Intern – Project and Engineering Support

Description

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.

II. CORPORATE BACKGROUND

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

UNDP is working to strengthen new frameworks for development, disaster risk reduction and climate change. We support countries' efforts to achieve the new Sustainable Development Goals, which will guide global development priorities through 2030. The key 2030 Agenda principle of leaving no one behind and stamping out inequality is at the core of everything we do. 

UNDP focuses on helping countries build and share solutions in three main areas:

• Sustainable development
• Democratic governance and peacebuilding
• Climate and disaster resilience

In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women, minorities and the poorest and most vulnerable.

III. INTERNSHIP OFFICE BACKGROUND: 

The intern will support the Natural Resources Management, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Reduction (NRM, CC & DRR) Unit in UNDP Lao PDR. This internship aligns with the implementation of the UNDP Lao PDR Country Programme Document (CPD) 2026–2030, which prioritizes strengthening resilience to climate change and disasters, promoting sustainable resource management, and advancing inclusive development.

The intern will play a key role in supporting the strategic needs and communication activities of the “Strengthening Disaster Response through the Establishment of Evacuation Shelter” project (ES project) and other projects. This project focuses on enhancing community resilience by constructing inclusive and operational evacuation shelters in flood-prone areas of Lao PDR. Additionally, the intern will assist with other disaster related initiatives within the unit as required, contributing to the technical aspects in the areas of DRR, promoting project visibility, and enhancing project results.

III. DUTIES: 

The intern will assist in the following duties and responsibilities:

No

Duties and responsibilities

% of time

In this section list the primary responsibilities and tasks of the position.
(Include percentages for each duty.)

1

Technical review and monitoring of ES project:

• Support monitoring of the construction of evacuation shelters and their quality, in collaboration with the national consultancy firm and government counterparts.
• Participate in reviewing construction progress, and quarterly reports, and provide technical inputs.
• Participate in spot checks to identify opportunities and bottlenecks, draft reports, and ensure proper management and organization of photographic documentation.
• Provide technical feedbacks to UNDP project teams and construction companies to improve construction quality.
• Support drafting Operation and Maintenance Plans (both general and site‑specific) for all shelter sites.
• Support the preparation of internal communication materials, including meeting minutes, progress updates, presentations, and briefing notes for internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist other projects as required.

60%

2

Visibility and Communication Support for the DRR initiatives: 

• Support the implementation of the communication plan for the Evacuation Shelter Project.
• Provide support to facilitate effective communication between the Evacuation Shelter Project team and government counterparts to ensure alignment on project objectives, activities, and timely implementation.
• Assist in developing communication materials, including brochures, infographics, videos, evacuation shelter models, and/or presentations, to enhance the visibility of the Evacuation Shelter Project and other assigned projects.
• Assist in drafting content for press releases, social media posts, newsletters, and project updates to promote project activities and achievements.
• Support coordination with stakeholders to collect success stories, testimonials, and visual materials for showcasing project impact.
• Support the development of visually appealing content and promotional materials using graphic design tools (e.g. Canva and Adobe) to enhance communication outputs.
• Provide technical support for multimedia production, including video editing, animation, and graphic design.

40%

IV. REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Enrolled in or recently graduated from a Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in engineering, Architecture, International Relations, International Development Studies, or closely related field. 

IT skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools is required. 
• Experience with web-based management systems, engineering systems, and graphic design software such as Canva and Adobe is an advantage.
• Fluency in English, and knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage. 

Language skills:

• Fluency in English, and knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage. 

Other competencies and attitude:

•  Demonstrates interest and motivation in working for an international organization. 
• Possesses strong analytical skills for gathering, consolidating, and applying data and research.
• Proactive and self-driven individual with a goal-oriented mindset. 
• Communicates effectively, both independently and as part of a team. 
• Excellent organizational skills for managing diverse tasks and responsibilities. 
• Displays sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religious, racial, national, and age diversity. 
• Responsive to feedback and differing points of view. 
• Consistently approaches work with energy, a positive, and constructive attitude. 
• Familiarity with environmental issues, particularly disaster risk reduction, is an advantage. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Experience:

• Prior experience in architectural design is desirable. 
• Experience in digital systems, content creation, or event organization is an asset.

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.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.

We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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.