UNV Jobs - 45919- Communication Support Intern

Communication Support Intern - (For International Only)

Advertised on behalf of

UNV

Location :

Vientiane, LAO PDR

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

01-Jun-2014

Application Deadline :

21-May-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

3-6 Months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

3-6 Months

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.

Background

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide.

Volunteerism is a powerful means of engaging people in tackling development challenges, and it can transform the pace and nature of development. Volunteerism benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer by strengthening trust, solidarity and reciprocity among citizens, and by purposefully creating opportunities for participation.

UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for recognition of volunteers, working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing an increasing number and diversity of volunteers, including experienced UN Volunteers, throughout the world. UNV embraces volunteerism as universal and inclusive, and recognizes volunteerism in its diversity as well as the values that sustain it: free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity.

With the headquarters based in Bonn, Germany, UNV is active in around 130 countries every year. UNV, with Field Units in 86 countries, is represented worldwide through the offices of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and reports to the UNDP Executive Board. UN Volunteers is a programme administered by UNDP.

The Un Volunteers Field Unit in Lao PDR is in the UN House where many other UN agencies are based.

The intern will contribute to the UNV FU advocacy strategy for recognition of volunteers and volunteerism and to raise the profile of UN Volunteers among stakeholders including government partners.

Justification

The intern will assist the UN Volunteers in the Lao PDR Field Unit Office in their day-to-day activities under the 2014 work plan. The main area of work will be within information and communication, and particularly, researching, collecting, editing and distributing English-based materials, articles and publications for the office as part of the advocacy strategy. The intern will be based at the UN Volunteers Lao PDR Field Unit Office in Vientiane together with the Programme Assistant and Programme Officer, and will report to the Programme Officer. In addition, the intern will work closely with different stakeholders including other UN agencies and volunteer organisations on all the initiatives and activities relevant to information and communication in Lao and English. The intern will be immersed in a dynamic cross-cultural learning environment and have the opportunity to gain significant skills for his/her own professional and personal growth.

Objectives of the internship

The main objectives of this internship are:

To enhance the intern’s understanding of the UN system, development work and the UN Volunteers programme;
To enhance the intern’s professional knowledge and skills through supervised and guided practical hands-on experience and involvement in the advocacy strategy of the UN Volunteer Field Unit in Lao PDR;
To expose the intern to the international working environment of a multilateral organization.

Duties and Responsibilities

UN Volunteers Field Unit in Laos is providing internship opportunities to support mainly communication tasks and research as part of the advocacy strategy in Lao PDR. The specific duties and responsibilities of the intern will include, but may not be limited to:

Liaise with the Department of Social Work and Social Development at the Lao National University to agree on an MOU for collaboration and take responsibility for implementing and coordinating all activities agreed upon; previously discussed activities include: providing support for their alcohol and substance abuse campaign, arranging for guest speakers to support classes on volunteerism, implementing an internship scheme for students at the university to undertake at the UNV Field Unit, creating voluntary opportunities for students to participate in, sharing information with students about the role of UNV within the UN and the development process, building partnerships with other universities in developing countries to facilitate South-South cooperation;
Discuss further with the Lao National University the possibility of collaborating together to execute a photo exhibition showcasing the work of UN Volunteers and volunteers from partner agencies in Lao PDR;
Collaborate with UNVs partner volunteer agencies to help develop a documentary video about the impact of volunteerism on the development process in Lao PDR;
Provide support to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in compiling their report “The Status of Volunteerism in Lao PDR”, in the form of research, drafting, editing and critical feedback;
Help design and develop promotional materials such as brochures for outreach activities;
Take meeting minutes, draft agendas, prepare presentations;
Assist in other tasks as required.

Living conditions

The position will be based in the capital, Vientiane. Living conditions in Vientiane are comfortable but residents must make concessions due to the tropical climate and under-developed infrastructure, including health facilities.

Vientiane is a relatively safe place to live in, with violent crime incidents very rare. However, single females should exert vigilance if moving alone during the dark and it is best advised to move in groups.

The biggest hazards relate to traffic accidents, hence utmost care should be exerted when in traffic, especially when riding a motorbike.

The Vientiane entertainment scene is still quiet and in order to avoid feeling lonely the person should be proactive in forming friendships, and hence should be ready to make the best of e.g. the UNV Buddy Programme.

There is a wide range of housing options in Vientiane located within easy reach of the UN Volunteers office. Houses or apartments are usually of good standards. All basic commodities can be bought in Vientiane and its immediate vicinity. The UNV Office in Laos will assist the UNV intern in finding adequate accommodation. House shares with 3-4 people are most common but single apartments are also available.

Vientiane’s city centre is full of restaurants, shops, bars and internet cafes all line up along the Mekong river.

Conditions of the internship

The Intern is not paid by UNV,

All costs such as living expenses, travel, housing, and any other costs related to the internship must be borne by the intern unless provided for by a sponsoring institution.

UN Volunteers Field Unit in Lao PDR will not cover any costs except for activities related to the implementation of projects to which the intern is assigned. UN Volunteers will assist the selected candidate in obtaining a visa, but does not provide financial support of any kind to the intern. The intern is expected to make his/her own arrangements for travel, lodging and living expenses during the internship period in agreement with UNDP internship guidelines.

Competencies

An interest in civil society and volunteerism;
Knowledge and understanding of developing countries: familiarity with the region an advantage;
Excellent communication skills, especially writing and editing in English (mother tongue or equivalent);
Ability to design visual communication outputs for print and online material;
Proficient computer skills;
Creativity, flexibility, and ability to work within deadlines;
Demonstrated ability to work in a team and strong inter-personal skills;
Excellent research and analytical skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Currently pursuing a Master degree in such disciplines as community leadership and civic engagement, governance, communications, development studies, international relations, or other related fields

Application:

To apply please submit the following documents:

Cover letter of max. one page stating motivation for the application and expectations;
Curriculum Vitae;
UNDP internship application form only for shortlisted candidates (to be provided by UNV).

In addition, the selected candidate will be requested to submit the following documentation:

proof of valid medical and life/accident insurance while s/he will be working in UNDP Laos with UN Volunteers as an intern (provided by intern);
a letter from his/her university confirming current enrollment and graduation date;
a copy of his/her school transcript;
acceptance of the internship, conditions and length in writing.

Position information:

Agency: UN Volunteers programme (administered by UNDP)
No. of Openings: 1
Days/Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Duration: 3-6 months
Wage/Salary: Unpaid
Start Date: 06/2014
Duty Station: Vientiane, Lao PDR
Post Title: Communications Support Intern.