National Consultant – Integrated Specimen Referral System (iSRS) Coordination, ALERT-LAO (UNICEF)

Description: UNICEF is recruiting a National Consultant for iSRS coordination under the ALERT-LAO project (Advancing Lao PDR's Pandemic Response and Transformation), Activity 2.3.3. The role is office based with travel, for 12 months. The consultant works day-to-day within NCLE, under the technical guidance of the NCLE Director (or the designated iSRS focal point) and UNICEF contract management. The task is to set up and scale up the integrated specimen referral system: finalize the iSRS framework and tools, deliver the national Training of Trainers and provincial-to-district cascade training in 14 scale-up provinces (bringing coverage to 17 provinces), put transport, packaging and data arrangements in place, and monitor and report on system performance. The assignment is temporary, time-bound technical assistance, paid against monthly deliverables. Minimum requirements: - Education: Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory technology, biomedical science, microbiology, medicine, pharmacy, public health or another health-related field. - Experience: at least five years in public health laboratory systems, laboratory networks or disease programme diagnostics, including at least three years directly on specimen referral and transport; hands-on experience setting up or scaling an integrated specimen referral system; experience delivering Training of Trainers, cascade training and supportive supervision; experience with the Ministry of Health, NCLE, Provincial Health Offices or national disease programmes in Lao PDR, and/or UN agencies or donor-funded projects. - Language: fluency in Lao and English, spoken and written. - Skills: knowledge of safe transport of infectious substances (WHO guidance, UN3373 / Category B, triple packaging, cold chain), laboratory biosafety; laboratory network quality management; data skills (DHIS2, LIMS or similar, advanced Excel); coordination and report-writing; understanding of MOH structures and Lao government procedures. Apply by 19 November 2026. No salary is stated in the announcement.

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