We are currently looking for Team Leader, Strengthening Climate Resilience of the Lao PDR Health System Project based in Vientiane Capital.

Save the Children (SC) is seeking a Team Leader for the recently approved Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) USD $28.1m Strengthening Climate Resilience of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) Health System Project, which will support the Government of Lao PDR over five years to advance progress on its national climate change and health priorities and commitments by increasing the climate resilience of the health system and strengthening community capacity to manage the current and anticipated health impacts of climate change. The project will strengthen leadership and governance within the health system, so it is climate resilient and strengthen health system capacity in 25 climate-vulnerable rural districts to better manage climate-related disease burdens, including by engaging 100 health facilities in those districts to better prepare for the health impacts of climate change. Through risk communication and community engagement approaches, the project will enable 250 communities to better respond to early warnings, manage and mitigate climate-related risks to health, and seek care appropriately.

This senior leadership position will provide overall strategic direction in the design, management, implementation, and overall quality assurance of the project. This role will also oversee coordination with partner Ministries from Lao PDR Government and will manage consortium partners.

Project Management

• Lead the project team to deliver the project on schedule and budget ensuring the project support functions (finance, human resources, procurement, and administration) are working effectively and efficiently
• Ensure achievement of project objectives as detailed in the project proposal and guidance, in line with GCF and SC guidelines
• Ensure close coordination between Project Implementation Unit (PIU), the Government of Lao PDR, SC USA (award managing office), and SC Australia (donor account holder)
• Ensure high quality technical and operational leadership and oversight is in place on the project
• Develop strategic plans and annual and quarterly work plans, and provide overall program management in line with GCF guidelines to achieve project objectives
• Ensure that evidence-based MNCH and cross-cutting approaches inform and are integrated into project approaches and activities
• Ensure efficient management of financial resources, including the review and approval of program budgets and monitoring of expenditures
• Manage and motivate direct reports to achieve their work plan objectives, and to contribute to the achievement of the overall program goals
• Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where the project team strives to achieve excellence
• Actively participate as a member of the SC Laos Extended Senior Management Team (ESMT), contributing to country strategic plans

Project Monitoring, Reporting, and Compliance

• Provide oversight of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of the project
• Review and ensure, through the PIU Finance Manager, sound budget tracking and reporting of project expenditures and progress, ensuring donor compliance and accountability standards are met (including project audits when required)
• Review and ensure the quality and consistency of all internal and external reports
• Ensure that project reporting and documentation meet donor quality standards and requirements, and are submitted on-time to the Project Steering Committee, other project stakeholders, and the Accredited Entity (AE) (Save the Children Australia)
• Raise any critical issues or risks to the Project Steering Committee and SC Laos leadership and follow up on agreed actions
• Establish systems for compliance with programmatic targets and deliverables and lead reviews of program progress against the set objectives on a quarterly basis
• Support the development of strong M&E mechanisms, program monitoring tools, and efficient systems to ensure high quality implementation
• Ensure compliance with GCF regulations and procedures, and Save the Children policies and guidelines

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Lead team to provide coordination and guidance among multilateral and bilateral partners and other key stakeholders
• Represent SC with partners and key stakeholders, maintain positive relationships with GCF, Lao PDR ministries and provincial offices, and partners
• Establish effective communication and coordination with personnel from the government in order to implement interventions and incorporate country-wide priorities
• Incorporate SC’s vision and values and ensure full adherence to SC’s Code of Conduct principles

Health, Safety, Security, and Risk Management

• Be a role model for safety and security, including complying with all safety instructions and training given at the workplace
• Report all incidents, injuries, and potential hazards in a timely manner
• Ensure full integration and responsibility for the Environmental and Social Assessment and Residual Risk Management Plan, including appropriate mitigation measures
• Ensure the project’s Grievance Redress Mechanism is fit for purpose and functioning effectively at all times

Child Protection and Safeguarding Requirements

• Maintain a safe and positive relationship at all times when working with children and young people
• Comply with SC’s Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct and child safeguarding and protection policies and standards (click here to view further details)
• Respond to any concerns for the safety or wellbeing of a child or adult in accordance with internal reporting processes including the Grievance Redress Mechanism

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ professional experience designing, managing, and implementing large and complex programs in this technical area

Experience and Skills

Required:

• Demonstrated experience in developing strategic plans on health, health systems, water, sanitation & hygiene (WASH) or related program initiatives
• Experience managing complex projects projects
• Proven technical knowledge in health systems strengthening and/or community resilience
• Fundamental understanding of the links between climate and child health
• At least five years of senior program experience working and living in a developing country
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations
• Creative problem-solving skills with the ability to work effectively in resource-constrained environments
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in relevant areas of expertise or international development
• Prior experience as Chief of Party or Deputy COP in multi-sectoral health programs for a large international donor (e.g., UN agency, USAID, EU, World Bank, etc.)
• Experience manging complex health projects
• Experience working in Lao PDR
• Fluency or proficiency in a Lao

Contract length: Fixed term

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.