Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Project Context and Scope
The 24-month project “Enhancing National Pandemic Preparedness and Cross-Border Health Security in Lao PDR” (PRIMA Code LA10P0566; Project Code MP0745), starting 01 October 2026, supports national and provincial authorities to strengthen pandemic preparedness and cross-border health security. Outcome 2 focuses on strengthening legislation and policy frameworks for priority pathogens. Output 2.1 commits to expanding endorsement and operationalization of bilateral coordination SOPs and cross-border data-sharing protocols with Viet Nam, Thailand, and China.

Responsibilities / Tasks to be performed
Under the project’s health component, the consultant will:

• Review existing public health surveillance, event notification, verification, risk assessment, response coordination, referral, and information-sharing arrangements for the Lao PDR–Thailand, Lao PDR–Viet Nam, and Lao PDR–China corridors.
• Recommend 1 Lao-side priority Point of Entry (PoE) for each corridor, with a rationale.
• Identify operational gaps and clarify the roles, triggers, communication channels, timelines, safeguards, escalation, and follow-up needed for practical bilateral coordination.
• Develop 3 bilateral SOP packages, tailored to the confirmed corridor and PoE, and consult relevant authorities on the drafts.
• Align the review with applicable national procedures, bilateral arrangements, relevant IHR (2005) provisions, and WHO guidance on PoE core capacities.
• Support technical validation, document feedback and unresolved decisions, and provide handover guidance for the Lao project team.

Deliverables

• Deliverable 1 – Inception report (Due within 1 month, 30% payment): Set out methodology, document review, consultation plan, assessment framework, workplan, and recommendations for 1 Lao-side priority PoE for each corridor.
• Deliverable 2 – Consolidated assessment and draft SOP packages (Due by Month 4, 60% payment): Submit consolidated assessment of 3 corridors/PoEs and 3 draft bilateral SOP packages along with IHR/WHO alignment matrix.
• Deliverable 3 – Final validated SOP package and handover (Due by Month 6, 10% payment): Submit final assessment, recommendations, 3 complete SOP packages, validation records, updated contact-list templates, and handover/implementation plan.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Advanced university degree in public health, epidemiology, health systems, health security, international health, or a related field.
• Experience: At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in public health preparedness, surveillance, border health, health emergency coordination, or development of operational procedures.
• Skills: Knowledge of IHR (2005), public health surveillance, response systems, and cross-border health coordination. Strong analytical writing, facilitation, and project coordination skills.
• Languages: Fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Lao language ability is an advantage.