UN Associate Volunteer

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 empower lives and build resilient nations. In Laos, UNDP plays a crucial role in supporting the government’s efforts to transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, focusing on the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the implementation of the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan 2021-202

• The organization is committed to enhancing the government's capacity to formulate and implement development plans that prioritize equitable growth, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability, with a strong emphasis on achieving the SDGs and LDC graduation.

Job Overview:
The UN Associate Volunteer position is designed for early-career professionals seeking to gain practical experience in the UNDP program cycles and corporate systems. The role is situated within the Programme Support Unit (PSU), which is pivotal in ensuring quality programming across UNDP Lao PDR. The volunteer will engage in various core program support functions, focusing on program planning, monitoring, reporting, management of evaluations, and facilitating knowledge-building initiatives such as internal training sessions and workflow finalization. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the effectiveness of the office while developing essential skills in program management and results-based management.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Programme planning, monitoring and reporting: Support the PSU in collecting and organizing program and project information for planning and monitoring purposes, including workplans. Assist in tracking progress against program and project results frameworks and compiling inputs for internal dashboards and management updates. Contribute to the preparation of results reporting exercises by supporting data collection, verification, and basic analysis. Support coordination with program teams to ensure timely submission of inputs for corporate reporting requirements. Assist in tracking the progress of different compliance dashboards and follow up with relevant colleagues if necessary.
• Support to management of evaluations: Assist in maintaining an overview of planned and ongoing evaluations at project and program levels. Support the preparation and revision of evaluation-related documents, including formatting and reviewing draft terms of reference and background materials. Contribute to administrative and coordination tasks related to evaluation processes, including documentation, scheduling, and follow-up on deliverables. Assist in tracking evaluation recommendations and supporting basic follow-up actions.
• Knowledge building and workflows: Support the organization of internal learning and knowledge-sharing activities, including trainings, briefings, and workshops related to program management and results-based management by helping with logistics, materials preparation, and communication. Assist in documenting and finalizing internal workflows, guidance notes, and standard operating procedures related to program support functions. Contribute to compiling lessons learned, good practices, and knowledge products for internal use.
• General support: Perform other program support tasks as required by the supervisor, in line with the learning objectives of the assignment. All tasks will be carried out in a supporting, learning-oriented role, in close collaboration with PSU and program colleagues.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous learning are essential. The candidate should demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Familiarity with program management concepts and results-based management principles is advantageous, as is a willingness to engage in various program support tasks as needed.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a background in social sciences, international development, public administration, or a related field. A bachelor's degree is typically required, while a master's degree may be preferred for more advanced understanding of development issues and program management.

Experience:
This position is aimed at early-career professionals, so prior experience in program support, monitoring, or evaluation is not mandatory but would be beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the UNDP's operational environment and processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNDP. Knowledge of Lao or other languages spoken in the region would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a volunteer role, which may be part-time or full-time depending on the needs of the PSU and the availability of the candidate. The assignment is designed to provide a learning opportunity, and the UNDP Lao PDR offers support in identifying accommodation and settling in upon arrival. Living conditions in Vientiane are favorable, with access to housing, healthcare, and basic services, making it a suitable environment for international staff and volunteers.