The role
we are currently looking for a senior communications coordinator based in vientiane capital.
role purpose
save the children is seeking a senior communications coordinator for the recently approved green climate fund (gcf) project, strengthening climate resilience of the lao people's democratic republic (pdr) health system. The project is funded by usd $28.2m over five years to advance progress on national climate change and health priorities, increase climate resilience of the health system, and strengthen community capacity to manage current and anticipated health impacts. It will strengthen leadership and governance within the health system, build capacity in 25 climate‐vulnerable rural districts, engage 100 health facilities in those districts, and empower 250 communities to respond to early warnings and manage climate‐related health risks.
the senior communications coordinator will play a key role in developing and executing communication and advocacy strategies that highlight the impact of the project, promote its objectives, manage external communications, coordinate media activities, and ensure visibility at national and international levels. The role holder will be expected to work flexible hours in the event of a major humanitarian emergency.
key areas of accountability
* understand and adhere to the child safeguarding policy, code of conduct and local/country procedures.
* report suspicions of child abuse in accordance with the child safeguarding policy.
key responsibilities strategic communications & positioning
* develop and implement a strategic communications plan aligned with gcf project objectives and the country office advocacy, campaigns and communications strategy.
* position save the children as a leading voice on climate and health resilience in lao pdr by shaping narratives, highlighting evidence, and amplifying project impact nationally and internationally.
* translate complex technical information into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences including communities, government stakeholders, donors and the media.
content development & storytelling
* produce high‐quality communication materials such as press releases, success stories, case studies, newsletters, knowledge products, videos and social media content showcasing project results.
* ensure all outputs comply with gcf visibility requirements and save the children branding and communications guidelines.
* document lessons learned, innovations and best practices emerging from project implementation.
media relations & public engagement
* build and maintain strong relationships with national and local media to promote positive coverage of climate‐health initiatives.
* proactively pitch stories, coordinate interviews and respond to media inquiries.
* support strategic campaigns and public awareness initiatives related to climate change, health resilience and community preparedness.
risk communication & community engagement
* coordinate risk communication and community engagement activities to ensure accessible, culturally appropriate information on climate‐related health risks, disaster preparedness and early warning systems.
* integrate gender equality, disability and social inclusion (gedsi) considerations across messaging and outreach.
* adhere to do no harm principles and avoid stigmatizing messaging or imagery.
* protect dignity, privacy and safety of beneficiaries, especially children, by following sci child safeguarding protocols and ethical storytelling.
* coordinate with technical teams and safeguarding focal points to review sensitive content before publication.
stakeholder & government engagement
* ensure communication materials are reviewed and approved by relevant government authorities where required.
* build and maintain strong relationships with government counterparts, development partners, civil society organisations and community leaders.
knowledge management & evidence dissemination
* support the production and dissemination of research findings, technical reports and policy briefs.
* coordinate documentation of achievements and contribute to knowledge sharing at national, regional and global platforms.
campaign monitoring & impact measurement
* monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication activities using data and analytics.
* report regularly on communication performance indicators, public engagement metrics and media reach.
capacity building & internal communication
* provide guidance and training to project staff and partners to ensure consistent messaging and adherence to communication standards.
* support internal communication and knowledge sharing across project teams and the country office.
leadership & coordination
* manage communication consultants, contractors and vendors to ensure high‐quality outputs.
* coordinate with technical teams, program staff and partners to ensure outputs accurately reflect project activities and impact.
other assigned duties
* participate in other save the children or project activities as required.
* significant travel to project sites may be required.
* out‐of‐hours work may occasionally be required during peak communication periods or major events.
qualifications and experience
* master's degree in marketing or communications, or extensive experience and management expertise within the field.
* strong analytical, reporting and meal skills.
* good lao and english communication skills.
* ability to travel frequently to field areas.
* computer skills: ms office/teams; familiarity with design software (canva or adobe suite) is an advantage.
essential experience and skills
* experience developing and implementing strategic communication and advocacy campaigns yielding measurable outcomes.
* experience delivering communication components of large development or donor‐funded projects.
* strong understanding of community engagement and participatory communication approaches.
* knowledge of project management principles, including planning, monitoring and budgeting.
* experience translating technical information into clear messages for diverse audiences.
* excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to negotiate with stakeholders and liaise with governments and partners.
* experience in not‐for‐profit, development, public health or community engagement initiatives.
* experience managing communication and community engagement initiatives including social research, stakeholder consultations and advisory groups.
* strong writing, storytelling and editing skills for press releases, reports, case studies and digital content.
* experience engaging with media outlets; pitching stories and responding to inquiries.
* high proficiency in english; advantage in lao language.
* excellent computer literacy including microsoft office, adobe design tools and google workspace.
* ability to analyze communication performance using monitoring tools and digital analytics.
contract length
fixed term (1 year with the possibility of extension).
the organisation
we employ approximately 25,000 people worldwide and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises or those who need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and ensure their voices are heard.
we are working toward three breakthroughs by 2030:
* no child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday.
* all children learn from a quality basic education.
* violence against children is no longer tolerated.
application information
interested candidates should submit a full application as a single document that includes a cover letter, up‐to‐date cv, and contact details of three professional referees (current and previous line managers and hr). Please also include your salary expectations and a copy of your id card. A copy of your criminal records (ໃບແຈ້ງໂທດ) will be required later.
save the children international is a child‐rights based organization. Safe recruitment is central to the safeguarding of children and young people that we come into contact with, and support through our programmes.
we need to keep children safe, so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.
save the children is an equal opportunities employer; qualified females, persons with disability and candidates from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
all employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti‐harassment policy.
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