Communications Associate

Host entity: UNV

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Administration, Communication, advocacy, public information, Volunteer management and advocacy

Application deadline: 20/10/2026

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.

Assignment context

The Associate Volunteer will be working at the United Nations Volunteers (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, Lao PDR. 

He/She will also work in close 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 University Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Support Communications, Content Creation and Digital Media
• Support the implementation of the Field Unit’s communications activities and serve as a communications focal point, including maintaining and regularly updating the Field Unit’s social media platforms.
• Develop and disseminate engaging communications content, including news, vacancy announcements, event highlights, articles, impact stories and success stories featuring UN Volunteers and their contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Capture and produce photos, short videos and other multimedia content for use on social media, UNV publications, websites, newsletters and other communication platforms.
• Respond to relevant inquiries and support the Field Unit to meet corporate communications requirements.

2. Support Volunteerism Promotion and Outreach
• Support the promotion of volunteerism values and the UNV programme through international days, events, workshops, expos and other outreach activities.
• Support the development of information sheets, promotional materials and other communication materials to promote volunteerism and UNV opportunities.
• Support and coordinate communication-related activities for outreach events, including coordination with partners, organization of partner meetings, preparation of meeting minutes and other related tasks.
• Support online and in-person outreach activities and promote the use of UNV Online Volunteering among relevant individuals, local groups and organizations, where appropriate.

3. Support Volunteer Mobilization and Recruitment
• Assist in coordinating with UN agencies and partners to identify opportunities for volunteer mobilization.
• Support volunteer recruitment, selection, pre-departure and onboarding processes, including coordination with relevant stakeholders and preparation of recruitment-related documentation and reports.
• Support coordination with the Regional Office’s Talent and Acquisition Officer on outreach and volunteer mobilization activities.

4. Support Partnerships and UN Coordination
• Coordinate with UN agencies, UN partners and other stakeholders on joint events, outreach activities and communications initiatives.
• Represent the Field Unit in relevant UN communications and coordination groups, as required.
• Support the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.

5. Learning, Knowledge and Volunteerism
• Strengthen knowledge and understanding of volunteerism by engaging with relevant UNV and external publications and participating actively in UNV activities and events, including International Volunteer Day.
• Build knowledge of and promote traditional and local forms of volunteerism in Lao PDR.
• Reflect on and contribute to learning activities related to the type and quality of voluntary action undertaken.
• Contribute articles and write-ups on field experiences for UNV publications, websites, newsletters, press releases and other communication channels.
• Perform other tasks as required.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Skills and experience

• Demonstrated interest and/or experience in communications, youth engagement, coordination, event organization, volunteering, business administration, human resource development/management
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;

Competencies and values

Adaptability and Flexibility
Client Orientation
Commitment and Motivation
Communication
Creativity
Judgement and Decision-making
Knowledge Sharing
Planning and Organizing
Respect for Diversity
Self-Management
Technological Awareness
Working in Teams

Living conditions

Living conditions: in Vientiane are relatively good and comfortable but residents must make concessions due to the tropical climate and underdeveloped infrastructure, especially health facilities. The UN Clinic provides health services for all staff and dependents but for some specialized treatments it is necessary to seek health care outside Laos.

Most commodities may be purchased in Vientiane. Vientiane is a relatively safe place to live in, with violent crime incidents very rare. However, single females should exert vigilance if moving alone during the dark and it is best advised to move in groups. Bag snatching and traffic accidents are number one hazards in the capital.

There is a wide range of housing options in Vientiane located within easy reach of the UN House (where UNV offices are located). Houses or apartments are usually of good standards. All basic commodities can be bought in Vientiane and its immediate vicinity. House shares with 3-4 people are most common but single apartments are also available. 

The Vientiane entertainment scene is still quiet and in order 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. Vientiane’s city centre is full of restaurants, shops, bars and internet cafes all line up along the Mekong river. 


Conditions of Service

The Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.