A programme coordinator for VDI

(STC, for an initial period of 6 months)

     Purpose of the Post

This consultancy, based in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), will support the National Immunization Ministry of Health of Lao PDR on coordination of planning, budgeting and funding of COVID-19 vaccine and Routine immunization-related activities especially micro-planning.

Description of Duties:      

On the 31st December 2019, through IHR, WHO was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown aetiology detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. The pathogen was subsequently identified as a novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Since this time, Lao PDR has received their first COVID-19 vaccines, developed a National Vaccine Deployment Plan and administered over half a million doses in the country. As the country continues to receive more doses, careful planning and coordination will be required to rapidly deploy the doses to members of the target population, whilst maintaining routine immunization and other essential immunisation-related services.

Though the longer-term trajectory of the pandemic remains uncertain, evidence shows that immunisation services in Lao PDR have been disrupted. A significant drop in immunization services was observed in April 2020, coinciding with a nationwide lockdown imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A substantial number of children are expected to miss out on immunisation, likely leading to a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), further exacerbating existing inequities and putting the most marginalised and poorest communities at greater risk. Gavi has provided an opportunity to re-allocate or re-programme existing HSS and TCA support to respond to immediate needs presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this situation, it is important to closely follow up and monitor the implementation of activities and relevant funds from different sources against agreed timelines.

To ensure smooth deployment of COVID-19 vaccines and maintenance of quality routine immunization, the coordination of the planning and funding between different stakeholders and the National immunization programme is crucial.

Education:

University degree in financing, business administration, public health or related field. Advanced degree is desirable.

Knowledge & skills:

Knowledge and skills immunization; Offers technical input and professional advice in the consolidation and implementation of country programmes.

Experience:

Minimum of 2 years of working experience in administration, operations or programme management field. The experience of working within the UN system or with UN partners is desirable.  

Language: 

Written and spoken fluency in Lao and English is essential. Written and spoken fluency in another UN or Lao language is desirable

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit applications and curriculum vitae in the English language with a subject " A programme coordinator for VDI” to the following Email address : wplaohr@who.int by 29 June 2021 at 17:00 PM. Applications without a proper subject might be disregarded.