Terms of Reference for Senior Environmental Safeguards Specialist, specializing in renewable energy (i.e. wind, solar, geothermal and hydro) infrastructure projects
Contract Term: Part-time, beginning in February 2026 until December 2027
Location: Primarily in Vientiane, Lao PDR, at the Department of Environment (DoE) office, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), with travel to project sites as required.
I. Background
The Asia Foundation (TAF) is working in collaboration with the Department of Environment (DoE) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), following a successful completion of Phase I (2022–2024). Phase I focused on building the technical capacity of staff to implement their duties and responsibilities in implementing laws, decrees, and relevant regal framework regarding environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs). MAE is seeking a second phase of technical assistance to continue the activities under the Strengthening the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report Review Process, and to expand the activities to include capacity building for the ESIA review and monitoring process for investment projects related to new technologies, including renewable energy projects.
This collaboration is part of the Mekong Safeguards Program, which supports strengthened environmental and social (E&S) safeguards in large-scale infrastructure development across the Mekong subregion, focusing on the energy, transport, and water sectors. Mekong Safeguards is supported by the Australian Government through the Mekong-Australia Partnership (MAP) and implemented by TAF. Phase II of the program aims to: (1) support regional entities and developers in aligning E&S safeguard policies; (2) assist government agencies in applying and monitoring safeguards; (3) help the private sector enhance safeguard practices; and (4) promote inclusive engagement of civil society, including women and marginalized groups, in infrastructure planning and decision-making.
II. Objectives
The overall objective of this consultancy is to strengthen the capacity of DoE staff to effectively review and manage ESIAs for renewable energy investment projects and/or activities, and ensure compliance with the relevant laws, regulations, and standards of Lao PDR.
Specifically, the Senior Environmental Safeguards Specialist (Renewable Energy Specialist) will contribute to the achievement of the following project objectives:
• Specific Objective 1 (Outcome 1): Strengthened institutional capacity and skills for DoE staff in ESIA management and report review procedures for renewable energy projects.
• Specific Objective 2 (Outcome 2): Reference material developed for DoE staff on how to adequately consider risks and impacts of renewable energy technologies.
III. Reporting & Supervision:
S/he will report directly to the Mekong Safeguards Program Director for Lao PDR and coordinate closely with the program technical team, including GEDSI and MEL.

IV. Scope of Work
TAF is seeking a senior environmental safeguards specialist, specializing in non-hydro renewable energy (i.e. wind, solar) infrastructure projects and related environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA). The senior environmental safeguards specialist will focus on strengthening DoE staff’s capacity for the ESIA review and monitoring processes related to renewable energy projects. This will be done through a mentoring and targeted training process at DoE, as well as a Training-of-trainers (ToT) approach working with DoE staff to develop training materials for Provincial DAE staff. It is anticipated that the senior environmental safeguards specialist will work 2 to 3 days per week at DoE, Vientiane, as well as lead field trips to specific sites for renewable energy projects in Lao PDR. The senior environmental safeguards specialist will also participate in a field trip to Vietnam, accompanied by approximately 8 to 10 senior and technical GoL officials.
The specific job responsibilities are the following:

Activity 1 – Support technical assistance for GoL officials based at DoE in Vientiane, as well as in the Provincial DAE.

The renewable energy specialist will provide technical assistance and conduct five (5) specific training sessions for government staff related to ESIA reports and EMMPs for renewable energy projects. The specialist will ensure that environment, social, and governance (ESG) standards are met, including ESIA planning, implementation, management and monitoring phases as per the GoL’s responsibilities.
Mentoring under this technical assistance will include structured biweekly or monthly technical sessions, shadow reviews of real ESIA submissions, co-review of EMMPs, and written feedback to strengthen analytical capacity. The Specialist will support DoE staff in applying the ESIA processes to actual project proposals. Training modules shall include case studies, exercises, and practical examples from existing Lao RE projects.
The renewable energy training will cover a comprehensive range of technologies, encompassing both non-hydro sources like solar and wind power, alongside hydropower projects. This training aims to equip DoE officials with the necessary expertise to conduct robust Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) for all renewable energy projects, with a specific focus on understanding and mitigating the unique environmental and social impacts associated with each technology type, including the latest advancements in wind and solar. By strengthening institutional capacity in ESIA monitoring, management, and report review, the training will ensure that renewable energy investments in Lao PDR adhere to both national environmental and social safeguards, as well as evolving international standards from Multilateral Development Banks such as the ADB and World Bank.
The specialist would support DoE staff to develop a ToT training course for DoE staff to further train relevant staff at the provincial and district levels. The ToT package shall include presentation slides, case studies, and exercises tailored for provincial and district-level officials. They would also lead the DoE staff on-site visits to infrastructure projects under development within Lao PDR, as relevant.
Activity 2 – Development of Technical Guidelines related to renewable energy projects for staff based in the Department of Environment, MAE, Vientiane, Lao PDR

The renewable energy specialist will work with DoE staff to develop technical guidelines specific to the energy sector (e.g. wind power, solar energy, wind, geothermal, and hydropower). These guidelines will be developed in close coordination with DoE technical teams and the lecturers and professors from the Faculty of Environment, the National University of Laos (NUOL), and refined through consultations, field examples, and iterative review sessions to ensure usability and ownership.

The technical guidelines should include step-by-step ESIA review criteria, screening checklists, technology-specific risk matrices, cumulative impact considerations, and monitoring parameters for solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower projects. The guidelines should be designed as practical tools for DoE and provincial/district-level staff, integrating Lao E&S requirements and international standards (IFC, ADB, WB).

The guidelines shall include: (1) a main reference manual, (2) annexed templates (e.g., screening forms, TOR templates, compliance checklists, etc.), and (3) visual flowcharts to support usability by non-specialist staff.

Activity 3 – Enhance the capacity of DoE staff in implementing environmental and social safeguards within the renewable energy sector, through knowledge exchange with regional peers during a field visit to Vietnam

Working alongside TAF staff, the renewable energy specialist will lead a field visit to Vietnam on safeguards in renewable energy projects. The goals will be to allow GoL officials to gain practical insights from regional peers on the implementation of safeguards and environmental management in the renewable energy sector.

Following the Vietnam field visit, the Specialist will prepare a structured learning report summarizing key lessons, comparative insights, and recommendations for adapting relevant practices to Lao PDR. This report will inform updates/improvements to technical guidelines and/or ESIA procedures.
V. Deliverables:
· Monthly technical assistance and mentoring memos, summarizing the type of technical assistance and on-the-job mentoring provided for ESIA review and monitoring of renewable energy projects, including progress, challenges, and staff capacity updates.
· An ESIA technical guideline developed for renewable energy projects (solar, wind, thermal, hydropower), including manual, templates, and/or checklists.
· Training-of-trainers (ToT) materials for provincial and district-level staff, including slides, exercises, and case studies.
· Field Visit Learning Report summarizing best practices from Vietnam and applicability to Lao PDR.
· Activity report describing the practical training on the use of the technical guidelines