National Consultant for planning and implementation of the UNICEF nutrition programme in Lao PDR

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

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For every child, the right to support

In Lao PDR, UNICEF works in partnership with the Government of Lao PDR and partners to promote and protect the rights of children and women in Lao PDR. With over 50 years of service, we are one of the longest-serving international organisations in the country.

Visit unicef.org/Laos to learn more about what we do at UNICEF in Lao PDR.

How can you make a difference? 

UNICEF in Vientiane, Lao PDR is looking for a National Consultant for planning and implementation of the UNICEF nutrition programme in Lao PDR. The duration of this assignment is 10 months, starting as soon as possible and the consultant shall be office based.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

The consultant shall work closely with Nutrition and Social Policy teams and other departments to ensure adequate planning and implementation of activities under CNF.

More specifically the consultant shall:

• Provide support for developing, monitoring, and updating annual and quarterly workplans.
• Contribute to   the planning and coordination of programme activities, and events.
• Support the Government of Lao PDR and implementing partners in preparing funding proposals and requests, and in completing financial reporting and liquidation requirements.
• Maintain an organized and up‑to‑date repository of essential programme data, including training records and related documentation.
• Strengthen monitoring and evaluation of the CNF programme through analysis of performance against agreed milestones, targets, and indicators.
• Plan, coordinate, and document programmatic field visits, ensuring timely reporting.
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of key programme initiatives and innovations, including SMART surveys, community‑based surveillance, and the complementary feeding pilot.
• If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: [attach JD/TOR here]

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree on social sciences, epidemiology or related discipline.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience implementing development programmes, preferably related to health and nutrition
• Demonstrated experience in preparing workplans and activity proposals.
• Extensive experience in compiling and analysing programme data.
• Experience working with and strengthening the capacity of government officials

Skills:

• Solid computer literacy, including proficiency Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet
• Proven ability to develop analysis reports and activities reports in English.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and have the initiative to work independently to meet deadlines

Language Requirements:

• Excellent oral and written skills; in Lao and English

Submission of applications:

Interested candidates are kindly requested to apply and upload the following documents:

• Letter of Interest (cover letter)
• CV or Resume
• Financial proposal: All-inclusive lump-sum cost including medical insurance with medivac, travel and accommodation cost for this assignment as per work assignment  Financial Proposal Template-updated.docx

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.