In 1969, Lao PDR's Ministry of Foreign Affairs became a state member of IUCN and in 1992 the IUCN Lao PDR Country Office was established in Vientiane. The IUCN Lao PDR Country Program assists biodiversity conservation through a range of policy support and field projects. The Species and Protected Area (SPA) Programme, one of Programmes under IUCN Lao PDR Country Office, focus on the balance between rural livelihood improvement and natural resource management. The Programme provides communities with education and solutions to these issues, ensuring both wildlife and protected areas are conserved, while villagers are prepared for any adverse impacts of natural resource modification and climate change.

Under the SPA Programme, IUCN Lao PDR, is currently implementing the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund Project which covers part of the Annamite Mountain range including two protected areas Hin Nam No (HNN) National Park and Yod Nam Mo – Phou Samsoum NPA the main activities include biodiversity monitoring, management planning and capacity building activities, another goal is to develop and promote nature-based tourism.

Major Responsibilities

Based at the Country Program Office in Vientiane, with frequent travel to the provinces, the SPA Senior Technical Officer is responsible for leading coordination under the SPA program area of IUCN Lao PDR. In addition, this position serves as the part-time Communication Focal Point for the national office.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Communication and Outreach (70%)

• Serve as the focal point for communication and outreach for IUCN Lao PDR.
• Provide communications support to document project highlights and promote the work of IUCN Laos (e.g., videography, photography, social media content, story writing, publications, translations, and interpretation).
• Support the Communication Officer in preparing communication materials, collecting photos/videos, and producing web stories, articles, or other social media content.
• Maintain internal communication and outreach files for easy access and reference.

2. Program Coordination and Liaison (30%)

• Coordinate with local partners and government stakeholders on biodiversity thematic field activities.
• Assist Programme Officers in inter-programme coordination and information sharing.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for program and project activities.
• Specific Duties
• Provide logistical support for programme/project activities such as meetings, field visits, events, and travel.
• Organize and facilitate regular internal coordination meetings, including minuting and tracking follow-up actions.
• Maintain and manage internal files and templates to ensure easy access and accurate record-keeping.
• Assist in the coordination and documentation of contractual and procurement processes in compliance with IUCN and donor policies.
• Review project invoices, expense claims, and partner reports to ensure accuracy and completeness before submitting to Finance.
• Act as a liaison between programme/project teams and corporate services on all administrative and financial matters.
• Support implementation of new project activities, ensuring alignment with IUCN standards and procedures.
• Multi-task and prioritize workload in a dynamic working environment.

Institutional Responsibilities

• Ensure field activities are conducted in compliance with health, safety, environmental, and cultural sensitivity standards, including the use and maintenance of medical kits for field trips.
• Ensure full compliance with IUCN internal policies and guidelines throughout all aspects of project implementation.
• Represent IUCN Lao PDR in internal and external meetings at the national level, as needed.

Other Duties

• Support other projects or carry out additional tasks as requested by the IUCN Country Office.