Environmental & Social Assessment & Management Specialist

Environmental & Social Assessment & Management Specialist

About ESL

Established in 2000, ESL Company Limited (ESL) is a Lao environmental and social consulting firm with over 25 years of experience and more than 150 assignments across Lao PDR. We provide environmental and social assessment, monitoring and compliance, biodiversity, social safeguards, waste and water management, climate resilience, and GIS services across energy, mining, infrastructure, agriculture, and development sectors. ESL combines deep local knowledge, technical excellence, and international good practice to support responsible and sustainable development throughout Lao PDR.

Position Overview

The Specialist will work across environmental and social assessment, ESIA/IEE, ESMMP/EMMP, baseline studies, monitoring and compliance, biodiversity, stakeholder engagement, and related advisory assignments across energy, mining, infrastructure, natural resources and development sectors. Candidates are not expected to be specialists in every service area. We welcome professionals with strong capability in one or more relevant areas who are willing to broaden their expertise through multidisciplinary consulting assignments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or support IEE, EIA/ESIA, ESMMP/EMMP, baseline studies, environmental and social monitoring, and compliance assignments.
• Lead or support field surveys and monitoring, including survey planning, field coordination, data collection, QA/QC, and supervision of field teams and specialists.
• Manage projects or technical workstreams from planning, fieldwork, analysis, reporting and completion.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary specialists, laboratories, clients, government agencies, communities and other stakeholders.
• Manage work plans, schedules, deliverables, risks and client comments to ensure timely and quality delivery.
• Analyze field data and technical information and prepare or review technical reports, assessments, management plans and monitoring reports.
• Support stakeholder engagement, public consultation and environmental approval processes.
• Provide technical guidance, review and QA/QC support to project teams and junior staff.
• Lead or contribute to proposals, methodologies, work plans and business development.
• Contribute to team learning, knowledge sharing and development of ESL's environmental and social services.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Management, Natural Resources, Sustainability, Biodiversity, Social Science, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Preferably 5+ years of relevant professional experience, or demonstrated equivalent capability in environmental, social, and/or biodiversity consulting, assessment, management, monitoring or compliance, with demonstrated ability to lead projects or technical assignments.
• Experience in one or more areas such as ESIA/IEE, ESMMP/EMMP, environmental monitoring, biodiversity, social assessment, stakeholder engagement, sustainability/ESG, natural resources, water, waste or climate change.
• Good knowledge of Lao PDR environmental and natural resource regulatory requirements and familiarity with relevant international standards and good practice, such as IFC, World Bank, ADB or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, coordinate multiple stakeholders and deliver quality work under deadlines.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, technical writing and communication skills.
• Good professional English and Lao communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability and willingness to undertake field assignments throughout Lao PDR.
• Experience with technical proposals, GIS or data-analysis tools is an advantage.

What We Are Looking For

Beyond qualifications, ESL is particularly looking for someone who demonstrates:

• Project ownership – takes responsibility and drives assignments through completion.
• Consulting mindset – understands requirements, analyzes evidence and translates findings into practical recommendations.
• Initiative and problem-solving – identifies issues early and proposes solutions without waiting for detailed direction.
• Planning and coordination – effectively manages teams, stakeholders, priorities and deadlines.
• Quality delivery – produces professional work requiring limited senior-level revision.
• Learning agility – quickly understands new technical subjects, sectors and project requirements.
• Teamwork and leadership – supports colleagues, shares knowledge and contributes to overall team performance.
• Professional communication – confidently works with clients, government agencies, communities and technical partners.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• An updated CV and cover letter explaining your suitability for the position.
• Contact details for two professional references and your expected remuneration.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.