Mission and objectives

Breaking the cycle of poverty in Lao PDR and graduating from the Least Developed Country (LDC) Status represents the heart of the Government’s development aspirations. UNDP has a key role in assisting the country with a smooth transition to non-LDC status, as well as the complex process to strategically raise needed funds for programs that benefit poor people. UNDP Lao PDR works toward localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), implementation of the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan 2021-2025 and, more broadly, Lao PDR’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status. UNDP supports to strengthen the Government’s capacity at central and local levels in ensuring the formulation and implementation of their development plan encompassing all key aspects, such as equitable growth, poverty reduction and environmental sustainability, with special attention given to achieving the SDGs. UNDP offers ground-breaking research on human development in Lao PDR through supporting the preparation of National Human Development Reports which advocate for policies placing people at the centre of the development process towards inclusive and sustainable growth and the achievement of the SDGs as well as LDC graduation.

Context

The Programme Support Unit (PSU) plays a central role in ensuring quality programming across UNDP Lao PDR. The unit supports programme planning, monitoring, reporting, evaluations, and knowledge management to ensure compliance with UNDP policies and procedures and to strengthen results-based management across the Country Office. The UN Associate Volunteer will support PSU in core programme support functions, with a particular focus on programme planning, monitoring and reporting, management of evaluations, and facilitation of knowledge building initiatives such as internal trainings and finalisation of workflows. The assignment is designed as a learning opportunity for an early-career professional to gain hands-on exposure to UNDP programme cycles and corporate systems while contributing to office-wide effectiveness.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme Support Unit (PSU), and working closely with programme and project teams, the UN Associate Volunteer will undertake the following tasks in a supporting and learning capacity: 1. Programme planning, monitoring and reporting • Support the PSU in collecting and organising programme and project information for planning and monitoring purposes, including workplans. • Assist in tracking progress against programme and project results frameworks and compiling inputs for internal dashboards and management updates. • Contribute to the preparation of results reporting exercises (e.g. annual and periodic results reports) by supporting data collection, verification, and basic analysis. • Support coordination with programme 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. 2. Support to management of evaluations • Assist in maintaining an overview of planned and ongoing evaluations at project and programme level. • 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. 3. Knowledge building and workflows • Support the organisation of internal learning and knowledge-sharing activities, including trainings, briefings, and workshops related to programme management and results-based management by helping with logistics, materials preparation, and communication. • Assist in documenting and finalising internal workflows, guidance notes, and standard operating procedures related to programme support functions. • Contribute to compiling lessons learned, good practices, and knowledge products for internal use. 4. General support • Perform other programme 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 programme colleagues.)

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Client Orientation • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

Vientiane is the capital city of Lao PDR and a family duty station with relatively good access to housing, healthcare, and basic services. The city offers a low cost of living compared to many regional capitals and a safe and welcoming environment for international staff and vol-unteers. UNDP Lao PDR provides support in identifying accommodation and settling in upon arrival.