UNODC’s mission is to contribute to global peace and security, human rights and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism. UNODC has mandates and expertise that uniquely enable it to deliver on the nexus between peace, security, human rights, and development to support Member States to build inclusive and resilient societies that leave no one behind.

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of UNODC health project.

UNODC health project supports Member States in their drug use prevention, treatment and HIV prevention efforts.

Technical support is primarily targeted at supporting the reform of drug policies toward a health-centered response and strengthening institutional capacity of the countries in the region, in particular to address problems of opiate and ATS use through evidence-based treatment and prevention approaches.
Since 2014 with the support of the international community, including the governments of Japan and the United States, UNODC worked closely with the government of Lao PDR to encourage the adoption of community-based treatment for people recovering from drug use.

The CBTx program has grown over the years making community-based care available in 34 district hospitals across the country.

• Mobilize, campaign and raise awareness among the people in the community to understand the harmful effects of drugs
• Mobilize, campaign and raise awareness among the people in the community about CBTx services available at district hospital
• Coordinate with the medical team in the CBTx sites to facilitate the target group to receive treatment
• Reduce discrimination against drug users in the communities
• Ensure CBTx appointment follow up (by phone or home visit if needed)
• Collect and report specific information and regular updates related to his/her community (new hot spots, perception of services, etc…)
• Provide support to organize drug use prevention intervention with youth, for youth and by youth with the use of peer-to-peer drug use prevention tools at the district level
• Participate in relevant meetings and workshops to represent the community-based treatment programs
• Support to conduct awareness campaigns to educate the community about drug use disorders and available treatment options.

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

• Belong to the served community (province/district)
• Excellent oral and written skills in both national and local languages (depending on the provinces)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels
• Experience working with local or international development organization is an asset
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision
• Desirable: valid national driver’s license
• Have affinity with or interest in health issues, social work, community development, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.
• Experience in community health, substance use disorder treatment, or related areas is an asset

The National Community Volunteers are expected to stay in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR with field visits to provinces when required.

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Benefits:
– Entry lump sum: $50
– Monthly living allowance: $127.74
– Comprehensive medical and life insurance
– Annual leave, sick leave, family leave and learning leave