Job Opportunity: Program Coordinator for Biodiversity Impact Mitigation
Location: WCS Vientiane
Type: Full-Time
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (1.5-hour lunch break)
Reports to: International Technical Assistant overseeing biodiversity impact mitigation
Country Program/Sector: WCS Lao Program, Greater Mekong Region, GCP
Expected Travel: As required within the country to field offices, and internationally if/when needed

Organization Background
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by crafting science-based solutions and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. WCS works in more than 60 nations and has helped establish over 150 protected areas worldwide. The organization applies biological knowledge, cultural understanding, and partnerships to address species, habitat, and ecosystem management issues while supporting local communities that depend on natural resources.

WCS Lao Program Overview
WCS has been active in Lao PDR since the 1980s, supporting the government in creating and managing the national protected area system, wildlife monitoring, awareness on illegal wildlife trade, and capacity building for protected area managers. WCS Lao PDR implements an integrated, programmatic approach to conservation across four landscapes, two cross-cutting programs on counter-wildlife trafficking and wildlife health, and thematic focuses on conservation policy and research.

Job Purpose
The Program Coordinator will coordinate WCS’s role as the Biodiversity Service Provider (BSP-WCS) for Lao PDR’s first biodiversity offset program at the Nam Ngiep 1 hydropower project. Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring implementation progress of the no net loss program through coordination within the BSP-WCS team and with the NN1 company.

• Maintaining engagement with stakeholders, including the Government of Lao PDR, to enhance program effectiveness.

• Integrating program experience into policy development for biodiversity impact mitigation hierarchy and contributing to broader policy programs.

• Supporting administrative tasks related to work planning, budgeting, meetings, and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead interactions within BSP-WCS and with NN1 company team members to ensure smooth program implementation.

• Compile data and information for monitoring and reporting purposes.

• Present updates to stakeholders, including government officials, investors, and independent advisors.

• Engage with diverse stakeholders on implementing biodiversity mitigation measures and offsets.

• Organize and prepare content for meetings and technical discussions.

• Lead policy discussions, participate in relevant policy meetings, and conduct analytical studies on biodiversity offsets.

• Contribute to the design and delivery of policy program activities, including the NPA Roadmap.

• Undertake administrative responsibilities such as work planning, budgeting, advance requests, and meeting preparation.

Qualifications

• Post-graduate degree in natural or environmental science, biodiversity, or environmental impact assessment/management, or equivalent hands-on experience.

• Minimum of five years of professional experience in conservation, biodiversity monitoring, or environmental impact management.

• Strong communication skills with internal teams, government officials, private sector, communities, and partners.

• Excellent organizational skills for reports, data, meeting minutes, and coordinated activity plans.

• Professional proficiency in Lao and English, both written and spoken.

• Proactive, with a strong drive to learn and gain new experiences.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit an application letter and CV to recruitmentlaos@wcs.org.
Deadline: 03 September 2025
Please include “Program Coordinator for Biodiversity Impact Mitigation” in the email subject line.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to all employment and labor laws prohibiting discrimination. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.