Communications and Development Coordination Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997, UNODC operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to assist Member States in their efforts to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism. The organization aims to promote justice and the rule of law, and to support sustainable development through effective drug control and crime prevention strategies. UNODC employs thousands of professionals worldwide, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to implement its programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Communications and Development Coordination Intern position is an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in the field of communications within an international organization. This internship is designed to provide support to the UNODC Programme Office in Lao PDR, specifically in Vientiane. The intern will work closely with the inter-agency communications team and the Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The role involves creating visibility materials and implementing a strategic communications plan to enhance the visibility of UNODC's work in Lao PDR. The intern will also be responsible for drafting and editing content for various audiences, monitoring news related to UNODC's thematic areas, and conducting research on best practices for digital outreach. This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about communications and development and are eager to contribute to the mission of the UNODC.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Serving as a focal point for coordinating communications with the inter-agency communications team in Lao PDR;
• Supporting the UNODC Regional Office in creating visibility materials such as web stories, press releases, social media posts, and thematic reports;
• Assisting in the development and implementation of a strategic communications plan to enhance UNODC's visibility;
• Drafting and editing content for newsletters, talking points, and presentations for both internal and external audiences;
• Monitoring and compiling news related to UNODC's key thematic areas for reporting and outreach;
• Conducting research on best practices for digital outreach and recommending strategies to enhance communication effectiveness;
• Providing logistical and administrative support for communications-related events, including participant coordination and documentation.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a high school diploma as a minimum educational requirement. Additionally, candidates must meet one of the following criteria: (a) be enrolled in or have recently completed a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in or have recently completed the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent). Preferred fields of study include Communications, Media Studies, Journalism, Economics, Law, International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Social Science, or related disciplines. Strong communication skills and a proactive approach to tasks are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes either a high school diploma or enrollment in a graduate program or completion of a bachelor’s degree. Candidates should ideally have a background in fields related to communications, media, or social sciences, which will provide them with the necessary skills to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
While prior work experience is not mandatory for this internship, any relevant experience in communications, media, or public relations will be considered an asset. Interns should demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the fast-paced environment of the United Nations, as well as the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is required for this internship, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This internship is a full-time position expected to last for six months, starting in May 202

• It is an in-person role based in Vientiane, Laos, and may involve hybrid work arrangements based on the successful candidate's requests. It is important to note that interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations, and all costs related to travel, visas, accommodation, and living expenses are the responsibility of the interns or their sponsoring institutions. Additionally, interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of Laos may need to obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization prior to starting the internship. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.