Intern – Project and Engineering Support

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: 

The intern will support the Natural Resources Management, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Reduction (NRM, CC & DRR) Unit in UNDP Lao PDR. This internship aligns with the implementation of the UNDP Lao PDR Country Programme Document (CPD) 2026–2030, which prioritizes strengthening resilience to climate change and disasters, promoting sustainable resource management, and advancing inclusive development.

The intern will play a key role in supporting the strategic needs and communication activities of the “Strengthening Disaster Response through the Establishment of Evacuation Shelter” project (ES project) and other projects. This project focuses on enhancing community resilience by constructing inclusive and operational evacuation shelters in flood-prone areas of Lao PDR. Additionally, the intern will assist with other disaster related initiatives within the unit as required, contributing to the technical aspects in the areas of DRR, promoting project visibility, and enhancing project results.

III. DUTIES: 

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

IV. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Enrolled in or recently graduated from a Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in engineering, Architecture, International Relations, International Development Studies, or closely related field. 

IT skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools is required. 
• Experience with web-based management systems, engineering systems, and graphic design software such as Canva and Adobe is an advantage.
• Fluency in English, and knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage. 

Language skills:

• Fluency in English, and knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage. 

Other competencies and attitude:

•  Demonstrates interest and motivation in working for an international organization. 
• Possesses strong analytical skills for gathering, consolidating, and applying data and research.
• Proactive and self-driven individual with a goal-oriented mindset. 
• Communicates effectively, both independently and as part of a team. 
• Excellent organizational skills for managing diverse tasks and responsibilities. 
• Displays sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religious, racial, national, and age diversity. 
• Responsive to feedback and differing points of view. 
• Consistently approaches work with energy, a positive, and constructive attitude. 
• Familiarity with environmental issues, particularly disaster risk reduction, is an advantage. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Experience:

• Prior experience in architectural design is desirable. 
• Experience in digital systems, content creation, or event organization is an asset.

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.