Term of Reference (ToR) Field Outreach Supporter Leader  

Procurement Number: 
24-SB1874

Open Date: 
September 9, 2024

Questions Deadline: 
September 13, 2024

Closing Deadline: 
September 19, 2024

Geographical Area Restrictions: 
Savannakhet province

Point of Contact: 
Chindavanh Signhalath;

E-mail: chindavanh.chias@gmail.com Mobile: 020 91731133

Background: 

The Community Health and Inclusion Association (CHIAs) is a registered non-profit Lao Civil Society  organization with over 20 years of experience in promoting health and inclusion among key vulnerable  populations in Laos. CHIAs is currently the principal recipient (PR) of Supporting Community-driven  achievements of the End TB Strategy in Laos (Savannakhet province). The overall goal that the project  seeks to achieve is to contribute to the End TB Strategy targets in Lao PDR through targeted, equitable  support for decentralization of quality TB services. This will be achieved through the specific objective  to increase access among vulnerable populations in Savannakhet Province, including men, women and  children, to quality, gender-responsive, equitable and integrated TB services in 15 districts in  Savanakhet province.

Position Summary:  

The Field Outreach Supporter Leader will play a crucial role in contributing to the End TB Strategy  targets in Savannakhet province by leading and coordinating field outreach activities to increase access  to quality, gender-responsive, equitable, and integrated TB services among vulnerable populations and  people affected by TB in Savannakhet Province. The main responsibility is to support community  outreach supporters and village health volunteers in conducting TB screening, linking suspected cases  to GeneXpert testing and X-ray examinations, and supporting treatment adherence.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Coordination:

– Lead and manage a team of community outreach supporters, adapting to the local  hierarchical structure

– Develop and implement culturally appropriate outreach strategies to reach vulnerable  populations, including ethnic minorities, women, and children

– Coordinate with provincial and district health authorities, village chiefs, and other  local stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of TB services

2. Training and Capacity Building:

– Conduct training sessions for community outreach supporters on TB prevention,  detection, and treatment adherence, incorporating local beliefs and practices

– Develop and update training materials and tools in Lao language, considering local  literacy levels

– Mentor and support field outreach supporters to improve their skills and performance,  addressing cultural sensitivities

3. Community Engagement:

– Establish and maintain relationships with community leaders, Buddhist temples, local  organizations, and vulnerable populations

– Organize and participate in community awareness events and campaigns to promote  TB services, aligning with local festivals and gatherings

– Identify and address cultural, social, and gender-related barriers to accessing TB  services, particularly in rural areas of Savannakhet Province

4. Monitoring and Evaluation:

– Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation tools adapted to the local context  and literacy levels

– Collect, analyse, and report data on outreach activities and their impact on TB case  detection and treatment outcomes, considering local health information systems  DHIS2

– Identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions, taking into account  local resource constraints

5. Quality Assurance:

– Ensure that outreach activities adhere to Lao National TB Program guidelines and  international best practices

– Conduct regular field visits to assess the quality of outreach activities, considering  local transportation challenges

– Implement quality improvement measures to enhance the effectiveness of TB  services, adapting to local healthcare infrastructure

6. Collaboration and Reporting:

– Liaise with project management, provincial and district health authorities, and partner  organizations to ensure alignment of outreach activities with overall project goals and  local health priorities

– Prepare and submit regular reports on outreach activities, challenges, and  achievements in both Lao and English

– Participate in project meetings and contribute to strategic planning and decision making processes, considering local health system structures

Qualifications and Experience:

– Bachelor’s degree in public health, social sciences, or related field (Master’s degree  preferred)

– Minimum of 5 years of experience in community health outreach in Lao PDR,  preferably in TB or other infectious disease programs

– Proven leadership and team management skills in a Lao context

– Strong understanding of TB prevention, detection, and treatment strategies, including  knowledge of traditional healing practices

– Experience in developing and implementing training programs adapted to rural Lao  settings

– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate local  cultural norms

– Fluency in Lao and English (both written and spoken); knowledge of local ethnic  languages in Savannakhet Province is an advantage

– In-depth familiarity with the local context, culture, and health system of Savannakhet  Province

– Experience working with vulnerable populations and addressing gender-related issues  in health services within Lao PDR

– Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel extensively within Savannakhet  Province

Code of Conduct 

All staff are expected to abide by the CHIAs and Expertise France’s Code of Conduct.

How to Apply 

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their  qualifications, experience and 3 references to at chindavanh.chias@gmail.com with subject  Line (24-SB1874) by the deadline listed above

Equal Opportunity 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our team. We encourage  applications from all qualified individuals, including LGBT, women, ethnic minorities, and  persons with disabilities. Join us in making a difference in the lives of those affected by TB and  HIV in Savannakhet province. Together, we can build a healthier and more inclusive future.