Project Manager - Nutrition

The role  We are currently looking for Project Manager - Nutrition based in Vientiane Capital. Role Purpose                    UNICEF, in close coordination with the Ministry of Health (MoH) Lao PDR, is implementing a multi-year Wasting Prevention and Treatment Programme to improve maternal and child nutrition outcomes, particularly among vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations across different 11 high-burden provinces . The programme focuses on strengthening community and facility-based nutrition services, improving maternal, infant and young child nutrition (MIYCN) practices, expanding access to quality preventive and curative services, and reinforcing health system leadership, coordination, and accountability mechanisms.  Save the Children International (SCI), as an implementing partner of UNICEF, works in close collaboration with national, provincial, and district health authorities to strengthen the capacity of health workers and Village Health Volunteers (VHVs), improve service delivery platforms (including IMAM, GMP, outreach services), and promote evidence-based, community-driven nutrition practices for six provinces in Lao PDR. The programme also supports strengthening DHIS2-based data systems and piloting innovative, food-based approaches for managing malnutrition. The Project Manager is responsible for leading and ensuring high-quality, timely, and effective implementation of the programme across target provinces and districts, in alignment with UNICEF requirements, national guidelines, and SCI standards. The role will ensure strong coordination with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, effective management of programme resources and teams, and delivery of results against planned outputs and outcomes. Specifically, the Project Manager will: Lead and be accountable for overall programme implementation, ensuring alignment with UNICEF agreements, national policies (e.g., NPAN, RMNCAH), and organizational procedures Manage and supervise the project through setting up PRIME system of SCI, supervise project staff and coordinate closely with technical, MERL, operations, and finance teams to ensure effective delivery Strengthening coordination and partnerships with MoH at national, provincial (PHO), and district (DHO) levels, as well as with UNICEF and other stakeholders Ensure the development and implementation of detailed action plans, and oversee delivery of programme activities across community and facility platforms.  Ensure strong monitoring systems are in place, with timely, high-quality reporting (monthly, quarterly, annually) in line with donor requirements Promote adaptive management through regular performance tracking, data use, and documentation of lessons learned and best practices. 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: Ensure they fully understand the provisions of the Child Safeguarding Policy, the Code of Conduct and Local/Country Procedures. 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: Key Area 1: Program / Project Management  Lead and be accountable for the high-quality and timely implementation of the Wasting Prevention and Treatment Programme   across target provinces and districts, ensuring full alignment with UNICEF requirements, Ministry of Health (MoH) guidelines, and SCI policies and standards. Develop and oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual workplans for programme implementation across community and facility levels, ensuring delivery of planned outputs and achievement of programme targets. Set-up Project workplan in PRIME and Monitor regularly with the support from M&E team.  Manage team performance through work planning, regular reviews, and accountability for results Strengthen the capacity of project staff and government counterparts through on-the-job coaching, supportive supervision, regular performance feedback, and identification of training and development opportunities. Lead programme operational planning and implementation, ensuring that all components are effectively delivered. Lead MoU 6 monthly and annual meetings at National & Sub-national level.  Ensure all programme components are supported by robust planning tools, including Detailed Implementation Plans (DIPs), phased budgets, procurement plans, and HR/staffing plans. Monitor implementation closely, including activity progress, budget utilization (BvA), procurement, and recruitment processes, and take timely corrective actions to address delays and bottlenecks. Ensure effective financial and grant management, including budget planning (each quarter), expenditure tracking, reportin