Vacancy Announcement: Press and Information Officer in the Political, Press and Information Section.

The European Union Delegation to the Lao PDR, Vientiane is looking for:

Press and Information 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 Press and Information 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.

The successful candidate will serve under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of PPI Section. He or she will work to improve the visibility and understanding in Lao PDR of European Union (EU) policies, interests and values, and will contribute to reporting on developments in Lao PDR using open sources.

Tasks and duties will include:

·         Planning, organising and implementing the Delegation's press and information activities, including outreach events, High Level Meetings, EU official visits as well as public affairs and cultural events; liaison with Lao PDR and foreign media; drafting and circulation of press releases and statements.

·         Develop contacts/networks with media/press in Lao PDR. Initiate, prepare, evaluate and monitor press and media actions; draft, edit and distribute publication materials; monitor local press in English and Lao languages, both hard copy and online; manage the Delegation's website and social media accounts; manage the information budget of the Delegation; advise and support the Delegation on all communication matters.

·         Contribution to reporting: Prepare written reports and presentations in English and Lao languages, based on Lao PDR press, electronic and social media.

·         Organise cultural and public diplomacy activities.

·          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 August 2023. 

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

·        University Bachelor’s degree (in international relations, media, communications, journalism or other relevant field).

·        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; C61: written level).

·        Right to residence and work in Lao PDR

Required Skills:

·        Fully independent in drafting of correspondence and reports, as well as social media content;

·        Capable to clearly and efficiently conceptualise ideas and approaches;

·        Ability to produce tailor-made contents for the press and main social media platforms;

·        Ability to work as a team member with good inter-personal skills, in an international environment;

·        Excellent communications and presentation skills.

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

·        Excellent understanding of Lao PDR politics, economics and media environment;

·        Interest in international relations and political analysis and more specifically European Union policies and EU relations with South-East Asia;

·        Experience in the organisation of events;

·        Experience in a diplomatic mission /international organization;

·        Experience in contract and budget management desirable;

·        Fluent computer skills (website management; knowledge of commonly used programmes e.g. Word, Excel,  Power Point).

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 P&I Officer) no later than 16:00 on 12/06/2023. 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.