National Climate and Environment Coordinator (office based with travel for 17 months)

The consultant will coordinate the implementation of the UNICEF Lao DDR Climate Strategy and prepare activities under the Safe and Clean Environment Outcome of the new Country Programme (2027-2031). The role involves facilitating coordination among government stakeholders and development partners to achieve programme objectives related to climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and air pollution in Lao PDR.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the implementation of the UNICEF Lao DDR Climate Strategy
• Prepare activities under the Safe and Clean Environment Outcome of the new Country Programme (2027-2031)
• Facilitate efficient coordination among various Government stakeholders and development partners
• Contribute to the implementation of the country programme
• Ensure the achievement of programme objectives within stipulated timeframes
• Liaise and coordinate between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, National Designated Authority, designated line ministries for Education and Health, and local governments
• Conduct in-country field missions, international travel and virtual meetings as needed

Requirements

• An advanced degree (MSc) in Environmental Management, Environmental Health, Planning, or Civil Engineering
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in coordination and management of climate- and environmental management related projects in Lao PDR
• Excellent oral and written Lao and English skills
• Proven experience in liaising with national and local government and development partners
• Proven experience working in climate, environment, air pollution and disaster risk linked to social sectors
• Strong knowledge of project management tools
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating and coordinating Lao PDR–Mekong regional collaboration initiatives, including multi-stakeholder engagement and cross-border partnerships (desirable)
• Proven expertise in air quality monitoring, environmental health, and related environmental management programmes, including data collection, analysis, and reporting (desirable)
• Substantial experience working with the United Nations system, including knowledge of UN procedures, programme implementation, and collaboration with UN agencies and development partners (desirable)

Skills

• Environmental Management
• Climate Change Project Coordination
• Environmental Health
• Project Management Tools
• Stakeholder Management
• Negotiation Skills
• Liaison with Governments
• Development Partner Coordination
• Air Quality Monitoring
• Data Collection
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Disaster Risk Reduction
• Cross-border Partnerships
• Stakeholder Engagement
• UN Programme
• Climate Resilience
• Environmental Planning

Languages

Lao, English