The Immunization Data Officer will provide technical assistance and capacity-building to the National Immunization Program (NIP) in Lao PDR. The primary purpose is to improve immunization data management through strengthening the Electronic Immunization Registry (EIR) and leading Geospatial data collection and mapping activities. To ensure the utilization of high-quality data for informed decision-making within the country's immunization programme and overall health system.
The World Health Organization (WHO) in Lao PDR is committed to reducing morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. Effective immunization programs rely heavily on robust data management, analysis, and utilization for strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation. The country is in the process of strengthening its immunization information systems, including the national roll-out of the EIR on the DHIS2 platform and enhancing geospatial data collection for health facilities and vaccination sites. This consultancy is crucial to support these ongoing efforts, improve data quality, and ensure that data is effectively used for decision-making at all levels of the health system.
Under the direct supervision of the Technical Officer (VDI) and the overall guidance of the Representative of WHO Country Office in Lao PDR, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
Output 1: Data Management and Analysis:
Deliverable 1.1: Analyse annual immunization data, produce relevant immunization-related information (e.g., vaccination coverage, drop-out rates, zero dose, service utilization etc) utilising the EIR platform.
Deliverable 1.2: Transform data into narrative text, maps, charts, and dashboards to facilitate strategic planning and decision-making.
Deliverable 1.3: Aggregate, update, and maintain related information from technical teams, field offices, including target population data, vaccination coverage, vaccination sites, sociodemographic information of defaulters, and low-performing/hard-to-reach areas, provide information to all in-country partners and stakeholders.
Output 2: Information System Development and Maintenance:
Deliverable 2.1: Support the Ministry of Health in the national roll-out of the Electronic Immunization Registry (EIR), including on-the-job training and daily support for users and regular system maintenance.
Deliverable 2.2: Support the maintenance and improvement of dashboard, data visualization, and standard reports on the DHIS2 software in cooperation with DPF/CHSI.
Deliverable 2.3: Support the expansion of EIR to include more health facilities and other antigens such as
HPV for teenage girls.
Output 3: Data Quality and Capacity Building:
Deliverable 3.1: Carry out regular monitoring and supervision on EIR data entry and management to verify data quality (accuracy, completeness, timeliness) and identify gaps in immunization information management, and recommend corrective actions, and prepare relevant documents to report to relevant stakeholders.
Deliverable 3.2: Provide advice and build capacity of the NIP on data management and use through health information systems for decision-making at national level.
Deliverable 3.3: Support the revision of related forms, standard reports, standard operating procedures (SOP), and training materials, and the implementation of EPI data management.
Output 4: Geospatial Data Management:
Deliverable 4.1: Collect geospatial data and geo-referenced mapping of catchment areas of each health facility including vaccination sites as well as villages in the selected provinces.
Deliverable 4.2: Support generating, printing and distribution of both digital and paper catchment maps to health facilities.
Deliverable 4.3: Build capacity of national and provincial health staff to interpret, use and update catchment maps with health system resources and service catchment data for microplanning.
Output 5: Coordination and Collaboration:
Deliverable 5.1: Respond to specific information requests from technical teams and partners, ensuring dissemination of information and knowledge sharing.
Deliverable 5.2: Provide technical expertise during interagency initiatives related to information and data management, seeking to improve information sharing and contribute to intersectoral dashboards and reports.
Deliverable 5.3: Liaise and collaborate with Health System Development team to ensure effective collection and dissemination of data through relevant platforms.
Essential: University degree from a recognized university in, data management, statistics, public health, social science, or related fields, complemented by training in database management or web programming.
Essential: Minimum of five years of relevant experience in the development and roll-out of health data management system at international level, including at least two years with a focus on immunization information systems on DHIS2 in a developing country context.
Prior experience in system design, development and database maintenance and DHIS2 is essential.
Desirable: Working experience with UN agencies or international organizations in Lao PDR or similar settings is desirable.
• Demonstrated skills in statistical data collection, analysis, and interpretation of epidemiological data as well as other immunization-related data.
• Proven skills and in-depth knowledge of software development, data collection and management, data quality assessment, data analysis and visualization, and geographic information systems (GIS).
• Knowledge of the specific or technical area of public health.
• Demonstrated training skills (developing and conducting training).
• Ability to lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, projects, and programmes.
• Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.
Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English.
Knowledge of spoken and written Lao is desirable
On-site: Vientiane, Lao PDR
The consultant is expected to travel.
Remuneration: Payband level A - USD 5,000.00 to USD 6,000.00 (monthly)
Duration: 4 months, September to December 2025