National Consultant to support capacity building on nutrition specific interventions
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this assignment is to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Health in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of preventive and curative nutrition interventions delivered through the health system. The consultant will work closely with relevant departments of the Ministry of Health to enhance coordination, support evidence-based programming, and contribute to the effective delivery of nutrition services and interventions. This role is crucial for addressing the persistent burden of malnutrition in Lao PDR by enhancing government capacity to design, implement, coordinate, and monitor a comprehensive package of nutrition interventions across the continuum of care.
Responsibilities
The consultant will work closely with the Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion (DHHP), Food and Drug Department (FDD), Mother and Child Health Centre (MCHC), Centre of Nutrition (CN), Department of Health Care and Rehabilitation (DHR), and other relevant departments to strengthen institutional capacity. This includes facilitating stakeholder coordination, supporting the implementation and monitoring of key nutrition interventions, and providing technical assistance for the rollout of priority initiatives. These initiatives include Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN), enforcement of nutrition-related regulations, Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS), IMAM, and salt iodization. The consultant will also enhance the capacity of the health system to deliver quality maternal nutrition, infant and young child feeding, micronutrient supplementation, and nutrition counselling services, while strengthening monitoring systems and regulatory compliance. Increased technical capacity will be provided to improve multisectoral coordination and ensure effective implementation of comprehensive nutrition interventions through the health system.
Work Experience
At least 10 years of proven experience working with government health systems and a good understanding of nutrition-specific interventions in the Lao context. Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in implementing nutrition-specific preventive programs, particularly Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) and micronutrient supplementation programs.
Skills
Technical, liaison, and coordination skills, Capacity building, Training and supportive supervision, Stakeholder coordination, Facilitation of technical working groups, Organization of consultations, workshops, and training events, Familiarity with innovative and technology-based applications for nutrition program monitoring, Strong understanding of government systems, internal processes, and administrative procedures, In-depth understanding of nutrition programming, Familiarity with national nutrition policies, strategies, and coordination mechanisms in Lao PDR, Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks, Effective working relationships with government counterparts and partners