Programme Support Assistant (National Intern)

Background
  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
  UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.  

Guided by the global UNDP Strategic Plan (2022 – 2025) and UNDP Country Programme for Lao PDR (2022 – 2026), UNDP in Lao PDR works closely with the line ministries, mass organizations, civil society, development partners, and the private sector at both national and sub-national levels in pursuit of the national socio-economic development priorities defined in Lao PDR’s five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

In the context of post-COVID recovery and ongoing global challenges, the country is grappling with persistent economic and financial difficulties. Despite signs of recovery, Lao PDR continues to face significant macroeconomic stress with inflation remaining above 20% in 2024. The UNDP’s work is strongly focused on the provision of policy advice and technical support to the Government of Lao PDR in the design and implementation of national legislation and strategies across four broad Priority Pillars – (1) inclusive growth and reduced inequalities, (2) UXO clearance and risk education, (3) natural resources, climate change and disaster risk reduction, as well as (4) effective, responsive, and accountable governance. 

UNDP Laos is reaching the penultimate year of the current Country Programme cycle (2022 - 2026) and one of the strategic priorities for 2025 and 2026 is to draw lessons learnt from the current phase and to conduct context scanning in order to design a well-informed and evidence-based Country Programme in the next cycle (2027 - 2031). 

Visit our website to learn more about the portfolios: https://www.undp.org/laopdr.

III. INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND: 

Function Context:

The Programme Support Unit within the UNDP Lao PDR Country Office plays a critical role in supporting programmatic units by providing oversight to ensure the quality of programming. This includes guidance on project design, implementation, safeguards, and risk management. The unit also leads the development of systems that facilitate effective project design and implementation, while capturing lessons learned and promoting knowledge transfer to key positions within the office. Additionally, the unit manages evaluations of the Country Office to ensure their independence and relevance, with the goal of continuously enhancing programme quality and reaching the most vulnerable communities in Lao PDR.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Programme Support Unit, the Programme Support Assistant (National Intern) will support the unit in carrying out tasks related to evaluation management, data cleaning initiatives, and logistical arrangements for events during the planning and reporting period. Moreover, the Intern will also have the opportunity to work in the Environment Unit and contributes to the proposal development and related tasks.  Duties and Responsibilities No Duties and responsibilities % of time 1

• Support the planning and implementation of project and programme evaluations, such as organising and maintaining evaluation-related documents, including TORs and reports,
• Support the coordination with UNDP colleagues to ensure evaluations are conducted smoothly and on schedule,
• Provide support in performing data cleaning, transformation, and analysis using Excel functions such as:
  • Pivot Tables for summarizing datasets
  • VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP for cross-referencing data
  • IF statements and conditional formulas for logic-based analysis
  • Support in generating charts, tables, and dashboards to support programme monitoring and decision-making. 50% 2
    • Support logistical arrangements for evaluations, consultations, and training events involving government counterparts and UNDP colleagues during the planning and reporting period (Q4 2025 and Q1 2026). 50%

      IV. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

      Education: 

      Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements:

      • currently in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree; or
      • currently enrolled in a Master’s degree; or
      • have graduated no longer than 1 year ago from a master’s degree or equivalent studies.

        Field of study: public policy, management, international relations/development, social science or other related field

        IT skills:

        • Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools; experience with web-based management systems is an advantage.
        • Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

          Language skills:

          • Working proficiency in English; 

            Other competencies and attitude:

            • Interest and motivation in working in an international organization;
            • Good analytical skills in gathering and consolidating data and research for practical implementation;
            • Outgoing and initiative-taking person with a goal oriented mind-set;
            • Communicates effectively when working in teams and independently;
            • Good in organizing and structuring various tasks and responsibilities; 
            • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
            • Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view;
            • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

              V. INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

              • UNDP internships are not remunerated. All expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern or her/his sponsoring entity;
              • UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
              • Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
              • Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship;
              • Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan;
              • Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
              • Interns are expected to work full time but flexibility is allowed for education programmes;
              • Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.   Non-discrimination
                UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.     UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.    Scam warning   The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.