Officer (Local Agent Group I) in the Political, Press and Information Section (PPI) of the EU Delegation. The team consists of 3 people and there are occasional atypical working hours. In this post, the recruited person will be given tasks which may vary in response to the varying needs of the Delegation.

Reporting to the Head of Political, Press and Information Section, under the supervision of the Head of Delegation, the successful candidate will serve as technical and support staff covering political, legal, economic and foreign policy developments in Lao PDR and in the region, with a view to promoting the values and interests of the European Union.

Tasks and duties will include:

• To support the work of the Delegation  and in particular of the Political, Press & Information Section.
• To monitor, analyse and report on political, legal, economic and foreign policy developments in Lao PDR and in the region, in English and Lao languages.
• Issues to be covered will also include governance and human rights, the role of civil society and democratic development.
• Support PPI Section, notably in relation to contacts with Lao PDR authorities and institutions, with economic actors and with diplomatic missions and international organisations.
• Support Cooperation Section in relation to political aspects and implications of EU co-operation activities.
• Prepare reports, speeches and presentations, in English and Lao languages.
• Prepare meetings, visits and events, providing translation or interpretation as required.
• Post will involve some travel within Lao PDR and potentially abroad.
• Any other tasks relating to the activities of the Section and the Delegation.

The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience.  There is a competitive benefits package, subject to certain conditions, including personal leave days and public holidays, health insurances and a retirement savings plan.

Expected start date will be 1^st September 2023. 

Minimum requirements / eligibility criteria (necessary for the application to be considered)

• University Bachelor’s degree (international relations, political science, economics, sociology).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in areas related to the functions;  
• Native level command of Lao language (C2 level) and excellent knowledge of English (C2 oral level; C1: written level).
• Computer fluency (Word, Excel, Power Point etc.).
• Right to residence and work in Lao PDR

Required Skills:

• Capable of working on politically sensitive issues in a responsible, discreet and professional manner.
• Fully independent in drafting of official correspondence and in reporting, accurately, impartially and quickly;
• Clarity of thought and respect for deadlines;
• Understanding of diplomatic usage and the tone and approach required in this context
• Excellent communications skills (oral and written) in Lao and English languages
• Ability to maintain a network of contacts with relevant national authorities as well as with institutional, non-governmental and private interlocutors.
• Ability to express EU positions fluently and convincingly.
• Creativity and readiness to solve problems; a positive approach to work and colleagues.
• Ability to work in an international team, with good inter-personal skills 
• Capacity to focus on priorities and to organise work to deliver on time, accurately and fully.
• Ability to operate effectively in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
• A keen interest in EU-Lao PDR cooperation, international relations and political/economic analysis.

Assets / selection criteria (basis for awarding points to select the best applicant)  

• A post-graduate degree in political sciences or international relations or economics.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of Lao PDR politics and society.
• Interest in international relations and political, legal and economic analysis, in the context of European Union relations with Lao PDR/Southeast Asia/Asia;
• Capable of working on politically sensitive issues in a responsible, discreet and professional manner.
• Understanding of diplomatic usage and the tone and approach required in this context.

How to apply

Please submit your application, consisting of a cover letter and Europass format CV (available at  https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/ ) by e-mail to: delegation-laos-administration@eeas.europa.eu  (Reference Post Policy Officer) no later than 16:00 on Monday 17 July 2023. Only complete applications received on time by e-mail will be considered.

The successful candidate will be subject to a medical examination and background check.

The process

After the deadline for applications, the eligible applications will be examined. Depending on the number of applications received, successive phases of Selection may include shortlisting of candidates based on assessment of the information provided in the cover letter and CV; practical/written testing; and interviews. The 3 best candidates will be invited to the final phase.

Only candidates admitted to each successive selection phase will be contacted individually. The Delegation will use the same means of publication as for this job advertisement to inform the remaining candidates once the recruitment procedure has been completed and that a candidate has (or has not) been recruited.

The Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure. During the selection process, please do not contact the members of the Selection Committee, but address your questions and comments to the Delegation Administration Section.

We look forward to hearing from you.