Emergency Preparedness and Response Project Manager (CST Level 2)

About the role

The World Food Programme (WFP) is recruiting an Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Project Manager in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Reporting directly to the Strategic Outcome Manager overseeing WFP's emergency portfolio, the incumbent manages, implements, monitors and reports on the EPR programme, working with government counterparts such as the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and humanitarian partners. The role strengthens preparedness, coordination, response readiness and institutional capacity for disaster management.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee implementation of the EPR project against the approved design and operational plan, ensuring timely delivery, targets met and compliance with budget, quality and reporting requirements.
• Manage and supervise project staff and consultants, and oversee workplans aligned with donor requirements, national priorities and WFP policies.
• Work with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and other government counterparts to strengthen disaster management capacities at national and sub-national levels.
• Manage planning, budget use, risk management, monitoring and reporting, and coordinate across WFP functional units.
• Identify resource needs, promote alignment with WFP initiatives such as social protection and disaster risk financing, and prepare reports, briefing notes, presentations and dashboards.
• Make sure activities comply with WFP rules, donor requirements and government frameworks, and undertake field missions as required.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in Economics, International Development or Social Sciences, or first degree with additional related experience and training.
• At least 8 years of professional experience, including at least 5 years in progressively responsible project manager roles.
• Experience designing, leading and coordinating food and cash-based assistance, and assessing, delivering with or strengthening government-led emergency response.
• Ability to build partnerships with government, humanitarian partners, military actors and affected populations, and to manage multicultural, cross-functional teams.
• Experience in the Asia and the Pacific region preferred.
• Fluency (level C) in English is required.

Required skills

• People management, financial resource management and operational experience in field settings.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, able to write high-level briefs.
• Experience managing relationships with UN agencies, NGOs and governments in emergency and development contexts, preferably in Laos PDR and Southeast Asia.
• Flexibility to travel when necessary.