Programme Support Assistant (National Intern)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and communities to address the most pressing challenges of our time. The organization is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission. UNDP emphasizes a 'leave no one behind' approach, particularly focusing on increasing representation from underserved populations. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation, harassment, and discrimination, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for all employees. UNDP's work is guided by its Strategic Plan (2022-2025) and the Country Programme for Lao PDR (2022-2026), which aims to support the national socio-economic development priorities defined in the National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Programme Support Assistant (National Intern) position is designed for individuals who are currently pursuing or have recently completed a degree in fields such as public policy, management, international relations/development, or social sciences. The intern will play a crucial role in supporting the Programme Support Unit within the UNDP Lao PDR Country Office. This unit is responsible for ensuring the quality of programming by providing oversight and guidance on project design, implementation, safeguards, and risk management. The intern will assist in various tasks related to evaluation management, data cleaning initiatives, and logistical arrangements for events during the planning and reporting period. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in an international organization while contributing to the UNDP's mission of promoting sustainable development and improving the lives of vulnerable communities in Lao PDR.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the planning and implementation of project and programme evaluations, including organizing and maintaining evaluation-related documents such as Terms of Reference (TORs) and reports. Coordinate with UNDP colleagues to ensure evaluations are conducted smoothly and on schedule. Perform data cleaning, transformation, and analysis using Excel functions such as Pivot Tables for summarizing datasets, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP for cross-referencing data, and IF statements and conditional formulas for logic-based analysis. Generate charts, tables, and dashboards to support programme monitoring and decision-making. (50% of time)
• Assist in logistical arrangements for evaluations, consultations, and training events involving government counterparts and UNDP colleagues during the planning and reporting period, specifically in Q4 2025 and Q1 202
• (50% of time)

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements: currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a master’s degree or equivalent studies. Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools is essential, and experience with web-based management systems is considered an advantage. Knowledge of other UN languages is also beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest and motivation to work in an international organization, possess good analytical skills for gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation, and be outgoing and initiative-taking with a goal-oriented mindset. Effective communication skills, both in teams and independently, are crucial, as well as the ability to organize and structure various tasks and responsibilities. Candidates should display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability, respond positively to feedback and differing points of view, and consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes being in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree, currently enrolled in a Master’s degree, or having graduated no longer than one year ago from a master’s degree or equivalent studies. The preferred fields of study include public policy, management, international relations/development, social science, or other related fields. Candidates should also possess proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, and experience with web-based management systems is an advantage.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position is relatively minimal, as it is designed for interns who are either in their final year of study or have recently graduated. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in the field of international development and possess the necessary skills to support the Programme Support Unit effectively. Previous experience in similar roles or internships is beneficial but not mandatory.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is working proficiency in English. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an advantage, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the international organization.

Additional Notes:
UNDP internships are not remunerated, meaning that all expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or their sponsoring entity. UNDP does not accept responsibility for costs arising from accidents, 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. Additionally, interns are not eligible to apply for or be appointed to any post in UNDP during the internship period. Proof of enrolment in a health insurance plan is required, and interns are not considered staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity. Interns are expected to work full-time, although flexibility is allowed for educational programs. They must secure financing for subsistence and make their own arrangements for internship-related expenses, including travel, visa, and accommodation.