National Immunization Consultant, Vientiane (12 months, office-based with travel)

About the role

UNICEF is recruiting a National Immunization Consultant for a 12-month consultancy in Vientiane, Lao PDR, working from the office with travel. The assignment supports the National Immunization Programme (NIP) and provincial and district health teams in strengthening planning, implementation, monitoring and performance management, and in using immunization data and evidence to close coverage and equity gaps. The consultant will also support outbreak preparedness and priority campaigns such as supplementary immunization activities and MR/HPV campaigns.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance to the NIP and sub-national teams to improve programme performance and data-driven decision-making.
• Help identify and address coverage and equity gaps, and strengthen approaches to reach zero-dose and under-immunized children.
• Support preparedness and implementation of priority activities, including supplementary immunization activities, MR/HPV campaigns and follow-up of EVM-related recommendations.
• Document lessons learned and good practices.
• Strengthen national and sub-national teams through supportive supervision, mentoring, training and learning platforms.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in medicine, public health or a related field; master's degree is an advantage.
• 5-7 years of relevant experience in immunization programmes, preferably at national and/or sub-national level.
• Experience in routine immunization planning, implementation, monitoring and performance improvement, and in micro-planning, supportive supervision and campaigns.
• Proficiency in English and Lao; previous experience with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO, Gavi or other partners, and in Lao PDR, is desirable.

Required skills

• Knowledge of routine immunization implementation, monitoring and performance management, including reaching zero-dose children.
• Sub-national coordination, supportive supervision, micro-planning and follow-up of programme actions.
• Outbreak preparedness and response, and familiarity with EVM and immunization quality improvement (advantage).
• Ability to mentor, train and build capacity of health teams.

Candidates apply through the UNICEF online recruitment portal with an up-to-date profile, CV, cover letter and a financial proposal in the provided template; no processing fee is charged.