ABOUT Catalyste+ (formerly CESO)
Catalyste+, formerly known as Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO), was established as a Canadian not-for-profit organization in 1967, with a vision of creating stronger economies for better lives. We empower people, businesses, communities and institutions to drive economic development and improve lives around the world by sharing the expertise and experiences of our volunteers. Catalyste+ has been active in Southeast Asia for more than 50 years—notably in the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Lao PDR, with plans to continue expansion in the region.
Reporting to the Country Representative, the Project Officer will contribute towards fulfilling Catalyste+’s mission of strengthening economic and social well-being in Lao PDR. The Project Officer will support the Country Representative’s role, and will develop and maintain effective relationships with partners, stakeholders, Catalyste+ Advisors and Catalyste+ staff. He/she is responsible for providing overall programmatic and logistical support to design and implement activities in selected sectors, with the aim to advance Catalyste+’s gender equality and women’s economic empowerment (GE/WEE) objectives, in accordance with approved Catalyste+ policies and guidelines.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
PROGRAM SUPPORT
- Participate in stakeholder consultations to support the development of GE/WEE and sector strategies and the integration of local knowledge, in alignment with donor priorities;
- Support partnership development, assignment design and applications with the aim to meet/surpass country targets and objectives;
- Support timely recruitment and deployment of appropriately skilled Catalyste+ Advisors by collaborating with the Volunteer Services team and delivering all logistical support as requested;
- Support Catalyste+ Advisors in carrying out work plans, ensuring they are in line with GE/WEE objectives, local context and Catalyste+ guidelines/policies;
- Support the collection of content and the development of communications and marketing materials, as requested by the Communications and Engagement team, with the aim to showcase the impact of Catalyste+’s work to key stakeholders;
- Represent Catalyste+ as a brand ambassador at relevant meetings/events in lieu of the Country Representative, when needed;
- Contribute to annual work plans and other donor reports.
OPERATIONS SUPPORT
- Collaborate with the Volunteer Services team to ensure efficient processes are in place to manage the arrival, placement and departure of Catalyste+ Advisors to/from Lao PDR, including the development of tools (e.g. online surveys, customer service questionnaires);
- Assist with arranging the logistics of in-country travel for Catalyste+ Advisors, as needed;
- Assist the Country Representative in arranging, in collaboration with partners, the accommodation, food, transport and other services to be provided to the Catalyste+ Advisors, including the identification and approval of comfortable accommodations in a secure and safe location;
- Arrange meetings between Catalyste+ Advisors and partners related to Catalyste+ assignments;
- Provide translation/interpretation to support partnership and assignment development and implementation;
- Assist the Country Representative in providing orientation to Catalyste+ Advisors and monitoring the progress of Catalyste+ Advisors’ work (e.g. participating in entrance and exit meetings between Catalyste+ Advisors and partners in lieu of the Country Representative, as needed);
- File, manage and organize documents related to the Lao PDR;
- Adhere to Catalyste+’s policies and processes related to security, emergency preparedness, code of conduct, conflict of interest, misconduct, harassment and other administrative matters;
- Contribute to Catalyste+’s efforts to standardize organizational processes and customer experiences;
- Assist the Country Representative with accounting, budget management and preparation of financial reports to the Senior Program Manager for Asia;
- Provide any other duties to support Catalyste+’s work in Lao PDR, as required.
ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING
- Support gender-based analysis in project design, implementation and learning processes;
- Actively collect quality data from partners, clients and other stakeholders and share it in a timely manner as requested by the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team;
- Develop strategic, evidence-based suggestions to improve long term results based on learning from implemented activities, partners, volunteers and other stakeholders.
TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL REQUIRE:
MINIMUM LEVEL OF EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, international development, or another related field is desirable.
WORK EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
- Willing to work in a development organization with international colleagues;
- Deep understanding of international development issues, notably GE/WEE, the environment and climate change, private sector development, value chains and governance; hands-on experience with these issues preferred.
- Collaborative team spirit, good attitude and excellent customer service;
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
- Fluency in English, with an excellent command and working proficiency of both the spoken and written language, including the ability to prepare reports and other documents;
- Good computer proficiency and skilled at using word processors, spreadsheets, etc.;
- Cultural sensitivity and ability to deal with sensitive issues in a diplomatic fashion.
- Ready to learn, adapt and grow within the Catalyste+ work environment in Lao PDR;
- Extensive experience (two or more years) of working with volunteers and volunteer organizations would be an asset.
Application deadline: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Catalyste+ is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates in all aspects of the selection process.
