We are looking for enthusiastic, dedicated development professionals interested in long term careers with a major international children’s NGO.

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children. Plan, one of the world’s largest children’s INGOs, works with children and poor communities in 50 countries.

Currently we work in Vientiane Capital, Bokeo, Oudomxay, Saravan, Luang Prabang and Vientiane Provinces, in basic education, early childhood development, health and nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, adolescence and youth economic empowerment. Plan has no religious or political aims or affiliations. Visit www.plan-international.org for more information.

Plan is currently implementing the SUSTOUR Laos project, a sustainable tourism project financed by the European Union (EU) and implemented through a partnership between the European Centre for Ecological and Agricultural Tourism (ECEAT), the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC). The project operates in three provinces: Vientiane Capital, Vientiane Province and Luang Prabang. The project is designed to promote sustainable consumption and production (SCP) and integration of Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) within the Lao tourism sector. It supports Lao tourism businesses to obtain and adhere to sustainable tourism certification standards and practices (i.e., Travelife and Lasting Laos certifications). The project develops and maintains partnerships with Lao tourism businesses including hotels, travel agents, destination management companies, tour operators and their suppliers. Through this business-led approach we aim to promote sustainable practices, integrate MSMEs into supply chains, support local communities involved in tourism, develop eco-friendly solutions and create positive and lasting change for the Lao tourism sector.

Plan is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, members of ethnic groups and people with disabilities. Plan offers competitive salaries and long-term employment opportunities for all posts.

Plan International Laos is looking for a Lao National for the following position:

SUSTOUR Project Officer, 2 Position

Type of Contract: Service Contract.

Contract Period: 9 Months (with possibility of extension).

Location: Based in Vientiane Capital 1 position and Luang prabang 1 position.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Support the execution of project activities, including project planning, implementation and monitoring/evaluation at the Central, Provincial and District levels;
• Develop and maintain partnerships with project stakeholders, including tourism businesses and their suppliers, as well as local communities involved in tourism;
• Direct implementation of project activities working with tourism businesses and local communities which will require frequent field visits;
• Engage, train and mentor tourism businesses to adopt and promote sustainable practices throughout their supply chains via adoption of Travelife and Lasting Laos certifications;
• Develop and implement communications and marketing initiatives to promote sustainable tourism and certified businesses, including preparation and participation in international trade shows/travel fairs (e.g., ASEAN Tourism Forum, ITB Berlin);
• Facilitate community-based tourism interactions between tour operators and local communities;
• Support local project partners with project implementation and to build their capacity;
• Represent the project in various national/regional forums, within sector working groups and to government and external stakeholders;
• Develop and translate high-quality project documents from Lao to English (or vice-versa);
• Follow Plan finance processes and support project administration as necessary.

Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in tourism, hospitality, international development or related field preferred;
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in the tourism and/or international development sectors;
• Skills and experience in providing training to local businesses and facilitating workshops;
• Capacity to collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders from various sectors;
• Strong organizational competencies in project planning, implementation and monitoring/evaluation;
• Knowledge of concepts of sustainable tourism and SCP practices;
• Skills and experience in marketing and promotion, including previous experience with international travel fairs/trade shows, is an advantage;
• Previous experience working with MSMEs and private sector associations is an advantage;
• Excellent command of Lao and English languages (spoken and written);
• Proven ability to work independently and get results with minimal supervision;
• Excellent computer skills (including Word and Excel).

FOR ALL PLAN POSITIONS:

• We strongly encourage equally qualified female candidates to apply.
• Strong commitment to the equal rights and participation of girls and women is essential.
• Strong commitment to the Rights of the Child is essential.
• Plan does not tolerate child abuse. All Plan staff are selected and employed in line with the conditions of Plan’s Child Protection Policy. These include appropriate reference and background checks.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No correspondence or telephone calls will be entered into.
• Short listed candidates will be required to attend panel interviews and other selection procedures.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:  9^th October 2023

TO APPLY FOR THIS POST: 

Send your resume/CV, and cover letter. In the cover letter please state on a separate page your preferred start date, names and contact details of three referees and your salary expectations for each position, to Plan International Laos, Vientiane, Lao PDR, or to  PlanLaos.JobVacancies@plan-international.org