The role
We are currently looking for HSS (Health Systems Strengthening) Advisor based in Luangphabang Province or Vientiane Capital
Role Purpose
SCALING (Sustainable Change Achieved through Linking Improved Nutrition and Governance) is a multi-sector Nutrition programme implemented in 420 villages in 14 districts in Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Phongsaly and Huaphanh provinces in Northern Laos. The project covers the period December 2017-December 2021 and is funded by the European Union as part of the Partnership for Improved Nutrition in Lao PDR (PIN). The project is implemented by a consortium of INGOs: CARE, Comite de Cooperation avec le Laos (CCL), ChildFund Laos (CFL) and Save the Children as the lead.
The Health System Strengthening (HSS) Advisor will provide technical input and monitor quality and timely implementation of health system strengthening activities as per the SCALING workplan across the four target provinces. The HSS Advisor will provide support to the SCALING project teams and government counterparts and identify additional opportunities for staff capacity building as required. The HSS Advisor will work in close collaboration and coordinate with the other project Technical Advisors in the Consortium Management Unit, SCALING Project Managers and the SCALING Project Director.
In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.
KEY AREA OF ACCOUNTABILITY
Ensure they fully understand the provisions of the Child Safeguarding Policy, the Code of Conduct and Local/Country Procedures.
Conduct themselves in accordance with the rules of the Child Safeguarding Policy, in their personal and professional lives – which includes reporting suspicions of child abuse.
Technical-
Health system strengthening technical leadership
- Provide technical input into the design and implementation of baseline/ end line surveys and other project studies related to health system strengthening indicators
- Facilitate and support participatory planning of annual health system strengthening project activities
- Provide technical input for the development, review and updating of job aids and training curricula for capacity building of provincial and district health staff and district health managers.
- Participate in local and national technical working groups to inform health system strengthening strategy and policy
- Provide technical input into the design, implementation and monitoring of community accountability systems across all project sites.
- Organize field visits and cross site learning for senior health project officers to share experiences and promising practices
- Support the senior health office and government health partners to plan and conduct regular review and reflection meetings with government cross sector partners and community members
- Support SCALING staff to document project learning, development of case studies and sharing of project results and experience with stakeholders at local and national level
- Provide technical support to SCALING staff, district and provincial counterparts for strengthening the quality and utilization of DHIS 2 (government health system data)
- Work in close collaboration with provincial and district government health systems managers
- Present results of SCALING health system strengthening approach at national meetings as opportunities arise
Operational Support
- Provide technical support to SCALING project officers and government counterparts for planning, and conducting quality skills building trainings; ensure systems and tools in place for regular supportive supervision following training.
- Support senior health project officers to work with district managers to strengthen skills for utilizing DHIS2 and project data to track project progress and inform programming.
- Provide technical support to the senior health project officers and district managers for monitoring, supervising, documenting and reporting on progress for implementation of the annual work plan
- Conduct regular field visits to monitor the technical quality of health system strengthening activities and provide timely feedback to SCALING staff and district counterparts.
- Support senior health project officers and district counterparts for data management, analysis and reporting of project results.
- Support health project officers for assessment of equipment needs, procurement of equipment and distribution to health facilities
- Participate in provincial and district meetings and provide updates on health system strengthening activities
- Inform the SCALING Project Managers about any new issues concerning emergencies or difficult situations in the implementation or evaluation of all project activities.
- Ensures the appropriate application of child rights programming principles into the implementation of activities
Relationships
- Establish and maintain excellent working relationships and coordination with the other members of the Consortium Management Unit.
- Establishes and maintains excellent working relationships with all SCI Lao staff members.
- Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with other institutions involved in the projects. This should include regular contract with GoL partners and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) – as per Partnership agreement and MoU to ensure they are fully and appropriately involved in the projects.
- Establishes local procedures in order to liaise effectively with local government partners in terms of planning, implementing, reporting, of health system strengthening activities, progress and project results
- Develops, maintains and strengthens relations with other agencies working in the same geographic or technical areas.
- Actively works in coordination with other staff-members as deemed necessary for performing his/her duties and for the general development of the SCI Laos offices.
Qualifications
- Post graduate degree in public health, maternal and child health or health sciences preferred
Experience and Skills
- 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience or 3 years’ previous experience in an INGO and CSOs or relevant development business;
- Demonstrated experience in health system strengthening programs in Laos
- Capacity building experience
- Good written and spoken English and Lao skills; knowledge of one or more of the main ethnic languages spoken in North Laos is an asset
- IT skills in major applications like MS Office, Epi Info or other data analysis software, Internet, etc.
- A history of working with Government partners.
Contract length: fixed term
The Organisation
We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.
We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:
- No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
- All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
- Violence against children is no longer tolerated
We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.
Application Information:
Interested candidates please submit a full application using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document including contact details of three professional referees (current and last line managers and HR department). Please also include details of your salary expectations and a copy of your ID card. Please note that we will require a copy of your Criminal Records (ໃບ້ແຈ້ງໂທດ) later.
Closing date for applications is: 13 August, 2020. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Apply here