UNV - United Nations Volunteers · Lao PDR
UNFPA is seeking Community UN Volunteers to support youth mobilization and community engagement activities in Lao PDR. The volunteers will work with young people and local partners to organize inclusive activities focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and disability inclusion. They will facilitate community awareness sessions, youth dialogues, and other interactive activities while ensuring the meaningful participation of diverse youth groups. This initiative aims to empower young people and strengthen their involvement in important campaigns and observances.
Candidate Requirements:
Strong communication skills
Experience in community engagement
Ability to mobilize youth and community members
Understanding of sexual and reproductive health and rights
Commitment to inclusivity and diversity
Ability to document and report activities
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.
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 and relevant partners, volunteers will:
• Facilitate community awareness sessions, youth dialogues, and other interactive activities.
• Ensure the meaningful participation of diverse youth groups.
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.