Purpose of the Consultancy
To provide technical support for data monitoring and evaluation during the bOPV SIA, including readiness assessment, intra-campaign monitoring, and post-campaign coverage verification. The consultancy will also support the National Immunization Programme on strengthening Routine Immunization data management system.
Background
In October 2025, Lao PDR confirmed a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) outbreak, which required urgent response measures and highlighted the importance of maintaining high population immunity through supplementary immunization activities (SIAs). This event underscored gaps in surveillance and immunization coverage, emphasizing the need for robust monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure timely detection and effective response to poliovirus risks.
Building on lessons learned from the cVDPV1 outbreak in 2015-2016, WHO Lao PDR, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partners, is planning a bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV) SIA in 2026. The campaign aims to strengthen immunity among children under five and prevent future outbreaks. Effective monitoring and evaluation will be critical to assess readiness, track campaign performance, and verify coverage, ensuring that the SIA achieves its objectives and contributes to polio eradication efforts in the country. Therefore, VDI team is seeking a national STC to strengthening of bOPV SIAs and routine vaccine data management system including monitoring and evaluation of the bOPVs SIA.
Deliverables
Under the overall supervision of the WHO Lao PDR VDI Team Leader with guidance from the country office team and in collaboration with the National Immunization Programme of the Ministry of Health, the consultant will:
- Review and finalize the bOPV SIA monitoring tools and checklists, and conduct readiness assessments at national and provincial levels.
- Carry out real-time monitoring and rapid convenience monitoring (RCM), analyse daily coverage data, and prepare written feedback for the NIP and sub-national EPI teams.
- Conduct the post-campaign coverage assessment using Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) or an equivalent method, and compile and analyse the data for the final evaluation report.
- Prepare data harmonization inputs with MOH, WHO, UNICEF, CHAI and other partners, and prepare technical updates for coordination meetings.
Deliverable 1.1: Finalized monitoring plan, tools and checklists submitted before the campaign.
Deliverable 1.2: National and provincial readiness assessment report submitted prior to each round.
Output 2: Intra-campaign monitoring conducted and daily coverage analysis reported.
Deliverable 2.1: Daily monitoring and supervision, and RCM reports produced during each campaign round, with written feedback shared with the immunization technical working group.
Output 3: Post-campaign coverage verified and final evaluation report produced.
Deliverable 3.1: Preliminary coverage analysis report (LQAS/equivalent) prepared in collaboration with NIP and partners.
Deliverable 3.2: Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation report of the bOPV SIA submitted at the end of the assignment.
Educational Qualifications
Essential: A first university (bachelor’s) degree in computer science, data science, statistics, public health or a related field, or equivalent professional training from a recognized institution.
Desirable: A master’s degree in computer science, public health or a related field.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum 2 years of experience in the area of program data management or its related field
Desirable: Experience with international organizations, an advantage
Skills/Knowledge
- Demonstrated knowledge of data management and processes (data quality, analysis and use techniques);
- Ability to work independently under pressure without close supervision and to deliver high-quality work on time;
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as a member of a team, including effectively working with policy-makers and partners;
- Good oral and written communication skills;
- Good computer skills.
Languages and level required
Essential: Fluent in Lao and have a high degree of competency in reading, written and spoken English.
Place of assignment
Onsite in Vientiane, Lao PDR
Travel
Extensive travel within province of assignment will be required;
Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):
Remuneration: USD 2500 per month
Expected duration of contract: 6 months full time contract
Additional Information:
This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
A written test may be used as a form of screening.
If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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