Consultant - Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Strategy Evaluation, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic

Purpose of consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the government to develop a comprehensive evaluation plan for the RMNCAH strategy and to implement the evaluation of the RMNCAH strategy. This consultancy also aims to support the various units of the WHO Lao PDR Office to jointly implement the DFAT and USAID funded activities, including coordination of the different units of the Office, liaison with the donors, monitoring of the activity implementation and reporting to the funders.

Background

In 2016, the government of Lao PDR developed “Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Health Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2025” building on the experience of the first strategy (the Strategy and Planning Framework for the Integrated Package of MNCH 2009-2015”). The strategy was revised as “National Strategy and Action Plan for integrated Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH strategy) 2021-2025” in 2020 to reflect the result of mid-term review of the strategy. The government of Lao PDR planned to conduct the final evaluation of the RMNCAH strategy 2021-2025 over the period of 2024 to develop the next strategy in 2025.

The WHO Representative Office for Lao PDR (WHO Lao PDR Office) has recently received funding support from DFAT and USAID to support the work of the Ministry of Health in various areas, including RMNCAH. To manage all the planned activities funded by DFAT and USAID and engagement with the partners effectively, the WHO Lao PDR Office plans to recruit an expert to support coordination across the different units of the office.

Deliverables

Output 1: Comprehensive evaluation plan of the RMNCAH strategy based on pre-defined M&E framework and additional methodologies agreed among national committee and technical sub-committee of the strategy is developed. Deliverable 1.1: Draft comprehensive evaluation plan based on the result of annual review meeting in 2023 and the review result of reports on global and regional priorities. Deliverable 1.2: Final comprehensive evaluation plan based on the result of the consultation meeting with stakeholders.

Output 2: The progress reports for DFAT and USAID are prepared by the due date of the submission. Deliverable 2: Progress reports for DFAT and USAID

Output 3: The collected data for the evaluation are analyzed and the results of the analysis are summarized to present at the annual RMNCAH review meeting 2024. Deliverable 3: Summary of the evaluation results for the annual RMNCAH review meeting 2024.

Output 4: The final donor report for DFAT is prepared by the due date of the submission. Deliverable 4: Final donor report for DFAT.

Output 5: A comprehensive evaluation is implemented by organizing a series of evaluation meetings, and the evaluation report reflecting the discussion results and available data as of March 2025 is prepared. Deliverable 5: Evaluation report reflecting the discussion results and available data as of March 2025, including recommendations for the next strategy.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications

Essential: Master’s degree in public health or related health area

Experience

Essential:At least 7 years of work experience in public health low-middle income setting, with a special focus on Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health, M&E and Health System Strengthening. At least 2 years project management experience. Desirable: Some working experience in health system strengthening in RMNCAH in Lao PDR. Some experience in research work on global health. Some work experience with Ministry of Health (central level)

Skills/Knowledge

Essential:

Strong communication, strategic thinking, public relations and advisory skills, including writing and presentations in English. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis Demonstrated networking and partnership building skills Strong expertise in coordinating activities Strong results based programme management experience, with particular focus on strategic planning and capacity building Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct

Desirable

Knowledge on Lao health system in RMNCAH in Lao PDR

Languages and level required

Essential:Expert knowledge of English

Location

On site: The consultant will undertake the work in WCO Lao PDR

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel.

Remuneration and budget

Remuneration: Band level B. 400 USD per day for 20 days per month. Expected duration of contract: 10 months, 15 May 2024 to 14 March 2024

Additional Information:

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