Policy and Strategy Consultant
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 consultant will provide technical, analytical, and drafting support to the Government of Lao PDR to advance its pandemic response and transformation efforts, specifically within the "Advancing Lao PDR’s Pandemic Response and Transformation” (ALERT-LAO) project. This project, co-led by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), is crucial for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR). The consultant's role is to ensure that key Year 1 milestones, which depend on the government producing national strategies, standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, and inter-ministerial agreements, are met. By preparing drafts, consolidating multisectoral input, and finalizing documents to the required standard for endorsement, the consultant will directly contribute to the successful implementation of the ALERT-LAO project and strengthen the country's public health infrastructure.
Responsibilities
Provide technical, analytical, and drafting support to the Government of Lao PDR, specifically the Department of Disease Control (DDC) and the Department of Healthcare and Rehabilitation (DHR), in the development of national strategies, standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, and inter-ministerial agreements related to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR). Collaborate closely with the Head of the DDC Project Coordination Unit (PCU) and technical leads from responsible DDC divisions and DHR to gather input and ensure alignment with project objectives. Facilitate consultation and validation meetings as budgeted in the ALERT-LAO workplan, ensuring that multisectoral input is effectively consolidated into draft documents. Review and refine draft documents to meet the required standards for government endorsement and international best practices. Contribute to the overall coordination and implementation of the ALERT-LAO project by ensuring timely delivery of high-quality policy and strategy documents. Support the DDC in its role as the de facto National Public Health Institute, project lead, and IHR National Focal Point. Assist in the preparation of materials for reporting and communication related to the development of these key documents.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience in public health, health policy development, or programme management, with a focus on pandemic preparedness and response. Experience working with government ministries and international organizations is highly desirable. Proven experience in drafting policy documents, strategies, and SOPs.
Skills
Public Health Policy Analysis, Strategy Development, Document Drafting and Editing, Stakeholder Consultation, Project Coordination, Pandemic Preparedness and Response, Inter-ministerial Coordination, Report Writing, Analytical Skills, Communication Skills, Research Skills, UNICEF Programme Support