UNICEF National Climate and Environment Coordinator Job 2026: Office-Based with Travel for 17 Months

Overview

UNICEF is seeking a National Climate and Environment Coordinator for an office-based consultancy with travel, lasting 17 months, in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic. The consultant is based at the UNICEF Country Office and coordinates implementation of UNICEF Lao PDR's climate strategy, while preparing activities under the Safe and Clean Environment Outcome of the new Country Programme for 2027-2031. The work covers climate-resilient social services, the Children's Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, air pollution, environmental health and climate financing. Lao PDR is highly vulnerable to climate change because it relies on climate-sensitive natural resources and has limited capacity to adapt.

The consultant works with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, the National Designated Authority, education and health ministries, local governments and development partners. In-country field missions, international travel and virtual meetings may be needed.

Requirements

Applicants need an MSc in a relevant field such as Environmental Management, Environmental Health, Planning or Civil Engineering. At least 10 years of professional experience coordinating and managing climate and environmental management projects in Lao PDR is required, along with proven experience liaising with national and local authorities and development partners. Knowledge of climate, environment, air pollution and disaster risk linked to social sectors is expected, as are project management, communication, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management software. Excellent spoken and written Lao and English are required.

Desirable experience includes coordinating Lao PDR-Mekong regional collaboration with cross-border partnerships, air-quality monitoring, environmental health and environmental data collection and analysis, and prior work within the United Nations system.

How to apply

Applications go through UNICEF's Talent Management System and include an up-to-date profile and CV, a cover letter and a separate financial proposal on the required UNICEF template. UNICEF states that it charges no processing fees at any stage and never asks applicants for bank account information.

Key dates

The consultancy was advertised on 1 October 2026, and applications close on 10 October 2026.