MCH Technical Support Officer

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Application deadline 2 years ago: Monday 3 Jan 2022 at 00:00 UTC

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This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

In the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the under-5 mortality rate was 67 per 1000 live births in 2015, taking MDG4 off track. The majority of child deaths occur within the first month of life, with a neonatal mortality rate of 30 per 1000 live births in 2015 (8). Most of the child deaths are preventable with high-impact, cost-effective interventions, but the coverage is still low for many of the interventions and varies widely depending on geographical location and ethnicity.

Prime Minister Decree 178 of 5 April 2012 provides for free delivery and free health care for children under 5 years. Implementation covers 70% of the districts in the country, but data show that the scheme has been accessed less by disadvantaged populations. Deployment of midwives has increased significantly in recent years; however, concerns on the limited practi-cal experience and skills of young graduates have been raised.

To promote implementation of the National Strategy and Action Plan for Integrated Services on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health 2016–2025, WHO will:

• Support the use and quality of pregnancy and delivery care, particularly for those living in poor and rural areas. • Support the quality and availability of basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric care, including safe abortion care, and strengthening the maternal death review sys-tem. • Enhance and expand the reach of high-quality early essential care for all newborns. • Advocate infant and young child care and feeding practices.

Under the direct supervision of MCH Unit Team leader, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks in order to: Provide technical support to the government in the development and implementation of evidence-based MCH policies and strategies, in order to provide access and quality health services to women, children and adolescents in an equitable manner. Guide in the harmonization of national and international efforts to ensure strengthening and improving MCH programme. Guide in pro-motion of national MCH programme with appropriate government commitment and support for MCH programme in collaboration with national and international organizations responsible for strengthening and improving MCH.

• Support MOH with developing, implementing and monitoring strategic plan on strengthen-ing maternal and childcare (MCH), quality service delivery, through health systems ap-proaches, to advance the national MCH vision, UHC and the Sustainable Development Goals; • Support on reviewing, designing, implementing and monitoring policies and tools on MCH in critical steps along the clinical health care pathway; • Support on MCH healthcare quality improvement in primary health care and hospital care, with a focus on high-risk mothers and newborns, early childhood development, well child care and IPC; • Monitor country specific developments in respect of the programmatic areas covered; • Establish and coordinate effective partnerships with stakeholders; • Support with the development of work plans and budgets for team activities; • Review and analyze national maternal and newborn health policies, strategies, plans and guidelines, programs and related legislation; • Support with the delivery of programs for capacity building in the area of Maternal Child health and other related areas; • Respond to inquiries and provide detailed and technical information concerning related principles, practices, issues, measures, techniques and procedures. • Promote and establish a variety of new community outreach activities to facilitate the ex-pansion of current and new health-care networks for improved maternal, newborn and child health systems.

the development and implementation of evidence-based MCH policies and strategies, in order to provide access and quality health services to women, children and adolescents. • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; • Technical knowledge of key maternal and reproductive health interventions, health sector responses and public health strategies to improve maternal and reproductive health and infection and prevention control; • Experience supporting with reproductive health capacity development and policies linked to high quality maternal, newborn, and reproductive health care ideal; • Supported with the provision of technical advice and services to national counterparts, Ministries of Health, and other external partners on reproductive health programs; • Work experience with WHO and/or UN agencies, health cluster partners; experience managing diverse teams; experience working in relevant non-governmental or humanitar-ian organizations desirable; • Ability to conduct research and analyze results, identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations for strengthening health care systems; • Understands complex policy and program issues related to Maternal, newborn and child health care systems and safety regulations; • Ability to work harmoniously as member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cul-tural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct; • Analytical and problem-solving skills; • Knowledge and skills in project design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evalua-tion a plus; • Excellent communication skills and ability to promote coordination with team members, other WHO colleagues, and external partners.

The position will be based in the capital, Vientiane. Living conditions in Vientiane are comfortable but residents must make concessions due to the tropical climate and under-developed infrastructure, including health facilities.

Vientiane is a relatively safe place to live in, with violent crime incidents very rare. However, single females should be vigilant if moving alone during the dark and it is best advised to move in groups.

The biggest hazards relate to traffic accidents, hence utmost care should be exerted when in traffic, especially when riding a motorbike. Volunteers must have a motorbike licence to ride a motorbike in Lao PDR. The Vientiane entertainment scene is still quiet and in order to avoid feeling lonely the person should be proactive in forming friendships, and hence should be ready to make the best of e.g. the UNV Buddy Programme.

There is a wide range of housing options in Vientiane located within easy reach of the WHO office. Houses or apartments are usually of good standards. All basic commodities can be bought in Vientiane and its immediate vicinity.

The UNV Office in Laos will assist the UNV in finding adequate accommodation. House shares with 3-4 people are most common but single apartments are also available.

Vientiane’s city centre is full of restaurants, shops, bars and internet cafes with many lined up along the Mekong river.

Laos is a former French colony but is looking towards modernism despite its huge historical and cultural legacy.

Surrounded by China and Thailand, Laos has managed to establish a business-friendly environment over the years. It thus attracts foreign investment and provides many professional opportunities to expatriates.

Lao people are friendly and show tolerance and an open-minded approach to visitors in their country; but their culture and values should always be respected.

Lao is a unique and mysterious country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as some commitments to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and will to adapt is necessary to live in a lovely yet developing country.

Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: unv.org