VONGVILAY KHOTPATHOUM

Senior Consultant/Socio-economic Specialist

Ms. Vongvilay Khotpathoum is a highly skilled socio-economic specialist with over two decades of experience in environmental and social consulting in Laos. She holds a Master of Applied Science in Environmental Studies from the University of Tasmania (Australia) in 2008 and a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering from the National University of Laos in 2003. Vongvilay specializes in socio-economic studies, environmental and social baseline assessments, and cleaner production initiatives. Her extensive project portfolio includes working on Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), socio-economic surveys, resettlement and compensation planning, and health impact studies for hydropower, mining, and infrastructure development projects. 

As a Senior Consultant at ESL Sole Co., Ltd., Vongvilay has played pivotal roles in key projects such as the Endline Impact Survey for SNV’s WASH Services Program, ESIA for Sepon Far Western Prospects, and the socio-economic assessment for Nam Theun 1 Hydropower Project. Her expertise spans survey design, data collection, stakeholder engagement, coordination with government authorities, and comprehensive report preparation. 

With a strong command of IT tools like Microsoft Office, SPSS, and GIS software, Vongvilay brings a data-driven approach to her work. She is fluent in Lao and English, enabling her to navigate diverse stakeholder environments effectively. Vongvilay’s commitment to quality and detail has established her as a trusted advisor in socio-economic and environmental consulting, contributing significantly to sustainable development initiatives in Laos. 

Education 

  • Master of Applied Science Environmental Studies University of Tasmania (UTAS) 2007-2008 
  • Bachelor of Engineering Computer Engineering – National University of Laos (1999-2003) 

Additional Training 

  • Computer training, Inter Computer Company, Lao PDR 
  • Cleaner Production, Ministry of Industrial and Handicraft, Lao PDR 

Key Expertise 

  • Environmental and Social Consulting: Experience in conducting Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and environmental and socio-economic baseline studies across various industries. 
  • Project Management: Oversee complex projects and ensure timely delivery of project outputs. 
  • Data analysis & Reporting: Skilled in socio-economic surveys and delivering actionable insights. 
  • Technical Tools: Proficient in Microsoft Office (MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Publisher, TEAMS), SPSS, and GIS. 
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Professional Experience 

Senior Social and Economic Specialist, ESL Sole Co., Ltd. (2004–Present) 

    • Leads assessments, analysis, and management of social and economic impacts for environmental and development projects. 
    • Identifies new project opportunities, supports business development, and provides socio-economic expertise. 
    • Ensures compliance with social standards, engages with stakeholders, and promotes alignment with organizational objectives. 

Highlighted Projects 

  •  Phu Kham and Ban Houayxai Operations Socio-Economic and Health Survey, Xaysomboun Province, Lao PDR. Client: Phu Bia Mining Company Limited. (2022) 
  • Data Collection and Preparation of Action Plan on Toxic and Hazardous Waste Management in Lao PDR for Environment Protection Fund (EPF) (2022) 
  • PNPC Household Income Survey 2020 for XE-PIAN XE-NAMNOY POWER COMPANY LIMITED (2020) 
  • Detail Feasibility on Upgrading Laos Asian Highway Road N.8 – Resettlement and Compensation (2018) 
  • Update IEE Hinboun Downstream Hydropower Project (2016) 
  • ACTwatch – ACTwatch Study (2015) 
  • Norinco – Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for Mahaxay-Pakading Transmission Line Project (2015) 
  • PBM – Phu Kham & Ban Houaxay Socio-economic and Health Survey (2015) 
  • SLACO Bauxite Mine New Processing Plant (2015) 
  • Update Land and Asset Survey and management Plans for Additional New Impacts for 115kV, 230kV ,and 500kV Transmission lines for the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy Hydroelectric Power Project (2015) 
  • IGES Research for Market Mechanisms in Laos (2015) 
  • MMG-LXML Livelihood Development Plan Study (2013) 
  • Sustainable Solution – MMG-LXML GPDA Gold Oxide Expansion (2013) 

Achievements 

  • Successfully managed over 20 environmental and social consulting projects across diverse sectors.