Job description :

The CHNSS (community health and nutrition system strengthening) Project will run for 2 years to support the Ministry of Health of Lao PDR in strengthening VHVs and the community health and nutrition systems for the delivery of selected high-impact child survival and development interventions, such as antenatal and postnatal care, newborn care, early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, promote complementary feeding, immunization of children, and support for the identification of health/nutrition issues and referral of acute malnourished children based on MUAC estimates to health services for treatment/services as well as follows up from health facilities.

The community focus is also relevant considering the disruption caused by COVID-19, where a recent analysis of routine data shows a reduction in Maternal and Child Health and immunization indicators in Lao PDR.

The Project Coordinator is responsible to support DHO & HC for the implementation and reinforce the role and capacities of VHV, and the referral pathways to the health center facility, thereby strengthening community health systems. H/She will be working with PHD and DHO to establish and maintain a good relationship to implement the project interventions in time with quality. This person will be representing WVI-LAO to technical networks at district level and engaging in advocacy relevant to project objectives and providing capacity building of VHV and partners.

Major Responsibilities :

• Work with Provincial and District health office to adapt the project implementation to community context
• Implement the technical project log-frame within the agreed design and budget
• Provide impact stories, quarterly report and monthly budget and detail implementation plan
• Work with government counterparts to identify and mitigate risks/issues to ensure quality implementation of activity
• Work with DHO and HC to organize training and ongoing coaching/mentoring on technical project curriculum to VHV
• Lead reflection and learning of technical project implementation for ongoing feedback and improvement
• Ensure VHVs have required capacity for RMNCAH HHs visits
• Conduct regular monitoring, spot-checks and reflection of the project implementation
• Use standardized monitoring tool and its appropriate assurance
• Analyse and disaggregate data in order to track the progresses on reaching out to most vulnerable mothers and children
• Train and engage project partners and key stakeholders in project monitoring and learning
• Provide monthly, semi and annual progresses report to Project Manager, Technical Specialist and Provincial Coordinator
• Prepare documentation of relevant technical project curriculum as requested
• Represent WVI-L at District/HC levels to promote technical model and strengthen collaborative relationship
• Ensure the capacity of district counterpart for sustainability of the project interventions
• Coordinate and participate in WVI-L technical program/project learning networks to share experiences and lessons learnt with the evidence
• Share plan and integrate/synergize technical project activities
• Liaise with administrative and finance staff for organizing and planning activities delivery following the procurement and budget requirements for activities linked to community engagement and mobilization
• Whenever possible, facilitate activities payment through the centralized system, and liaise for advance for activities implementation when the prior is not possible.

• Minimum 2 years experience in the technical area of Maternal and Child health, Health system strengthening
• Experience in working with community-based approaches and models: CIMNCI, Safe motherhood program, BCC, IYCF, IMAM.
• Ability to plan and work independently, result-driven according to project targets
• Strong experience in capacity building of the health workers and health system strengthening approach.
• Experience managing project across a large geographic area within district.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with local government and NGO partners and stakeholders
• Experience in working on behavioral change and communications
• Proven experience in project coordination, including financial management and monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience in handling training and workshops for groups and communities( including coaching and mentoring).

Required Education, Training, License, Registration and Certification :

• Bachelor degree in Public health, Nursing or health related field.
• Technical Diploma with additional years of relevant experience can be also considered in lieu of Bachelor degree.
• Good understanding on community health interventions, behaviour change communication and counselling at district and local level.
• Technical knowledge of training in maternal and child health,
• Clear understanding on RMNCAH and how to promote health behavious, nutrition and childhood development.
• Knowledge of community participatory advocacy models

Preferred knowledge and qualifications :

• Willingness to learn and be proactive about personal professional development
• Good organizational and coordinating skills
• Ability to proactively influence, network, and collaborate with local level government and NGOs
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate problem-solving, interpersonal and communication skills (including facilitation)
• Thorough knowledge and ability of MS Office
• Ability to demonstrate project management and foster a collaborative, team oriented atmosphere
• Integrity, honesty, and accountability to both the team and the community