Community Engagement for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Host entity: UNFPA

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Disability, other social inclusion aspects, Community development

Application deadline: 02/11/2026

Mission and objectives

UNFPA 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.

Assignment context

UNFPA is the Un i ted Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, working to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.
In Lao PDR, UNFPA works in partnership with the Government, civil society, young people, communities and development partners to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, the prevention of gender-based violence, youth empowerment, disability inclusion and population and development.
In 2026, UNFPA is also marking 50 years of partnership with Lao PDR, providing an opportunity to recognize progress achieved together while engaging a new generation of young people in advancing human rights, inclusion, health and equality.
During November and December 2026, UNFPA and its partners will organize community engagement and advocacy activities arou n d several important campaigns and international observances, including the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, International Day of Persons with Disabilities and Human Rights Day.

To strengthen youth participation and bring these campaigns closer to communities, UNFPA will engage 20 Community UN Volunteers. The volunteers will work with young people and local partners to organize inclusive and engaging community activities, with particular attention to sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, disability inclusion, human rights and the role of young people in sustainable development.
The initiative is also intended to provide young people from diverse backgrounds with an opportunity to develop practical skills in community engagement, facilitation, communication, teamwork and volunteerism

Task description

Under the overall supervision of the UNFPA Communications and Partnerships team, and in close coordination with UNFPA programme teams and designated local partners, the Community UN Volunteers will support youth mobilization and community engagement activities.

Community and youth mobilization:
•Mobilize young people and community members to participate in activities organized around the 16 Days of Activism, International Day of Persons with Disabilities and Human Rights Day.
• Reach out to youth groups, schools, community organizations, local networks and other groups to encourage participation in campaign activities.
• Encourage the meaningful participation of young people in all their diversity, including young women, young persons with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ young people, young people from ethnic communities and young people living in rural or underserved areas.
• Work with local partners to identify appropriate and inclusive ways of engaging different groups within the community.
• Help create safe and respectful spaces where young people can participate, exchange ideas and express their perspectives.


Awareness and community engagement activities:
With training, guidance and approved materials provided by UNFPA, the volunteers will support the organization and facilitation of activities such as:
• community awareness sessions;
• youth dialogues and group discussions;
• theatre and participatory performances;
• edutainment activities ;
• interactive games and learning activities;
• peer-to-peer discussions;
• community outreach activities;
• information sessions on sexual and reproductive health and rights;
• discussions on gender equality and prevention of gender-based violence;
• activities promoting disability inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities;
• activities promoting human rights, dignity and equality; and
• activities introducing communities to UNFPA's mandate and 50 years of partnership between UNFPA and Lao PDR.

Sexual and reproductive health and rights:
Using information and materials approved by UNFPA and relevant Government partners, volunteers will:
• Promote basic awareness of sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly among adolescents and young people;
• Share information about available youth-friendly services and other relevant services where appropriate;
• Help address myths and misconceptions by sharing verified and approved information;
• Encourage young people to seek accurate information and appropriate professional services when needed;
• Volunteers will not provide medical advice, counselling, clinical services or GBV case management. Where an individual requires specialized support, volunteers will follow the referral information and guidance provided during their training.

Disability inclusion and diversity:
Volunteers will help ensure that activities are accessible and inclusive by:
• identifying barriers that may prevent young persons with disabilities from participating;
• supporting accessible and inclusive activity formats ;
• encourag i ng participation of persons w i th disab i lities in discussions and activities ;
• promoting respectful and non-discriminatory communication;
• ensuring that young people from different backgrounds are able to contribute meaningfully; and
• working with organizations of persons with disabilities and other local partners where relevant.
• Coordination with local partners;
• Volunteers will work closely with designated local counterparts.

Documentation and reporting:
• Keep simple records of activities conducted and participation;
• Collect feedback from young participants and community members;
• Document key issues, questions, ideas and lessons emerging from community discussions;
• Support appropriate documentation of activities through photographs or short stories when requested and when consent and safeguarding requirements are respected;
• Provide a brief end-of-assignment summary of activities, results, challenges and lessons learned;
• Training and support: Prior to deployment, all selected volunteers will receive orientation and practical training from UNFPA and relevant partners;

UNFPA will provide volunteers with the approved information, facilitation and communication materials
required for their activities.

Skills and experience

- Strong motivation to work with young people and communities.
- Interest in volunteerism and community development.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability and willingness to speak with groups and participate in community activities.
- Respect for diversity, equality and human rights.
- Ability to work respectfully with people from different backgrounds.
- Willingness to learn about sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, disability inclusion and human rights.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Reliability and willingness to follow agreed guidance and safeguarding standards.
- Knowledge of the local community and/or local language would be a strong advantage.
- Experience in theatre, performance, facilitation, peer education, youth engagement, sports, arts, social media or other creative forms of communication would be an asset.

Competencies and values

• Commitment to the values of the United Nations and UNFPA;
• Respect for human rights, dignity and diversity;
• Integrity and responsible behavior;
• Teamwork;
• Communication;
• Community orientation;
• Accountability;
• Willingness to learn;
• Respect for confidentiality;
• Commitment to volunteerism.

Living conditions

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

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