The World Food Programme (WFP) is hiring an Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Project Manager - CST Level 2 in Vientiane, Laos. The incumbent will manage, implement, monitor and report on WFP's Emergency Preparedness and Response programme in Lao PDR, working closely with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. Applications close on 10 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed this vacancy for experienced project managers who already know WFP's internal processes and want to strengthen disaster management in Southeast Asia.
About WFP
The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of extreme weather shocks.
At WFP, people are at the heart of everything it does. The vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.
WFP's Values
🛡️ Integrity
🤝 Collaboration
💪 Commitment
❤️ Humanity
🌐 Inclusion
Why Join WFP?
🏅 WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
🌍 WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse and multicultural working environment.
📚 WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship and other programs, as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
✈️ A career path in WFP provides the opportunity to work across country, regional and global offices around the world, with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
💼 WFP offers an attractive compensation package, as described in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement.
What the EPR Project Manager Does in Lao PDR
The EPR Project Manager will report directly to the Strategic Outcome Manager overseeing WFP's emergency portfolio and will be responsible for the overall management, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the Emergency Preparedness and Response programme.
The incumbent will work collaboratively across WFP functional units and with government counterparts, particularly the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, as well as key humanitarian and development partners at national and sub-national levels. The role will ensure the timely delivery of programme activities and contribute to strengthening preparedness, coordination, response readiness and institutional capacity for effective disaster management in Lao PDR.
Project Leadership and Implementation
🎯 Lead and oversee the implementation of the EPR Project against the approved project design and operational plan, ensuring effective execution, timely delivery of outputs, achievement of targets, and compliance with budget, quality and reporting requirements.
👥 Manage and supervise project staff and consultants, providing leadership, guidance and performance management to ensure effective delivery of project objectives.
🗂️ Oversee the execution of project workplans and activities, ensuring alignment with project objectives, donor requirements, national priorities, and WFP policies and standards.
Working with the Government of Lao PDR
🏛️ Work closely with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and other government counterparts to implement project activities that strengthen preparedness, coordination, response readiness and disaster management capacities at national and sub-national levels.
Planning, Budget and Risk Management
📅 Manage project planning, budget utilization, risk management, monitoring and reporting processes, ensuring effective oversight of implementation progress and achievement of project targets.
🧮 Identify and communicate project resource requirements and support resource planning and utilization to ensure efficient and effective implementation.
📉 Monitor project performance against agreed indicators, milestones and deliverables; identify implementation challenges and risks; and recommend and implement corrective actions as required.
Coordination Inside WFP
🔄 Coordinate across WFP functional units to ensure the timely and effective delivery of EPR Project activities and the integration of relevant technical expertise and operational support.
🔗 Promote alignment between EPR Project activities and broader WFP initiatives, including social protection and disaster risk financing.
Reporting, Communication and Accountability
📝 Ensure the timely preparation of project reports, briefing notes, presentations, dashboards and other communications products to document progress, results, lessons learned and best practices.
📡 Establish and maintain effective information-sharing, coordination and reporting mechanisms to support project oversight, accountability and informed decision-making.
✅ Ensure all EPR Project activities comply with WFP rules, regulations and policies, donor requirements, and relevant government frameworks.
Field Missions and Other Duties
🚙 Undertake field missions, as required, to support project implementation, monitor progress, engage stakeholders, and strengthen operational readiness at sub-national level.
📌 Perform any other duties as required to ensure the successful implementation and completion of the EPR Project.
Education Required
🎓 An Advanced University degree in Economics, International Development or Social Sciences or another relevant field, or a First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.
Required Experience
🏢 Experience working with WFP and knowledge of WFP's internal processes, policies and systems.
⏱️ At least 8 years of professional experience in relevant areas, including at least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in similar project manager roles.
🍚 Experience in multiple facets of EPR programming relevant for WFP, including demonstrated ability to design, lead and coordinate delivery of food and cash-based assistance.
🛠️ Experience to assess, deliver with, or strengthen government-led emergency response, including technical assistance to disaster management systems.
🤲 Proven ability to build partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including government authorities, humanitarian partners and military actors, and to engage with affected populations.
🧭 Experience coordinating diverse, multicultural and cross-functional teams to maximize capabilities for effective, timely support.
