I. Identification of the post

Title:                                             Intern

Sector of assignment:                  Various (e.g., Governance, Environment, Poverty Reduction, Inclusive Growth/poverty reduction etc.)

Organizational unit:                     UNDP Lao PDR

Country and Duty Station:           Lao PDR, Vientiane Capital (or remote)

Internship duration:                     six weeks and a maximum of six months

Supervisor’s title:                        Team Leader, Project Manager/Coordinator, Chief Technical Specialist etc.

II. CORPORATE BACKGROUND:

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change. We support countries’ efforts to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals, which will guide global development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind and stamping out inequality is at the core of everything we do.

UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas:

• Sustainable development
• Democratic governance and peacebuilding
• Climate and disaster resilience

In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.

III. INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND: 

Interns will support various units within UNDP Lao PDR, contributing to the implementation of the Country Programme Document (CPD) 2022-2026. This includes areas such as governance, environment, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth. Interns will work closely with UNDP staff, government officials, and other stakeholders to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Lao PDR.

III. DUTIES: 

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

IV. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

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 Governance, International Relations, Public Policy, Social Science, Environmental Studies, Business Administration, Communication, or equivalent.

IT skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools; experience with web-based management systems is an advantage.
• Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

Language skills:

• Fluency in English; knowledge of Lao 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.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

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