Intern

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

II. CORPORATE BACKGROUND:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) operates in approximately 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build institutional resilience. In Lao PDR, UNDP has been the leading development partner in the Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) sector since the mid-1990s. Serving as Co-Chair of the UXO Sector Working Group alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United States, UNDP helped establish and continues to support the capacity development of the sector's two key national institutions: the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) and UXO Lao.

Lao PDR remains the world’s most heavily bombed country per capita. Between 1964 and 1973, two million tons of ordnance were dropped across the country, leaving an estimated 80 million unexploded bombs. While overall casualty rates have dropped dramatically over the past years, children continue to represent over 40% to 60% of all victims. UXO contamination heavily reinforces local poverty, affecting 42 of the country's 46 poorest villages. It prevents farmers from safely expanding agriculture, and drives up the cost of infrastructure, industry and tourism projects, trapping many rural communities in poverty.

Addressing this threat is considered so critical to the country's economic future that the Government established Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 18, specifically focused on keeping “Lives safe from Unexploded Ordnance”. “Safe Path Forward III” (SPFIII, 2021–2030) is the Government’s operational, ten-year strategic framework used to achieve SDG 18. The UNDP UXO Programme "Supporting Effectiveness and Efficiency in the UXO Sector" supports the Government’s efforts through strategic partnerships, institutional strengthening, and resource mobilization. This includes strengthening the operational capacity of the National Regulatory Authority for Mine/UXO Action (NRA) and the UXO Lao Programme. UNDP work is aligned with the priorities of the Tenth National Socio-Economic Development Plans (NSEDP 2026-2030), ensuring that UXO land release supports rural development and poverty reduction efforts. UNDP approach encompasses land clearance, risk education, victim assistance, and livelihood support.

Within this context, the Communication and Reporting Intern will support the UXO portfolio team under the Inclusive Growth Unit with monitoring and evaluation, communications, coordination, and knowledge management tasks, gaining practical experience in development programming and donor reporting.

III. INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND:

Guided by the global UNDP Strategic Plan (2022–2025) and UNDP Country Programme for Lao PDR (2022–2026), UNDP in Lao PDR works closely with a broad range of stakeholders to pursue national socio-economic development priorities.

This internship is within the Inclusive Growth Unit, focusing on supporting the UXO portfolio.

The intern will support the achievement of the project’s objectives, contributing to Lao PDR's progress towards its National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and Sustainable Development Goal 18, “Lives Safe from UXO”.

IV. DUTIES:

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

No Duties and responsibilities % of time

In this section list the primary responsibilities and tasks of the position.
(Include percentages for each duty.)

1

Sector Analysis and Project Support

• Support the overall implementation of the activities within the UXO portfolio
• Assist in supporting engagements with government counterparts, donors, and other stakeholders;
• Contribute to preparing concept notes and proposals to tap funding opportunities;
• Support outreach activities and UXO advocacy events; and
• Contribute to knowledge management by collecting, analyzing information related to the UXO sector.

50% 2

Research and Communication Support:

• Draft progress report, briefing notes, policy notes, remarks and other documentation for UXO portfolio;
• Support the project implementation team in carrying our monitoring and evaluation tasks;
• Develop communication materials, such as presentations, data visualizations, case studies, blogs, social medial posts, press release and newsletters to promote UNDP's work; and
• Support the development of knowledge products, including case studies, blogs, newsletters, and advocacy materials, to promote UNDP’s work on UXO sector.

30% 3

Administrative Support:

• Provide administrative support to the team, including logistic, scheduling meetings, note-taking, and maintaining online records and documents, and
• Facilitate outreach activities on policy areas such as human development report launches.

10% 4

Other:

• Support other/ad hoc activities as seen relevant and needed.

10%

IV. REQUIREMENTS AND QALIFICATIONS

Education:

Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

• currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
• currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
• have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a master’s degree or equivalent studies.

Field of study: Relevant fields such as Journalism, Mass Communication, Development Studies, International Development Policy, Business Management or a related field.

IT skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools; experience with web-based management systems is an advantage.

Language skills:

• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English.
• Knowledge of Lao and of other UN languages is an advantage.

Other competencies and attitude:

• Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
• Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
• Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal oriented mind-set;
• Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
• Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

V. INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• UNDP internships are not remunerated. All expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or her/his sponsoring entity;
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
• Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship;
• Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan;
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
• Interns are expected to work full time but flexibility is allowed for education programmes;
• Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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