Knowledge Management and Communications Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the agency for human settlements mandated by the UN General Assembly. Established to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, its primary goal is to provide adequate shelter for all. UN-Habitat plays a crucial role in transforming cities into safer, healthier, and greener places, ensuring that everyone can live with dignity. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to facilitate sustainable urban development. In Laos, the UN-Habitat country office was opened in 2005 and serves as a regional hub for water and sanitation programs in the Mekong sub-region of Southeast Asia. The office works closely with multiple ministries on urban topics and community-based initiatives in urban and peri-urban areas throughout Laos.

Job Overview:
The Knowledge Management and Communications Assistant position is designed to enhance UN-Habitat's knowledge management capabilities, particularly in the context of urban development and climate change. The successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Office at UN-Habitat Lao PDR. This role offers an opportunity to gain practical experience in knowledge management, data management, communication, and advocacy. The assistant will be instrumental in organizing, creating, and sharing knowledge to achieve project objectives and support data-driven decision-making within the team. The position also involves fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and collaborative workflows among team members, introducing new technologies or methodologies to improve the knowledge management system, and enhancing productivity. Additionally, the assistant will manage outreach activities and maintain communication materials, ensuring effective connections between county-level and regional partners and internal colleagues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Knowledge Management and Communications Assistant include:

• Assisting in organizing, creating, using, and sharing knowledge to achieve project objectives and support data-driven decision-making.
• Fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and collaborative workflows among team members.
• Introducing new technologies and methodologies to improve the knowledge management system and increase productivity.
• Assisting with communication and data management, establishing connections between county-level and regional partners and internal colleagues.
• Managing outreach activities by maintaining and updating communication materials, including website content, social media, and presentations.
• Undertaking other assignments as required by the supervisor.
• Collaborating closely with the supervisor to finalize a work plan that outlines key objectives and activities, including regular check-ins to review progress and receive feedback.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a range of qualifications, including strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, and a commitment to continuous learning. Candidates should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility, creativity, integrity, professionalism, and effective self-management. A proactive approach to forming relationships and engaging with colleagues and partners is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Knowledge Management and Communications Assistant position should possess a relevant educational background, typically a degree in communications, social sciences, urban planning, or a related field. A strong understanding of knowledge management principles and practices, as well as familiarity with urban development issues, is highly desirable.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have some level of experience in knowledge management, communications, or related fields. This could include internships, volunteer work, or previous employment that demonstrates the ability to manage data, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively in a team setting. Experience in the context of urban development or climate change initiatives would be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UN-Habitat. Knowledge of Lao or other regional languages would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, where living conditions are generally comfortable, although residents must adapt to the tropical climate and under-developed infrastructure. The role is a volunteer position under the UNV program, and candidates should be aware of the living conditions, including safety considerations and the need for vigilance, particularly for single females. The position may involve a commitment to forming friendships and engaging with the local community, such as participating in the UNV Buddy Programme. Further details regarding conditions of service, entitlements, and policies governing UN Volunteer assignments can be found on the UNV website.