Job Description

The Position:

National Provincial Coordinator

You will report to Programme Coordinator

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff who embody these international norms and standards and will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results

Job Purpose:

The United Nations Joint Programme (UNJP) on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) supported the Ministry of Health in Lao PDR since 2011 to strengthen health systems and improve equitable access to quality RMNCAH services. The programme is jointly implemented by UNICEF, WHO and UNFPA, with funding from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Over successive phases, the UNJP has strengthened governance, improved service quality, and enhanced coordination across the RMNCAH continuum of care. Phase IV (2026–2031), the final phase of the programme, focuses on:

• Integrated, people-centered RMNCAH service delivery

• Strengthened governance and coordination

• Capacity building through provincial Centers of Reference

• Improved monitoring, supervision, and accountability

Based on the programme document, UNFPA will be responsible for recruiting a coordinator to support the

work in Savannakhet province, with detailed responsibilities below:

You would be responsible for:

• Under the supervision of the UNJP Coordinator at central level with support from UNFPA, the incumbent will carry out the following key assignments:
  
  • Provide technical support to Provincial Health Office in planning and execution of RMNCH activities implementation.
  
  • Participate in provincial level RMNCAH planning and review meetings.
  
  • Participate in UNJP technical meetings online and other UNJP coordination meetings and events both in-person and virtually.
  
  • Prepare monthly progress reports on provincial level implementation of the UNJP on RMNCAH, including implementation of the provincial RMNCAH plan and submit to PHO and UNJP Coordinator at central level.
  
  • Prepare reports/minutes of coordination meetings held with the Lux-Dev project team and other key development partners and submit to PHO and UNJP Coordinator at central level.
  
  • Participate in capacity building workshops on RMNCAH for Health workers and VHVs including training support/facilitation in training.
  
  • Conduct regular field visits to health facilities and village health volunteers to monitor the progress, identify issues, constraints, and best practices on RMNCAH service delivery.
  
  • Preparation of detailed monthly progress and monitoring reports and submission to supervisor.

• Institutional Arrangement
  
  The Local Service Contractor will be under the direct supervision of the SRH Programme Coordinator, supporting the UN Joint Programme work at provincial level. See attached a general overview in an Annex 1 Unit organogram.
  

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Bachelor’s in public health or higher diploma or equivalent, medical sciences, community health or another relevant area including social sciences and social development.

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least four years of relevant experience in planning and coordinating health programmes at provincial and/or district level, with a specific focus on reproductive, maternal and child health.
• Experience of working in community health would be an advantage.
• Previous work experience in the Ministry of Health, provincial health administration in the province, UN agency or iNGO in the health sector is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with the Lao PDR health system context is required.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and have the initiative to work independently to meet deadlines.
  

Languages:

• Ability to communicate in English (speaking and writing) would be an advantage

Required Competencies:

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change

Core Competencies:

● Integrity and commitment to UNFPA's values and guiding principles;

● Teamwork, communication, and self-management;

● Knowledge sharing and continuous learning.

Cross-functional & Technical Competencies:

● Conceptual innovation in the provision of technical expertise;

● Providing conceptual innovation to support programme effectiveness

● Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization

● Strong job knowledge and technical expertise.

● Facilitating quality programmatic results

The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

a) Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.

b) A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.

c) Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including leave days, health insurance and additional remuneration for pensions and social security obligations.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and engagement of LSC personnel may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or selection process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.