Policy and Strategy Consultant

UN Atlas; Republic (MO); On-site; USD 92,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

UNICEF Lao PDR seeks a consultant to provide technical, analytical, and drafting support for Lao PDR’s ALERT-LAO project. You will develop a national surveillance strategy and its operational plan, ensure alignment with One Health priorities, and incorporate equity indicators.

You will craft a multisectoral data-sharing mechanism and a risk assessment toolkit, drawing on WHO-FAO WOAH guidelines. The role emphasizes government ownership; you will facilitate consultations, consolidate input from

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Public Health or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in public health or health security.
• Experience drafting policy documents, strategies, and operational plans; experience with government counterparts in developing countries is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Draft nine key documents for ALERT-LAO project, aligning with PSRF targets.
• Develop national surveillance strategic and operational plans with One Health emphasis.
• Create multisectoral data sharing mechanism and a joint risk assessment toolkit.
• Draft costed sustainability plan for health surveillance under the NAPHS 2026-2030.
• Facilitate technical consultations and consolidate input for endorsement.

Skills

Public Health Policy Development

Pandemic Preparedness

Health Security Planning

Surveillance Systems Analysis

Data Analysis

Stakeholder Facilitation

Technical Writing

Project Management Support

One Health Approach

Risk Assessment Methodologies

Intersectoral Coordination

Report Writing

Education

Master's in Public Health / Health Security / Epidemiology

Bachelor's degree + 2 years relevant experience (in lieu of advanced degree)

Job description

Organizational context: UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights not just as a job, but as a calling. UNICEF fosters diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job purpose: The consultant will provide essential technical, analytical, and drafting support to the Government of Lao PDR to produce nine critical documents required for the 'Advancing Lao PDR’s Pandemic Response and Transformation' (ALERT-LAO) project. These documents, including national strategies, standards, SOPs, and protocols, are crucial for meeting Year 1 milestones of the Project-Specific Results Framework (PSRF). Working under the supervision of the UNICEF Health Manager and in close collaboration with the Department of Disease Control (DDC) and other relevant departments, the consultant will facilitate technical discussions, consolidate multisectoral input, and ensure documents are finalized to the required standard for endorsement. The government retains full ownership and leadership, with the consultant acting as a facilitator and drafter, not a policymaker. This is a temporary, deliverable-based assignment.

Responsibilities: The consultant will be responsible for drafting key documents to support Lao PDR's pandemic response and transformation. This includes developing a national surveillance strategic plan and its operational plan, aligning with national risk profiles and One Health priorities, and incorporating equity-focused indicators. The consultant will also draft a mechanism for multisectoral data sharing and a joint risk assessment methodology and toolkit, adapted from WHO-FAO WOAH guidelines, to improve routine data exchange between human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Furthermore, the consultant will draft a costed sustainability plan for human health surveillance systems within the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) 2026-2030, addressing financing, domestic budget transition, and human resource retention. The consultant will analyze evidence, facilitate technical consultations, consolidate input from various government departments and stakeholders, and prepare drafts for endorsement, ensuring alignment with PSRF targets and government ownership throughout the process.

Education: Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Public Health, Health Security, Epidemiology, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in public health, health security, or pandemic preparedness and response. Experience in drafting policy documents, strategies, and operational plans is essential. Experience working with government counterparts in developing countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, is desirable.

Skills: Public Health Policy Development, Pandemic Preparedness and Response, Health Security Planning, Surveillance Systems Analysis, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Stakeholder Consultation Facilitation, Technical Writing and Drafting, Project Management Support, One Health Approach, Risk Assessment Methodologies, Intersectoral Coordination, Report Writing

Required languages: English

Desired languages: