UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to improvement.

How can you make a difference?

The purpose of this consultancy is to 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). This includes, but is not limited to Climate Resilient Social Services, Children Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (CCVRA), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Early Warning Systems (EWS), and addressing Air Pollution in Lao PDR. This role will facilitate efficient coordination among various Government stakeholders and development partners, contribute to the implementation of the country programme, and ensure the achievement of programme objectives within stipulated timeframes. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience and knowledge in project management, government coordination, air quality monitoring, climate- and disaster risk reduction, and climate financing.

Background:

Lao PDR is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts due to its reliance on climate-sensitive natural resources and low adaptive capacity. The country ranks 16th in the 2026 global Children’s Climate Risk Report, placing children at high risk. Although contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, Lao PDR is among the world’s most vulnerable and least prepared countries. Inter-sectoral collaboration within UNICEF and with external stakeholders is crucial to address the wide-reaching impacts of climate change.

UNICEF Lao PDR is looking for a national coordinator to ensure effective liaison and coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MoLSW), the National Designated Authority (NDA), designated line ministries for Education and Health (MoES, MoH), and local governments for the implementation of UNICEF activities.

The Consultant will be based at the UNICEF Country Office with in-country field missions, international travel and virtual meetings as needed.

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: National Climate Coordinatior.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have...

Minimum requirements: |(Qualifications/Experience/ Knowledge/Expertise/Skills)

Education: An advanced degree (MSc) in Environmental Management, Environmental Health, Planning, or Civil Engineering
Work Experience: A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in coordination and management of in climate- and environmental management related projects in Lao PDR
Language Requirements: Excellent oral and written Lao and English skills
Knowledge/Expertise/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.
Desirables:
- Demonstrated experience in facilitating and coordinating Lao PDR–Mekong regional collaboration initiatives, including multi-stakeholder engagement and cross-border partnerships.
- Proven expertise in air quality monitoring, environmental health, and related environmental management programmes, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Substantial experience working with the United Nations system, including knowledge of UN procedures, programme implementation, and collaboration with UN agencies and development partners.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal, TMS (Talent Management System):

An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
Cover letter
A separate financial proposal (only acceptable in the format of the linked template) Financial proposal National Climate Coordinator.docx

Remarks: If the TOR or financial proposal documents are not downloadable on certain recruitment platforms, please visit our official page Vacancies | UNICEF Careers.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

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