Intern

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:

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.