The 7th UNFPA Lao PDR Country Programme of support (2022-2026) commenced its implementation in 2022. One component under the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights programme portfolio is the support to strengthen the Health System in Lao PDR, to be fully functioning and able to provide sexual and reproductive health services that are available, accessible, affordable and of good quality. The provision of SRHR services should be based upon the analysis of data and indicators on maternal, sexual and reproductive health, including data on maternal mortality, availability and functionality of Emergency Obstetric and Newborn care, as well as broad data infrastructure and availability in Health Management Information Systems.

Within this context of work, the objective of this national UNV assignment is to provide support on the maternal health programme implementation of UNFPA Laos, with a focus on strengthening the health systems and related SRHR data systems. In particular, this position will be part of the support of a regional initiative funded by DFAT (Government of Australia) to support on-going work to improve SRMNCAH data systems, focusing on those that have the greatest impact in the delivery and monitoring of life-saving maternal and reproductive health interventions: MPDSR, Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care data, and – to a smaller extent – HMIS.

Working under the overall supervision of the SRH Programme Coordinator, in close coordination with the SRH team and other UNFPA staff as necessary – in particular the DFAT SRHR Programme Manager in the UNFPA Regional Office for Asia-Pacific – the UNV will support the Implementing Partner focusing on the maternal health component of the programme. S/He is expected to inform themselves and stay abreast of the latest UNFPA policy and technical guidance in relevant areas of work and support SRH unit and Lao CO to align and bring in innovation and global good practice into the UNFPA Lao deliverables for SRHR. Specific areas include:
Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR)
● Coordination and Facilitation (Strategic Level)
● Oversee and coordinate the implementation of the MPDSR acceleration plan
● Plan, organise, and facilitate workshops and consultative meetings at all levels (national, provincial, district, and facility) to ensure collaboration and buy-in.
● Provide administrative and logistical support for ToT programs and build capacity at sub-national level
● Technical Support and Data Management (Operational Level) and provide supervision to the secretariat
● Compile, summarise and analyse data from review committee
Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC)
● Liaise with relevant MoH departments to ensure coordinated EmONC program implementation.
● Establish and maintain EmONC Database: Create and update a centralised database at the central level to track facility information, EmONC capacity, training RECORD, and referral systems.
● Monitoring support for the facility level to assess the continuity and impact of EmONC learning activities.
● Support the SRH unit in producing comprehensive annual reports on the EmONC situation at regional and national levels, adapting formats for various audiences.
● Collaborate with the Technical Committee to develop the annual EmONC plan and monitor its implementation quarterly.
● Participate in relevant central-level meetings to represent the EmONC program and ensure coordination with other initiatives.
Health Management Information Systems (HMIS)
● Liaise with relevant MoH departments (Department of Planning and Finance, Center for Health Statistic and Information and Maternal and Child Health Center) and technical development partners on SRMCAH Data in DHIS2.
● Facilitate knowledge sharing and peer learning opportunities for MoH staff and UNFPA colleagues.
Overall Coordination and Reporting
● Ensure close coordination and communications between UNFPA Laos, stakeholders in the country, and the UNFPA Regional Office responsible for the implementation of the regional DFAT initiative
● Provide inputs and accurate reporting of activities for progress reports, annual reports and other requests of information by UNFPA Regional Office and/or DFAT, as necessary
● Provide detailed reporting, including financial reporting on the implementation status of activities under the DFAT programme and other activities in the Maternal Health programme of UNFPA

● Accountability
● Adaptability and flexibility
● Creativity
● Judgement and decision-making
● Planning and organising
● Professionalism
● Self-management

programme experience in the field of development activities, preferably in programme/ project management / support.
● Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and managerial skills required. Self-starter, proactive, passion for the issues.
● Understanding the UN System is a plus
● Excellent oral and written skills in English and Lao; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
● Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
● Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
● Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
● Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
● Desirable: valid national driver’s licence and proven ability to drive manual gear 4×4 over rough terrain;
● Sound security awareness;
● Have affinity with or interest in Sexual and Reproductive health volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

Living conditions in Vientiane are relatively good and comfortable but residents must make concessions due to the tropical climate and underdeveloped infrastructure, especially health facilities. The UN Clinic provides health services for all staff and dependents but for some specialized treatments it is necessary to seek health care outside Laos.

Benefits:
– Entry lump sum: $400
– Monthly living allowance: $638.74 + $255,49 (expertise differential)
– Comprehensive medical and life insurance
– Annual leave, sick leave, family leave and learning leave