UNICEF continues to open doors for young professionals who want to build meaningful careers while making a real impact on children’s lives. One of its most compelling opportunities for 2026 is the National Social Behaviour Change Intern position based in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, offered on a six-month internship contract.
UNICEF Internship Opportunity 2026: National Social Behaviour Change Intern in Lao PDR
This role is ideal for students and recent graduates passionate about communication, public health, and community engagement.
UNICEF operates in more than 190 countries and territories, working tirelessly to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them reach their full potential. At the heart of UNICEF’s mission is a commitment to equity—especially for the most disadvantaged and marginalized children. In Lao PDR, this mission is carried out through close collaboration with government institutions and civil society organizations to ensure that child rights are realized in line with national development priorities.
About the Internship Role
The National Social Behaviour Change (SBC) Intern will work under the guidance of UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change Specialist team. The position focuses strongly on community health programming, with particular attention to ethnic communities, including the Hmong population.
The intern will support SBC initiatives across several priority areas such as immunization, prevention of child marriage, adolescent development, and positive parenting.
This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in development communication while contributing to impactful programmes that address social norms, health behaviors, and inclusion.
Key Responsibilities and Learning Opportunities
Throughout the six-month internship, the selected candidate will play an active role in supporting UNICEF’s field and communication efforts. Key duties include coordinating with partners such as the Lao Women’s Union, the Lao Front for National Development, and district-level stakeholders to strengthen community engagement, particularly around immunization uptake and child marriage prevention.
The intern will also contribute to the development of Lao-language communication materials, including articles, brochures, and community messages. These materials will promote vaccine confidence, healthy behaviors, and positive parenting for adolescents, ensuring cultural relevance and sensitivity.
In addition, the intern will liaise with various UNICEF programme sections to collect stories, visuals, and key data related to community health and inclusive social behaviour change initiatives. Supporting the planning and logistics of community outreach activities—such as those targeting zero-dose children, routine immunization, and adolescent health—will further enhance the intern’s practical experience in development work
Who Can Apply?
UNICEF is seeking motivated candidates who are either currently pursuing a degree or have recently graduated in fields such as Communications, Public Relations, International Relations, Public Health, Development Studies, or related disciplines. Strong academic performance is expected.
Fluency in Lao and English is mandatory, as the role involves drafting and presenting content in both languages. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment.
Additional advantages include knowledge of ethnic minority languages, familiarity with Lao national development issues, and prior experience in development or humanitarian contexts. Candidates who demonstrate cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and the ability to work under challenging conditions will be particularly well suited for this role.
UNICEF Values and Competencies
All UNICEF staff and interns are expected to embody the organization’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). The intern should also demonstrate key competencies such as building partnerships, working collaboratively, embracing innovation, thinking strategically, and delivering results for impact.
UNICEF is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities and individuals from ethnic minority groups. The organization provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and fosters a welcoming, inclusive workplace.
Important Conditions and Ethical Standards
UNICEF maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, discrimination, and harassment. All selected candidates undergo rigorous background and reference checks and must meet medical and vaccination requirements. UNICEF does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and will never request bank account information.
Humanitarian action is a core priority for UNICEF, and interns may be called upon to support emergency or humanitarian responses when needed.
Application Timeline
This internship was advertised on 29 December 2025, and the application deadline is 12 January 2026 (SE Asia Standard Time). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.
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Final Thoughts
The National Social Behaviour Change Intern position in Lao PDR is more than just an internship—it is a gateway into international development work with one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organizations. For young professionals passionate about communication, community engagement, and child rights, this opportunity offers valuable experience, professional growth, and the chance to contribute to lasting social change.
✅ Official Application Link
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