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 to improve the lives of people and build resilient nations. The organization focuses on various areas, including democratic governance, peacebuilding, climate change, and sustainable development. UNDP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission. The organization emphasizes a 'leave no one behind' approach, encouraging applications from marginalized and underserved populations. UNDP also maintains a strict policy against sexual exploitation, harassment, and discrimination, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.

Job Overview:
The Programme Support Assistant (National Intern) will play a vital role within the Programme Support Unit of UNDP Lao PDR. This position is designed for individuals who are eager to gain practical experience in the field of international development and support the implementation of UNDP's strategic priorities in Lao PDR. The intern will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Programme Support Unit, assisting in various tasks related to evaluation management, data cleaning initiatives, and logistical arrangements for events. The intern will also have the opportunity to collaborate with the Environment Unit, contributing to proposal development and related tasks. This internship offers a unique chance to engage with UNDP's mission and gain insights into the workings of an international organization while supporting the country's socio-economic development priorities as outlined in the National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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. Provide assistance in data cleaning, transformation, and analysis using Excel functions, including Pivot Tables for summarizing datasets, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP for cross-referencing data, and IF statements 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. The field of study should be in public policy, management, international relations/development, social science, or a related field. Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools is required, and experience with web-based management systems is considered an advantage. Knowledge of other UN languages is also beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation, as well as effective communication skills when working in teams and independently.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or be currently enrolled in a Master’s degree program. Alternatively, candidates who have graduated no longer than one year ago from a master’s degree or equivalent studies are also eligible. The educational background should ideally be in fields such as public policy, management, international relations/development, social science, or other related disciplines. Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools is essential, and familiarity with web-based management systems is a plus. Knowledge of additional UN languages is advantageous.

Experience:
The position is intended for individuals who are either in the final stages of their academic journey or have recently graduated. Therefore, prior professional experience is not strictly required, but candidates should demonstrate a strong interest and motivation to work in an international organization. Relevant internships, volunteer work, or academic projects related to public policy, international development, or social sciences will be beneficial and may enhance a candidate's application.

Languages:
Working proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of UNDP.

Additional Notes:
This internship is unpaid, and all expenses related to the internship will be the responsibility of the intern or their sponsoring entity. UNDP does not cover 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. They are not eligible to apply for or be appointed to any post in UNDP during the internship period. Proof of enrollment in a health insurance plan is required. Interns are expected to work full-time, although flexibility is allowed for educational commitments. They must secure their own financing for subsistence and make arrangements for travel, visa, accommodation, etc. UNDP maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment.