Communications Associate

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.

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.