Mission and objectives

UNV is the UN organization that supports sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteerism, including the mobilization of volunteers. UNV serves the caus-es of peace and development by enhancing opportunities for participation by all peoples. UNV is universal, inclusive and embraces volunteer action in all its diversity. UNV values free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity, which are the foundations of volunteerism.

Context

The Communications Associate will be working at the UNV programme Field Unit, based in the UN House, Lane Xang Avenue, Vientiane. He/She will work under the supervision of the UNV Country Coordinator and will support the Client Engagement Assistant. He/She will also work in collaboration with the United Nations Communications Group (UNCG) members based in Vientiane and the UNV Regional Office for the Asia Pacific (ROAP) based in Bangkok.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the UNV Country Coordinator, the UN Volunteer will work closely with The Client Engagement Assistant to undertake the following tasks: 1. Support Content Creation and Storytelling • Draft “Impact Stories”: Interview UN Volunteers and write compelling articles or blog posts about their volunteer experience • Multimedia Production: Capture high-quality photos and short videos of volunteers in action for use on social media and global UNV platforms • Success Stories: Document “best practices” to show how volunteering contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2. Digital Media Management • Manage the Field Unit’s (FU) Facebook by creating engaging posts and responding to inquiries • Keep Facebook page updated with news, vacancy announcements and event high-lights 3. Advocacy and Outreach • Support the FU to create info-sheets or promotional materials • Support and coordinate communications related tasks in outreach events 4. Other support • Represent the FU in UN Communications Group • Coordinate with other UN partners on joint events • Other tasks as required

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Commitment and Motivation • Communication • Creativity • Ethics and Values • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Self-Management • Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

Vientiane, the capital city of Lao PDR is a relatively quiet and safe duty station with a low crime rate. It offers a relaxed pace of life. The city has a topical monsoon climate with distinct wet (May to October) and dry (November to April) seasons. Temperatures are generally warm year-round. Accommodation options are widely available and range from basic apartments to modern serviced units. Electricity and water supply are generally reliable in the capital. The cost of living is moderate, with affordable access to fresh food, restaurants, and basic household goods. Imported goods can be expensive. Mobile phone coverage and internet services are available and improving, though quality can vary across providers. Medical facilities in Vientiane are adequate for common conditions, with several private clin-ics and international-standard hospitals. For serious medical conditions, evacuation to Bang-kok or another regional hub may be necessary. Banking services, including ATMs and cur-rency exchange, are readily available, though cash is preferred in some rural areas. Cultural awareness is important: Lao society is conservative and values respect, humility, and social harmony. Dress modestly in professional and public settings. Alcohol consumption is common in social contexts but should be approached with sensitivity, particularly when en-gaging with government and community counterparts. Lao PDR is a unique country and this UN Volunteer assignment offers an enriching and re-warding experience. It requires a high level of cultural sensitivity, personal initiative, and commitment to contributing to sustainable development through migration governance. Flexi-bility and adaptability are essential in navigating a developing country context.