DirecciónPurpose of the consultancy
The consultant will provide expert support to the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) in strengthening technical capacity of the Ministry of Health Climate Change technical unit, particularly by supporting implementation of Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Project- Enhancing Lao PDR National Capacity and Coordination in Health and Climate Change and GCF SAP project- Strengthening Climate Resilience of the Lao PDR Health System.
Background
Since 2021, World Health Organization (WHO) Lao PDR country office has been supporting the Ministry of Health in accessing funding from GCF and implementing GCF project. Lao PDR has now two health projects approved by GCF:
- GCF Readiness project for Enhancing Lao PDR National Capacity and Coordination in Health and Climate Change since 2022
- GCF Simplified Approval Process (SAP) project for Strengthening Climate Resilience of the Lao PDR Health Systems
The Readiness project has been under implementation since 2022 and is soon coming to end. The goal of the project is to strengthen health sector climate resilience through capacity-building and access to climate financing. In collaboration with Save the Children, GCF accredited entity, WHO has been supporting the Government to develop a GCF SAP proposal and the project was approved by GCF Board on 25 October 2023.
WHO Environmental Health unit seeks a consultant to provide technical and managemental support to this transition from Readiness as well as ensuring a smooth kick off the implementation of the SAP project. WHO’s role in the GCF SAP project is to lead the implementation of Outcome 1: The health system’s governance and leadership is climate resilient and Outcome 2: Health Information Systems are improved to include climate and weather data and used to track, prepare for, and reduce climate-related risks to health.
The consultant will work with relevant departments of the Ministry of Health and provide technical inputs to the planned activities. The consultant is also expected to work with multiple units of WHO Laos with a focus on coordination, financial monitoring, and management of above projects.
This consultancy needs broad understanding of the role of different units to support mainstreaming Climate Change into different health programmes and support the Ministry of Health towards building climate-resilient health systems.
Deliverables
The consultant will report to and be guided by the Team Leader/Technical Officer of the HEN unit of the WHO Lao PDR country office. The consultant will be responsible for delivering the following:
Output 1: Project management of Climate Change and Health projects funded by GCF.
Activity 1- Provide support to project management of GCF-funded projects and monitoring of the project activities in close collaboration with MoH.
Deliverable 1.1: Implementation plans of according to the work plans and donor agreements and other requirements (For activities planned under SAP project Outcome 1 and 2)
Deliverable 1.2: Monitoring reports on encumbrances and expenditures of GCF funded activities, based on coordination with HEN, Health Information Systems (HIS) and other relevant teams.
Deliverable 1.3: Monitoring report of Direct Financial Cooperation (DFC) awarded to the Government.
Deliverable 1.4: Draft and deliver PowerPoint presentations related to the projects and respective activities as needed.
Output 2: Support donor reporting and coordination of Climate Change and Health
Activity 2 Support HEN and HIS and other relevant teams to draft donor reports and submit according to donor reporting requirements
Deliverable 2.1: Submission of regular technical and financial supports according to deadlines and ad-hoc basis as requested by donor.
Output 3: Support developing informational and awareness-raising materials for health impacts and Health resilience-building to Climate Change.
Activity 3- Develop communication messages, case studies, publish articles/press releases in collaboration and consultation with the WHO Comms team.
Deliverable 3.1- Communication strategy on health sector Climate Change actions (Planned timeline- January to April 2024).
Deliverable 3.2- Organize a workshop with Climate Change focal points from other ministries and the private sector to disseminate the communication plans, collect feedback, and promote collaboration (Planned timeline- April 2024)
Deliverable 3.2- Communications messages and published articles
Output 4: Provide technical support to following activities related to Climate Change, the environment and Health
Activity 4.1- Dissemination of Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP) to subnational level
Deliverable 4.1.1: Develop Training of Trainers (ToT) materials and guidance on Climate Change adaptation planning and its practical implementation in provinces (Planned timeline- January to April, 2024)
Deliverable 4.1.2: Develop a guidance to lead the health sector's Climate Change adaptation planning with the identified best practices. (Planned timeline- January to April, 2024)
Deliverable 4.1.3: Technical report of meeting/workshop with list of participants
Activity 4.2- Attend relevant workshops and technical meetings within the scope of HEN and provide written summaries of key discussions and conclusions during the meeting, as needed.
Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications
Essential: University bachelor’s degree in public health, environmental engineering, medical sciences or related fields, or equivalent professional training.
Desirable: Background in Climate Change-health, or Climate Change-WASH is preferred.
Experience:
Essential: Minimum of five years of work experience in public health with at least three years of work experience related to Climate Change and Health. The consultant should have strong communication and interpersonal skills. The consultant should be able to interact effectively with the national counterpart, nongovernmental organizations and international agencies.
Desirable: Working experience in international organizations and external relation and coordination. Familiarity with GCF. Work experience in Lao PDR.
Skills and knowledge:
Technical knowledge of Climate Change and Health
Project/Programme management skills and knowledge to ensure effective use of resources
Strong skills and developing donor reports
Strong skills in communication, interpersonal, and coordination skills
Ability to work and interact effectively with national counterparts, nongovernmental organizations and international agencies at various levels.
Good computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Language:
Expert knowledge of English
Location
On site: Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
Travel
The consultant is expected to travel. The selected consultant will work in Vientiane Capital and travel to provinces as needed.
Remuneration and budget
Remuneration: USD 6,380/month
Expected duration of contract: 10 months, 4 March to 31 December 2024
Additional Information:
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