Project Officer-Champasack at Save the Children
We are currently looking for Project Officer based in Champasak Province.
Role Purpose
Dengue remains a substantial public health issue in Lao PDR due to several reasons, including challenges in mosquito control, rapid urbanization leading to increased mosquito breeding sites, effects of climate change resulting in increased mosquito breeding, limited access to healthcare in remote areas, and potential issues with surveillance and reporting.
After a historical peak of dengue cases in 2019, the country experienced another large outbreak in 2022 and 2023. Existing methods of disease control, such as spraying of insecticides in outbreak area or clean-up campaigns have not eliminated dengue as a constant public health issue in Laos.
Save the Children International (SCI) together with World Mosquito Program (WMP) and the Department of Communicable Disease Control of the Ministry of Health (DCDC, MOH) implemented the Driving down Dengue in Laos (DDDiL) project, with an overall goal of contributing to the reduction of dengue transmission in Laos. SCI will work with the Ministry of Health, provincial health departments and district health offices in the target locations in Vientiane Capital, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Champasack to support releases of Wolbachia-carrying Ae. aegypti.
The purpose of this position is to perform duties in mosquito rearing facility and in the community including mosquito rearing, release, field mosquito collection and identification, engaging the community, data collection, quality assurance and reporting and additional duties as required.
The project officer reports to the Project Technical Senior Coordinator for Vientiane Capital and report to Provincial Coordinator for othe 4 provinces and is responsible for reporting on a weekly basis the status of field and lab activities including mosquito rearing, mosquito release, monitoring activities, etc.
More information about Save the children International in Laos and the WMP Wolbachia method can be obtained from https://laos.savethechildren.net and www.worldmosquitoprogram.org
In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
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Ensure they fully understand the provisions of the Child Safeguarding Policy, the Code of Conduct and Local/Country Procedures.
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Conduct themselves in accordance with the rules of the Child Safeguarding Policy, in their personal and professional lives – which includes reporting suspicions of child abuse.
Key responsibilities:
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Conduct mosquito rearing in the laboratory and support field release operations in accordance with standard procedures.
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Manage mosquito lifecycle processes, including egg storage, environmental monitoring, and preparation of Mosquito Release Containers (MRCs) for field deployment.
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Ensure quality control through batch monitoring and adherence to quality assurance (QA) protocols.
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Handle, identify, and process mosquito specimens (including Aedes aegypti) using appropriate tools and techniques, ensuring high accuracy and quality standards.
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Collect, record, manage, and perform basic analysis of field and laboratory data, ensuring proper storage and compliance with project protocols.
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Collaborate with MEAL/Data and GIS teams to ensure high-quality data capture and reporting.
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Support logistics and operational planning, including equipment maintenance, advance requests, and activity-related documentation.
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Engage and communicate effectively with communities and stakeholders, including local authorities and health partners, representing the organization professionally.
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Support project activities such as GEDSI integration, training, and communication initiatives.
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Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality assurance, and reporting systems across all field and laboratory activities.
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Participate in project activities as required, including regular travel to field sites.
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Undertake additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.
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Be available for flexible working hours, including evenings, weekends, and peak periods when leave may be restricted.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent professional qualifications in relevant fields (science, entomology, veterinarian or health sciences).
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
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Demonstrated experience in laboratory and field entomology, including mosquito rearing, release, collection, and identification.
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Strong team player with the ability to work independently under routine supervision.
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Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle high-volume tasks accurately and meet deadlines.
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Effective interpersonal and communication skills, able to work within a large, multidisciplinary team.
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High computer literacy, including Google Drive suite, with the ability to quickly learn new software platforms.
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Proficiency in using smartphones and stereo microscopes.
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Strong ability to prioritize tasks and perform effectively in high-pressure environments.
Contract length: Fixed term (1 year with the possibility of extension)
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:
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No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
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All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
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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.
Application Information:
Interested candidates please submit a full application using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document including contact details of three professional referees (current and last line managers and HR department). Please also include details of your salary expectations and a copy of your ID card. Please note that we will require a copy of your Criminal Records (ໃບແຈ້ງໂທດ) later.
Save the Children International is a child-rights based organization. Safe recruitment is central to the safeguarding of children and young people that we come into contact with, and support through our programmes.
We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.
Save the children is an equal opportunities employer, qualified females, persons with disability and candidates from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.
