Mission and objectivesUNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA ethics In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction. Thus, UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and commit to delivering excellence in programme results. UNFPA strategy in Lao PDR UNFPA is starting its 7th Country Programme in Lao PDR. In response to Lao's socio-economic context and, in line with its strategy on modes of engagement in lower-middle-income countries, UNFPA has prioritised upstream work, with a focus on stronger policy-advocacy and communication and networking to mobilise strategic partnerships. At the same time, innovative pilots and new initiatives are being supported to accelerate delivery on the three transformative results in this decade of action.
ContextUNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA's strategic plan (2022-2026), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction. Thus, UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and committed to delivering excellence in programme results. UNFPA Lao PDR is implementing its 7th Country Programme (CP) in Lao PDR. In response to Lao's socio-economic context and, in line with its strategy on modes of engagement in lower-middle-income countries, UNFPA has prioritized upstream work, with a focus on stronger policy-advocacy and communication and networking to mobilize strategic partnerships. At the same time, innovative pilots and new initiatives are being supported to accelerate delivery on the three transformative results in this decade of action. UNFPA Lao PDR CP 7 2022- 2026 builds on the successes of CP6 and aims to accelerate progress of Lao PDR towards its ICPD25 commitments and the SDGs through strong integration of ICPD with National and sectoral plans. The office has initiated innovative approaches to engage with youth and has diversified partnerships to maximize impact in the decade of action for delivering on the SDGs. The National Partnerships expert will support implementing the Country Officeโs Partnership Strategy, by analyzing relevant political, social and economic developments and opportunities. The Partnerships expert will support the effective implementation and resourcing of the UNFPA Country Programme to meet ICPD25 commitments; and will help identify, establish and monitor partnerships for the country office.
Task DescriptionWithin the delegated authority and under the supervision of Partnership and Communication Expert or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV National Communications expert will: Implement the Country Office Advocacy and Communication Strategy: โ Develop and maintain the implementation of communication activities, highlighting events, campaigns and issues on UNFPA key flagship days and other related events. โ Assist the development of all methods of communication โ print, TV, radio, web, photo, media advisory, press releases, social media updates, advocacy materials/packages and factsheets on UNFPA work and mandate area in Lao PDR. โ Support the coordination of media activities around events with a strategic impact, such as press conferences, report launches, media breakfasts and media visits to project sites. โ Collect, document and use information and stories to showcase the impact of UNFPA work and support the update of the UNFPA Lao website and social media. โ Provide technical advice and support other communications-related tasks. โ Provide advice and support to programme teams on communication aspects of their work. This will involve working with the units (and other members of the communication team) to develop communication materials, events and outreach programmes. โ Monitor the implementation of communication activities and, to the extent possible within the resources available, gather feedback on their impact and effectiveness. โ Establish and maintain good relations with the Government, UN agencies, donor counterparts and (inter)national media to enhance cooperation. โ Draft press releases based on the information given by program teams. โ Provide basic Lao translation to communications materials, coordinate with online UNV and professional translator for long documents. โ Maintain and update the communication materials inventory list. โ Actively reach out to and coordinate with program teams on communications materials production and distribution plan. โ Support basic graphic designs such as social media cards, infographics, IEC and promotional materials. โ Support basic short video shooting and editing for social media. โ Support events and meetings such as taking photos, preparing communications and advocacy material packages, and documenting events in formats for digital media. โ Perform other tasks as assigned by Communications and Partnership Analyst and UNFPA Country Representative.
Competencies and valuesโ Commitment to UNFPA Values and Guiding Principles; โ Achieving results; โ Being accountable; โ Developing and applying professional expertise; โ Thinking analytically and strategically; โ Working in teams/managing ourselves and relationships; โ Communicating for impact. โ Professionalism โ Integrity โ Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; โ Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. โ Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; โ Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; โ Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; โ Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNFPAโs mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values. โ The position requires the ability to manage a high volume of work, meet competing deadlines, and perform effectively in a fast-paced and high-visibility environment. The incumbent is expected to demonstrate strong organizational and time-management skills, maintain accuracy and quality under pressure, and adapt quickly to shifting priorities. The role involves simultaneous coordination of multiple tasks and stakeholders, requiring responsiveness, reliability, and the ability to deliver high-quality outputs within tight timelines. โ Flexible working arrangements may be applied in accordance with existing UN and UNV policies, host agency needs and agreement with supervisor.
Living conditions and remarksAs this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. The position will be based in the capital, Vientiane. Living conditions in Vientiane are comfortable but residents must make concessions due to the tropical climate and under-developed infrastructure, including health facilities. Vientiane is a relatively safe place to live in, with violent crime incidents very rare. However, single females should be vigilant if moving alone during the dark and it is best advised to move in groups. The biggest hazards relate to traffic accidents; hence utmost care should be exerted when in traffic, especially when riding a motorbike. Volunteers must have a motorbike licence to ride a motorbike in Lao PDR. The Vientiane entertainment scene is still quiet and to avoid feeling lonely, the person should be proactive in forming friendships and hence should be ready to make the best of e.g. the UNV Buddy Programme. There is a wide range of housing options in Vientiane located within easy reach of the UNDP office. Houses or apartments are usually of good standards. All basic commodities can be bought in Vientiane and its immediate vicinity. The UNV Office in Laos will assist the UNV in finding adequate accommodation. House shares with 3-4 people are most common, but single apartments are also available. Vientianeโs city centre is full of restaurants, shops, bars, and internet cafes with many lined up along the Mekong River. Laos is a former French colony but is looking towards modernism despite its huge historical and cultural legacy. Surrounded by China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, Laos has established a business-friendly environment over the years. It thus attracts foreign investment and provides many professional opportunities to expatriates. Lao people are friendly and show tolerance and an open-minded approach to visitors in their country, but their culture and values should always be respected. Lao is a unique and mysterious country. It provides an interesting and enriching environment but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as some commitment to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and will to adapt are necessary to live in a lovely yet developing country. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.โ Specific Assignment Entitlements: - Entry lump sum: USD 400 (one off payment) - Relocation travel costs: USD 200 at the beginning and USD 200 at the end of the assignment if the place of recruitment is different from that of the duty station - Volunteer living allowance: USD 816.33/ month - Expertise differential: USD 326.53/ month - Learning: Access to UNVโs learning and career development resources - Annual leave: 2.5 days per month (see UN Volunteer Conditions of Service for more information) - Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health, life and malicious acts for the UN Volunteer and health insurance coverage for up to 3 eligible dependents (see UN Volunteer Conditions of Service for more details on eligibility criteria) - Exit allowance: USD 68.03 for each month served, paid on completion of contract.