Knowledge Management and Communications Asistant

Host entity: UN-HABITAT LAO

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Community development, Engineering, construction

Application deadline: 20/10/2026

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the agency for human settlements mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. UN-HABITAT helps governments and the urban poor by transforming cities into safer, healthier, greener places with better opportunities where everyone can live in with dignity. It works with organizations at every level, including all spheres of government, civil society and the private sector to help build, manage, plan and finance sustainable urban development.

In Lao PDR, the UN-Habitat country office was opened in 2005, and now operates as a regional hub for water and sanitation programmes in the Mekong sub-region in South-East Asia. The office works in close collaboration with several different Ministries on various urban topics and community-based initiatives in urban and peri-urban areas throughout Lao PDR.

Assignment context

The UNV is going to play an important role in activating UN-Habitat’s knowledge, with the ambition of further growing its portfolio in urban development and climate change.

UN-Habitat Lao PDR will provide the successful volunteer with an opportunity to gain practical experience in knowledge management, data management, communication and advocacy.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office, UN-Habitat Lao PDR, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Assist in organizing, creating, using and sharing the knowledge to achieve the projects’ objectives as well as to support data-driven decision making of the team.
• Assist in fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and collaborative workflow among the team members.
• Assist in introducing the new technology and/or methodology for the team to improve its knowledge management system and to increase productivity.
• Assist with communication and data management, establishing connections between county-level and regional partners and internal colleagues, etc.
• Assist with the management of outreach activities by maintaining and updating the communication materials such as the contents of the websites, SNS, and presentations.
• Undertake other assignments required by the supervisor.

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 (up to two years) in:
• Managing information and knowledge.
• Activating knowledge by developing knowledge products and/or communication materials such as PowerPoint presentation, web articles, social media contents, promotion videos, etc.
• Supporting events preparation including meetings and workshops.
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Skills in:
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, SharePoint)
• Digital communication platforms (e.g. WordPress, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)
• Graphic design tools (e.g. Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Canva)
• Video editing tools.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools

Competencies and values

Adaptability and Flexibility
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Creativity
Integrity
Planning and Organizing
Professionalism
Self-Management
Working in Teams

Living conditions

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 rare. However, single females should exert vigilance 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.
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.

Houses or apartments are usually of good standards. All basic commodities can be bought in Vientiane and its immediate vicinity.


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.