Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical support and guidance on the logistics of the pressure swing adsorption oxygen generating plants of the Ministry of Health during emergencies.

Background

During COVID-19 pandemic, enormous logistics supports, procurement and supply of consumables and equipment from a multitude of partners were provided to Lao PDR, particularly to the Ministry of Health (MoH). These supports included donations of oxygen-related equipment and related procurement activities through UNITAID, the Global Fund (GF), USAID, and WHO. WHO supported a significant proportion of these equipment and supplies notably the three (3) pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen generating plants to three (3) Provincial Hospitals of Savanakhet, Luang Prabang and Oudomxay provinces in addition to one PSA plant procured with the support of the GF in Champasak Provincial Hospital. Although the 3 PSA plants have been successfully installed and commissioned, there is critical need for WHO to continue technical assistance in the early stage of ownership of the Ministry of Health as well as coordination with other development partners in the country to leverage the oxygen capacity of the country.

Besides, it is also necessary for WHO to strengthen mechanism for emergency preparedness such as Emergency Medical Team (EMT), inter agency coordinated logistic support to the government.

The contracted consultant will provide technical guidance in the operation of the PSA plants which includes providing advice and guidance to address issues related to daily operation, coordination with suppliers and development partners on the capacity-building related to the plant and equipment operation. The consultant will support WCO in its efforts to set up EMT and inter-agency coordinated support to the government for emergency responses. Furthermore, the consultant will provide technical guidance on the improvement of procurement and logistics plan for emergency with focus on the long-term and  sustainability of the  PSA plants and piping system across the country.

Deliverables

Under the direct guidance of Programme and Administrative Officer, in coordination with technical units of the country office and collaboration with the Procurement Officer of the Mekong Hub, the consultant is expected to:

Output/s

Output 1: Plan to support the sustainability of the PSA plants and piping system supported by WHO to Ministry of Health and support the implementation of the plan

Deliverable 1.1 : Plan to improve sustainability and ownership of the government of the PSA plants by September 2024
Deliverable 1.2 : Technical advices and guidance documents related to the daily operation of the PSA plants
Deliverable 1.3 :  Coordination with the regional office, PSA plants suppliers and development partners in the area of oxygen support to leverage oxygen capacity of the country
Deliverable 1.4: Procurement status report on delivery of PSA goods and equipment by Sep 2024
Deliverable 1.5: Coordinated trainings on PSA operation within quarter 3, 2024

Output 2:  Work with WCO Technical Units and counterparts on strengthening national logistics systems to support preparedness and response operations

Deliverable 2.1 : Liaise closely with technical units within WCO and relevant counterparts in the Ministry of Health to establish and support the establishment of the EMT by Dec 2024
Deliverable 2.2 : Liaise closely with the WHE and other UN logistic focal point of the inter-agency contingency plan by Dec 2024
Deliverable 2.3: Develop a guide on EMT and inter-agency coordinated logistic support for emergency by Sep 2024

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational qualification

Essential: A university degree in public or business administration or logistic management, logistics, supply chain management or engineering/social science related field.
Desirable: Professional certification/qualification in areas such as transport, distribution and supply chain management.
Degree or training in information management systems and their application to logistic, transport or supply management and monitoring, including training in cold chain management system.

Experience required:

Essential: At least five years’ related experience in managing emergency logistics operations and humanitarian supply chain management in low-resource environment.
With at least three years’ experience in logistics and supply chain and pharmacy at international level.
Desirable: Experience in managing emergency logistic operations and humanitarian supply chain management including civil/construction works.
With prior experience in LAO PDR in logistics.

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

• Demonstrated knowledge in emergency logistics management with proven ability to identify and solve technical problems in difficult circumstances
• Knowledge of WHO and/or UN system.
• Proficient in standard office software applications
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Ability to be flexible and respond to change
• Good communication skills

Language requirements:

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Location

On site : Vientiane Capital

Travel

The Consultant may be expected to travel within the country to carry out mission/s, if needed.

Remuneration and budget

Remuneration: TBD
Duration : 6 months, 25 June to 31 December 2024

Additional Information

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