BACKGROUND

As of 11 November 2021, there are more than 250 million confirmed COVID-19 cases with 5,062,106 deaths globally. In Lao PDR, there are 50,977 cases as of 11 November with 93 deaths. Currently, the Ministry of Health is implementing public health and social measures and the national COVID-19 vaccine deployment plan to mitigate the rise in positive cases in the country.

Communication is a critical area of work and needs to be done in a timely, appropriate, and effective manner to ensure there is an efficient response to COVID-19 in Lao PDR.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

This consultancy will support WHO Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and, on request, the Ministry of Health in Lao PDR with strategic and risk communications related to COVID-19.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Under the supervision of the WHE Team Leader and the management of the WHO Representative, and in collaboration with colleagues in the Western Pacific Regional Office, particularly the Communications Manager in the Office of the Regional Director for the Western Pacific (WPR/RDO) and the Risk Communication Officer in the Health Emergencies Programme (CPI/WHE), the consultant will be responsible for delivering the following:

• • Provide timely strategic and risk communication support to the Ministry of Health and other entities within the Lao health system on COVID-19 response and other emergencies as needed.
• • Support the work of technical units in the preparation of communications strategy and action plan related to home care and COVID-19 vaccine implementation in Lao PDR, including preparation of communication materials such as press releases, talking points, news stories and features.
• • Close coordination and support to the Ministry of Health’s Centre for Communication and Education for Health (CCEH) on strategic and risk communication and capacity building activities.
• • Liaise and coordinate communication actions with key partners. This will involve participating in the UN Communication Group in Lao PDR and the WPRO Communication Network.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Output 1:  Provide timely strategic and risk communications support to effectively communicate on COVID-19 response

• • Deliverable 1.1: Support the Ministry of Health’s Centre for Communication and Education for Health (CCEH) to communicate on COVID-19 response
• • Deliverable 1.2: Provide communication updates on home care in term of communication materials such as posters, infographics, and social media posts to inform the public

Output 2: Support technical units in preparation of communications strategy and action plan

• • Deliverable 2.1: Support WHO CO to develop communication strategy and action plan to improve visibility and highlight WHO’s work in country
• • Deliverable 2.2: Develop materials based on HQ and regional communication units to fit the local context
• • Deliverable 2.3: Support implementation of donor visibility plan and reporting, when needed

Output 3: Support the Ministry of Health to effectively communicate on the national COVID-19 vaccine deployment plan

• • Deliverable 3.1: Implement communication activities that contribute to increased acceptance and uptake of vaccines among key priority groups
• • Deliverable 3.2: Conduct social listening to understand public perceptions and potential issues around demand for COVID-19 vaccines, and address rumours and misinformation related to vaccine supply, efficacy, and safety 
• • Deliverable 3.3: Work with technical team to address Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) messages, if needed.

Output 4: Capacity building for Ministry of Health’s Centre for Communication and Education for Health (CCEH)

• • Deliverable 4.1: Provide capacity building for CCEH staff and strengthen collaboration with mass organization and local authorities to engage with community
• • Deliverable 4.2: Discuss ways to use results from surveys to improve messaging to support adherence to public health and social measures and support behavioural change

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education

Advanced university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Health, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field.

Experience

Minimum of seven years of experience in strategic communications including experience of outbreak or emergency communications. The consultant should have experience of working within the UN system or with UN partners. Direct experience with WHO is preferred.

Skills and knowledge

Knowledge and skills in risk communication.

Competencies

• • Communication in a credible and effective way
• • Producing results
• • Teamwork
• • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Duration of contract

15 January 2022 - 14 April 2022 (with possibility for extension)

Place of assignment

Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Medical clearance

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.

Visa requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < [email protected] > by 1 December 2021 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 156242 as subject to all submission.  Only successful candidates will be contacted.