BACKGROUND

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and Ministry of Health (MoH) have conducted workshops in selected provinces, districts and villages in to strengthen local governance and community engagement for COVID-19 preparedness and response and through strengthening Primary Health Care in a long term beyond COVID-19. The two ministries have requestedWHO to further support the rollout of the activities for strengthening Primary Health Care, aiming increased uptake of essential health services and strengthening community-based COVID-19 responses. (CONNECT initiative: Community Network eNgagement for Essential healthcare and COVID-19 Reponses)

The national RMNCAH Committee has revised the national Strategy and Action Plan on RMNCAH 2016-2025. MoH emphasizes the importance of further strengthening coordination within the ministry and with development partners through the existing MCH Technical Working Group (TWG). In response to the request from MoH, WHO will further support the RMNCAH Secretariat on strengthening TWG’s function on coordination in co-financing, implementation and monitoring of the national Strategy and Action Plan on RMNCAH based on the Vientiane Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

• • Strengthening multi-sector coordination on COVID-19 preparedness and response through Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs on strengthening local governance and community engagement for COVID-19 response and primary health care beyond COVID-19.
• • Strengthening the national RMNCAH Committee secretariat’s function on partner coordination implementation of Health Sector Development Plan, in particular the National Strategy and Action Plan on RMNCAH based on the Vientiane Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

• • Strengthening multi-sector coordination on COVID-19 preparedness and response through Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs on strengthening local governance and community engagement for COVID-19 response and primary health care beyond COVID-19
• • Strengthening partner coordination in financing and implementation of Health Sector Development Plan, in particular the National Strategy and Action Plan on RMNCAH based on the Vientiane Declaration on Aid Effectiveness

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

• • Effectively implement project initiatives by complementing existing capacities and providing oversite and support where needed
• • Provide input and technical support to project proposals, concept notes, and program design;
• • Facilitate decision making on project activity execution, particularly related to inception, planning, budget and implementation;
• • Provide inputs to objective development, project planning, achievement of indicators and required modification of;
• • Catalyse the initiation of strategies and activities in collaboration with WHO, donors and partners;
• • Build new and/or maintain existing templates, tools and tracking systems for ensuring smooth business operations and linkages between stakeholders such as program and admin units for example;
• • Conduct field visits to project sites for the provision of support and quality assurance;
• • Ensure professional administrative and logistics support is given to the projects;
• • Represent WHO at meetings, technical sessions, project events, ceremonies and functions;
• • Facilitate the development of project communications, publicity, and reporting requirements;
• • Conceptualize and develop programmatic and partnership strategies;
• • Support with engagement protocols between ministries, local governance, developing partners, and donors in relation to project implementation;
• • Coach and support staff and partners as necessary and promote a learning environment;
• • Orientate staff and partners on project implementation strategies, expectations, roles and responsibilities;
• • Network and foster functional relationships with staff, Government officials, UN agencies, donors, NGOs, and other key stake holders;
• • Work in partnership with colleagues and partners for the timely submission of periodic, accurate, and professional (narrative and financial) progress reports;
• • Contribute to monitoring evaluation, research, and lessons learned requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  

• • A college degree preferably from a reputable accredited university in Political Science, Public Administration, Health, Business Administration, and/or relevant field is required       

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• • At least 15 years of experience working professionally in the Project Management Field particularly in health, government, and poverty reduction;
• • Significant experience collaborating with host governments, international organizations, and community leaders;
• • Excellent skills in business management, problem solving, conflict resolution, advocacy, and stakeholder coordination;
• • Ability to manage all stages of development projects

Desirable:

• • Demonstrated success in analytical report writing;
• • Proven field work experience;
• • Emergency humanitarian response work ideal;

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Strong communication, strategic thinking, public relations and advisory skills;
• • Networking capability, interpersonal skills, and strong ability to promote teamwork;
• • Ability to take initiative to move complex processes forward to achieve results;
• • Capable to work harmoniously as a member of a team;
• • Adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds;
• • High degree of integrity, discretion, and personal conduct;

LANGUAGES

• • Fluency in English is essential
• • Lao language skills ideal

COMPETENCIES

• • Technical expertise
• • Overall attitude at work 
• • Teamwork 
• • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences 
• • Communication

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Duty station: WCO Lao, Vientiane Capital
• Duration of contract: January to November 2022

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < [email protected] > by 6 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. 156542 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.