National Coordinator for Data Collection, Analysis, and Facilitation of Capacity Building Activities in Lao PDR At Asian Disaster Preparedness Center

Purpose and Objectives:

Air pollution is one of the world’s largest environmental health threats. Nearly 90 per cent of the population of the Asia-Pacific region regularly breathe air considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be unsafe. Globally, more than 7 million premature deaths are attributed to air pollution, with the greatest number (two thirds) occurring in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) is an autonomous international organization established for scientific, educational, developmental, and humanitarian purposes with a vision of safer communities and sustainable development through disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific. Established in 1986 as a technical capacity building center, ADPC has grown and expanded its role to be for scientific, educational, developmental and humanitarian purposes. ADPC employs a wide range of professional expertise typically required for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience (CR) in an effective manner.

To address the air pollution issues, ADPC through USAID’s SERVIR Southeast Asia program and Thailand’s Pollution Control Department (PCD) through Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) will collaborate with the Ministry Of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) of Laos to carry out activities for enhancing the capacity of Lao PDR to monitor and manage air pollution. Specifically, the activities will devise data-driven policies and strategies as well as technical capacity to address transboundary haze. They will help Laos improve air quality management, haze situation monitoring, and the capacity of institutions which will result in better regional air quality and human health.

To support the project activities in Lao PDR, ADPC is seeking a qualified consultant to conduct data collection, analysis, and facilitate the capacity building activities in Lao PDR.

Expected Outputs:

The following outputs are expected from the assignment:

1. Communications with Laos MONRE, TICA, and Thai PCD initiated and maintained
2. Events/workshops/meetings coordinated, prepared and facilitated, with the identified agencies
3. Relevant air quality and fire datasets, e.g. fire risk maps, collected
4. Any other related assignments, as needed

Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Attend all the meetings relevant to the proposed activities and make a meeting note from each meeting
• Coordinate all internal/external communications and meetings among the teams and with stakeholders
• Facilitate discussions in workshops and trainings as suitable
• Provide logistical support to the team for missions, travel arrangement, and any support as required to facilitate the mission
• Prepare agenda and logistical arrangement for the stakeholder consultation workshops and training events

Working Principles:

The Consultant will report to Mr. Aekkapol Aekakkararungroj, the SERVIR Southeast Asia Air Quality Service Lead of the Geospatial Information Department of ADPC, while working closely with the focal point at Natural Resource and Environment Research Institute (NRERI), MONRE, Lao PDR.

Qualifications:

The consultant is expected to possess the following qualifications.

• This job position is open exclusively to candidates of Lao nationality.
• Candidates with experience in organizing workshops, public events, and awareness-raising activities will be viewed favorably.
• Candidates with demonstrated working experience or engagement with Laos Government will be considered favorably.
• Strong interpersonal skills are desirable.
• Proven ability to work with tight deadlines and flexibility is preferred.

Duty Station: Natural Resource and Environment Research Institute, MONRE, Lao PDR

Duration: April 2024 –March 2025 (1 year)

Itinerary: Official travel may be required; all work-related travel costs will be covered by ADPC, subject to approvals of the supervisor and as per the ADPC policies.

Condition of payment: The consultant will be paid a monthly, upon submission of the timesheet**.**