Launch Your Career with UNICEF: National Social Behaviour Change Intern 2026

Are you passionate about community development, public health advocacy, and driving positive change in diverse cultural settings? UNICEF, one of the world’s most respected child-focused humanitarian organizations, is offering a unique internship opportunity that could be your gateway into international development work.

Launch Your Career with UNICEF: National Social Behaviour Change Intern in Vientiane, Lao PDR (6-Month Internship)

The National Social Behaviour Change (SBC) Intern position in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is now open for applications. This six-month internship places you at the heart of social and behavioural change programming, working to support children’s rights and wellbeing in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic contexts.

What Is the UNICEF National Social Behaviour Change Internship?

This internship is a professional development and learning opportunity designed for students and recent graduates who want to gain hands-on experience in communication, behaviour change programming, and community engagement within a global development setting. Hosted by UNICEF Lao PDR, the role falls under the Communication, Social and Behavior Change category and is based in Vientiane, the country’s capital.

The position provides exposure to UNICEF’s strategic work in areas such as community health, immunization, adolescent development, and social norms change—with a special focus on supporting ethnic communities, especially the Hmong population in Lao PDR.

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Why This Internship Matters

UNICEF operates in more than 190 countries and territories, with a mission to protect the rights of every child, especially those facing disadvantage and marginalization. In Lao PDR, UNICEF collaborates closely with government partners and civil society to ensure that children’s rights—enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child—are realized and translated into measurable improvements in children’s lives.

Social Behaviour Change (SBC) is at the core of many UNICEF initiatives because it focuses on transforming knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours within communities. Whether it’s encouraging vaccine uptake, preventing child marriage, or fostering positive parenting practices, SBC strategies are essential to sustainable health outcomes and resilient communities. This internship offers a rare chance to engage directly with these efforts.

Key Responsibilities

As an SBI Intern, you will work under the guidance of the Social and Behaviour Change Specialist team and support UNICEF’s ongoing efforts to improve community health and wellbeing.

Your daily responsibilities could include:

• Coordinating with local partners: Work with organizations like the Lao Women’s Union, the Lao Front for National Development, and district-level stakeholders to strengthen community outreach and engagement among ethnic populations.
• Drafting communication materials: Create written content in Lao (and translated material into English) such as brochures, articles, and key messages that promote healthy behaviours, positive parenting, and vaccine confidence in culturally appropriate ways.

• Content gathering and collaboration: Liaise with different UNICEF programme sections to collect informational content, stories, and visuals related to adolescent health, community health systems, and inclusive SBC interventions.
• Support outreach efforts: Assist with planning, logistics, and production of materials used in community outreach and engagement activities.
• Team contributions: Take on additional tasks assigned by supervisors to support the broader communications and SBC team.

These responsibilities will allow you to build practical skills in communication strategy, stakeholder coordination, and behaviour-centered outreach—all while contributing to impactful community health programming.

Who Should Apply?

This internship is well-suited for:

• Students currently enrolled in university programmes or recent graduates
• Individuals studying Communications, Public Health, International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies or related fields
• Candidates with a strong interest in social behaviour change, child health, and community engagement work

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:

• Fluency in both Lao and English — essential for drafting communication materials, facilitating partnerships, and effectively engaging with local communities.
• Strong writing and oral presentation skills in both languages.

Desirable qualifications include knowledge of ethnic minority languages and familiarity with development issues in Lao PDR, especially in fragile or multicultural contexts. Candidates should be able to work both independently and collaboratively within international teams.

Professional Development and Inclusivity

Working with UNICEF isn’t just about fulfilling a role—it’s about joining a supportive and values-driven organization. UNICEF adheres to core principles of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS), and expects all team members to embody these values.

The organization also strives to be inclusive and diverse, encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and workplace to ensure equal access and opportunity.

Interns will gain:

• Real-world exposure to international development work
• Professional mentorship from experienced SBC experts
• Experience in multi-stakeholder engagement and community programming
• A deeper understanding of UNICEF’s mission and global impact

This internship can be a stepping stone to a long-term career in international development, communications, or public health.

Application Details

The internship is classified as temporary, with a duration of six months. While specific start dates are flexible, interns are expected to begin as soon as possible after selection.

📅 Application Deadline: 12 January 2026 — make sure to submit your application before this date.

📍 Duty Station: Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic

The position is an excellent opportunity for emerging professionals seeking meaningful field experience with a globally recognized organization.

Final Takeaway

The National Social Behaviour Change Intern role at UNICEF Lao PDR represents more than just an internship—it’s a chance to take your first steps into the world of international development, advocacy, and community impact. If you’re eager to apply your communication and behaviour change skills in a meaningful way, while gaining valuable professional experience and making a positive difference for children and families, this opportunity is one you won’t want to miss.