Assignment Title: National Communications Expert
Country: Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Host Entity: UNFPA
Volunteer Category: National UN Volunteer Expert
Type: Onsite
Expected Start Date: 01 September 2025
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of Assignments: 1
Duty Station: Vientiane

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 strategic plan (2022–2026) focuses on three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices.

UNFPA Lao PDR is implementing its 7th Country Programme (CP), focusing on policy advocacy, communication, networking, and partnerships to accelerate delivery on these results.

Task Description

Under the supervision of the Partnership and Communication Expert, the National Communications Expert will:

• Implement the Country Office Advocacy and Communication Strategy.
• Develop and manage communication activities, including events, campaigns, flagship days, and related initiatives.
• Produce communication materials: print, TV, radio, web, media advisories, press releases, social media content, advocacy materials, and factsheets.
• Coordinate media activities for strategic events such as press conferences, report launches, and media visits.
• Collect, document, and publish impact stories for the UNFPA Lao website and social media.
• Advise and support programme teams on communication-related work.
• Monitor and evaluate communication activities, gathering feedback on effectiveness.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government, UN agencies, donors, and media.
• Draft press releases and provide basic Lao translation.
• Maintain and update communication material inventories.
• Support production and distribution of IEC and advocacy materials.
• Provide basic graphic design, social media cards, infographics, and promotional materials.
• Support short video production and editing for social media.
• Document events with photos and digital media outputs.
• Perform other communication tasks as assigned.

Eligibility Criteria

Age: 18–80
Nationality: Must be a national or legal resident of Lao PDR

Experience and Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing communications, journalism, advertising, or related field.

• Experience: At least 7 years of relevant experience. Minimum 5 years of professional work at the national level in journalism, media, or communications. Experience with humanitarian settings and in the UN/international development is an asset.

• Languages: Fluent English (required), native Lao (required).

Competencies and Values:

• Commitment to UNFPA values and guiding principles.
• Achieving results, accountability, and professional expertise.
• Analytical and strategic thinking.
• Teamwork, communication for impact, and respect for diversity.
• Professionalism, integrity, flexibility, and continuous learning.
• Strong drafting, reporting, and editing skills.
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production.
• Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with diverse partners.
• Proficiency in MS Office and digital communication tools.
• Knowledge of communications for development approaches.
• Self-motivated, able to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Interest in SRHR, youth, gender equality, and volunteerism.

Additional Information

• National UN Volunteers are responsible for their own housing and living essentials.
• UN Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
• Selected candidates may be subject to COVID-19 vaccination requirements per UNFPA policy.
• The United Nations does not charge application or recruitment fees.