🔍 Strong analytical skills and the ability to write and deliver high level briefs providing clear insight and recommendations for decision making.
Preferred Experience
🌏 Experience working in the Asia and the Pacific region.
Knowledge and Skills
🤝 Proven ability to establish constructive working relationships with colleagues, government counterparts and partners in a variety of settings, and in fluid, ambiguous and rapidly evolving environments.
👔 People management, financial resource management and operational experience in field settings.
⚙️ Proven ability to perform well in roles that require direct management of people and operations, as well as in support/coordination roles.
⚠️ Experience identifying operational risks and maintaining documentation in emergency settings.
🏳️ Experience in managing relationships with UN agencies, NGOs and government organizations in emergency and development contexts, preferably in Laos PDR and in Southeast Asia.
✍️ Excellent analytical and writing skills, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills, preferably with experience in a Southeast Asia context.
🌱 Maturity, initiative, self-management and the ability to fit constructively into different teams in different contexts.
🧳 Flexibility to travel when necessary.
Language Requirement
🗣️ Fluency (level C) in English is required.
WFP Leadership Framework
The WFP Leadership Framework sets out the common standards of behavior that guide how WFP staff work together to accomplish the organization's mission.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.
WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority.
Reasonable Accommodation
WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. Candidates who require a reasonable accommodation can contact WFP's global inclusion team (the address is listed in the Links section below).
How to Apply
💻 All applications must be submitted exclusively through WFP's online recruiting system (Workday). CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn or any other channel are not considered.
🧾 Make sure your Workday profile is accurate and complete, with all sections filled in, including employment history, academic qualifications, language skills and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, apply and submit your application.
📎 At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.
🛠️ For technical issues while submitting an application, WFP provides a dedicated support address (listed in the Links section below). It is only for technical issues: unsolicited applications or documents sent there will not receive a reply.
Selection Process
📞 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
⚖️ All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit and individual qualifications.
🔎 All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
No Fee Disclaimer
The United Nations does not charge any fee (application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other) in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, disregard it. Emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced, so take particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
Who Cannot Be Appointed
No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the WFP EPR Project Manager position based?
The position is based in Vientiane, Laos (Lao PDR). The role also includes field missions, as required, to support implementation and strengthen operational readiness at sub-national level.
Who does the EPR Project Manager report to?
The EPR Project Manager reports directly to the Strategic Outcome Manager overseeing WFP's emergency portfolio in Lao PDR.
Which government ministry will the role work with?
The role works closely with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and other government counterparts to strengthen preparedness, coordination, response readiness and disaster management capacities at national and sub-national levels.
Is previous experience with WFP required?
Yes. Experience working with WFP and knowledge of WFP's internal processes, policies and systems is listed as a required qualification.
How many years of experience do I need?
Candidates need at least 8 years of professional experience in relevant areas, including at least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in similar project manager roles.
Can I apply with only a bachelor's degree?
Yes, if it is combined with additional years of related work experience and/or training or courses. The standard requirement is an Advanced University degree in Economics, International Development, Social Sciences or another relevant field.
What language skills are required?
Fluency (level C) in English is required. No other language is listed as a requirement.
Is experience in Asia required?
It is not mandatory, but experience working in the Asia and the Pacific region is preferred, and experience with UN agencies, NGOs and government organizations in Laos PDR and Southeast Asia is an advantage.
What documents do I need to submit?
At the application stage, only your CV and Cover Letter are required. Other documents such as your passport, certificates or recommendation letters may be requested later in the process.
Can I send my application by email?
No. Applications must be submitted exclusively through WFP's online recruiting system. CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn or any other channel are not considered.
Does WFP charge any fee during recruitment?
No. The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the recruitment process.
What time does the application window close?
Applications close on 10 November 2026 at 23:59 Indochina Time (GMT+07:00, Vientiane).
Deadline
⏳ 10 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply on WFP's recruiting system: https://wd3.myworkdaysite.com/recruiting/wfp/job_openings/job/Vientiane-Laos-The-Peoples-Dem-Re/Emergency-Preparedness-and-Response-Project-Manager---CST-Level-2_JR127843
🌐 WFP website: https://www.wfp.org
♿ Reasonable accommodation requests: global.inclusion@wfp.org
🛠️ Technical issues with an application: global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org
