Communications Assistant

The UN University Volunteer will be working at the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme Field Unit, based in the UN House, Lane Xang Avenue, Vientiane. He / She will work under the supervision of the UNV Country Coordinator, Lao PDR. He / She will also work in close collaboration with the United Nations Communications Group (UNCG) members based in Vientiane and the UNV Regional Office for the Asia Pacific (ROAP) based in Bangkok. 

Under the direct supervision of the UNV Country Coordinator, the UN University Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Support the promotion of volunteerism values and outreach activities • Support the implementation of 2024 Communications Strategy including being a communications focal point for the Field Unit; regularly updating content in the social media pages of the Field Unit, and responding to corporate requirements; • Contribute to the promotion of volunteerism values and UNV program in international days, events, workshops and expos by coordinating with partners, organize partner meetings, taking meeting minutes and other relevant tasks as required;

2. Contribution to the mobilization of volunteers • Assist in the coordination with UN agencies in identifying opportunities for mobilizing volunteers;  • Assist in the recruitment, pre-departure and onboarding processes of volunteers including coordinating recruitment selection, and preparing recruitment report; • Assist in the Field Unit outreach activities including both online and in-person and co-ordinate with Regional Office’s Talent and Acquisition Officer.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

☐ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☐ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☐ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☐ Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☐ Integrity ☐ Judgement and Decision-making ☐ Knowledge Sharing ☐ Leadership ☐ Managing Performance ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☐ Technological Awareness ☐ Vision ☒ Working in Teams

or demonstrated interest and/or experience in communications, youth engagement, coordination, event organization, volunteering, business administration, human resource development/management • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;

Living conditions in Vientiane are relatively good and comfortable but residents must make concessions due to the tropical climate and underdeveloped infrastructure, especially health facilities. The UN Clinic provides health services for all staff and dependents but for some specialized treatments it is necessary to seek health care outside Laos.

Most commodities may be purchased in Vientiane. 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. Bag snatching and traffic accidents are number one hazards in the capital.

There is a wide range of housing options in Vientiane located within easy reach of the UN House (where UNV offices are located). Houses or apartments are usually of good standards. All basic commodities can be bought in Vientiane and its immediate vicinity. House shares with 3-4 people are most common but single apartments are also available. 

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