Expertise: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Engineering
Expertise Group: Engineering
Consultant Source: International
TOR Keywords: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Engineering
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
In the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), the healthcare system faces significant challenges in
responding to climate-related health risks. The country ranks 142nd out of 181 countries in climate
adaptation readiness, with projected temperature increases of 2-3°C through 2050, accompanied by
increased rainfall and extreme events. Climate change significantly impacts the prevalence and burden of
malaria, dengue, diarrheal diseases, malnutrition, and noncommunicable diseases, particularly affecting
women and ethnic minorities in climate-vulnerable rural districts.
Three critical gaps constrain the health sector’s response to these climate challenges: (i) limited
workforce capacity in managing climate-related health risks, with healthcare providers lacking training
in climate-sensitive diseases and health facility managers unprepared for climate emergencies; (ii)
insufficient research capacity to evaluate community-based adaptation strategies, leading to a weak
evidence base for policy decisions; and (iii) limited community preparedness, particularly in ethnic
minority areas where language barriers and limited engagement hamper risk communication. These
constraints result in poor healthcare delivery for climate-related illnesses and inadequate evidence-
based adaptation plans.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved the Green Primary Care Project in 2025, which includes a $40
million investment to strengthen climate-resilient primary healthcare in five provinces. However, the
effectiveness of these investments will be limited without addressing the fundamental capacity gaps in
climate-health adaptation. The project provinces—Oudomxai, Louangphabang, Xiangkhouang, Savannakhet and
Champassak—represent 50% of the country’s climate-vulnerable population, with particularly high risks in
14 districts.
The Green Primary Care Project supports climate-resilient primary care in the Lao PDR. However, these
improvements will be constrained by the capacity gaps outlined above. For this reason, ADB is providing
technical assistance to strengthen climate-health adaptation capacity at the community level. The
technical assistance will deploy a team of international and national consultants on climate change and
health, research, health facility management, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
Currently, ADB is searching for an international WASH specialist.
Scope of Work
The specialist will support MOH in strengthening climate-resilient WASH infrastructure and practices
across Green Primary Care Project facilities and communities. S/he will ensure WASH interventions
consider climate impacts and enhance community resilience while meeting the needs of vulnerable
populations.
S/he will be engaged intermittently intially for 3 person-months over a period of 1 year.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
- Assess climate vulnerabilities of existing WASH infrastructure in health facilities
- Develop guidelines for climate-resilient WASH infrastructure
- Design capacity building programs for WASH infrastructure management
- Support the integration of climate considerations into WASH planning
- Guide the development of emergency WASH preparedness plans
- Establish monitoring systems for WASH infrastructure performance
- Develop maintenance protocols for climate-resilient WASH systems
- Support community engagement in WASH planning and management
- Design sustainable financing mechanisms for WASH maintenance
- Provide regular reports as required by the team leader
- Carry out any other responsibilities as agreed with the lead climate change and health specialist
Minimum Qualification Requirements
The consultant will preferably have a master’s degree in environmental engineering, public health
engineering, civil engineering or related field. At least 15 years of experience in WASH infrastructure
development and management, with at least 3 years of demonstrated expertise on WASH infrastructure
and/or practices in developing countries developing countries. Experience in capacity building and
developing maintenance protocols for healthcare facilities. Proven ability to develop sustainable
financing mechanisms for WASH infrastructure. Previous experience in the Lao PDR and Southeast Asia.
Minimum General Experience: 15 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 3 Years
