Intern – Programme and Knowledge Management 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.

UNDP Lao PDR:

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP. UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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. Guided by the global UNDP Strategic Plan (2026-2029) and UNDP Country Programme for Lao PDR (CPD, 2022 – 2026 and any other subsequent CPDs) UNDP in Lao PDR works closely with the line Ministries, mass organizations, civil society, development partners, and the private sector at both national and sub-national levels in pursuit of the national socio-economic development priorities defined in Lao PDR’s five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNDP has a long history working in Lao PDR. UNDP’s comparative advantage has been its ability to work closely with a very broad range of government and local-level institutions at all levels. The new CPD 2022- 2026 builds on the achievements of the previous CPD that saw the incorporation of the SDGs into the national planning architecture. The UNDP’s work is strongly focused on the provision of policy advice and technical support to the Government of Lao PDR in the design and implementation of national legislation and strategies across three broad priority pillars – (1) inclusive growth and reduced inequalities, including UXO clearance and risk education, (2) natural resources, climate change and disaster risk reduction, and (3) effective, responsive, and accountable governance (Lao CPD|UNDP).

UNDP, in close partnership with key government ministries, institutions, and other stakeholders, has been implementing a diverse array of development projects and interventions across various interconnected sectors. These sectors include natural resources, forestry, biodiversity, water, energy, social issues, economics, finance, poverty alleviation, governance, the rule of law, access to justice, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Natural Resources Management, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (NRM, CC, & DRR) Unit:

Lao PDR is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly those of floods and droughts. Since the 1960s, the country has experienced an increase in the frequency and severity of these events, resulting in increased impacts on and risks to vulnerable communities in the Lao PDR. These impacts include, for example, damage to crops, thereby decreasing food and financial security. The severity of climate change impacts is further compounded by non-climate change-related factors such as increasing urbanization, ecosystem degradation, and deforestation. UNDP focuses on the provision of technical and policy support to the Government of Lao PDR to strengthen sustainable management of natural resources, including land, water, and biodiversity, and increase resilience to climate change-related risks.

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 programming efforts, project oversight, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities of the projects under NRM, CC and DRR Unit. The intern works under the supervision of Programme Support Analyst, providing support for the above mentioned areas and other tasks that the Unit works on, as required, contributing to the technical aspects in the areas of environment to enhance project results and quality.

III. DUTIES: 

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

The incumbent supports other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

IV. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Enrolled in or recently graduated from a bachelor’s, or master’s degree in Climate Change, Environment Science, Business Administration, International Relations, Development Studies, or closely related field. 

IT skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Tools is required. 
• 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 supporting programming work, project oversight, and/or M&E is an asset. 
• 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.