Job Description

Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

• Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)
• Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts
• Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with Governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the pledge to leave no one behind reflect the interconnectedness of health and sustainable development issues such as the widening economic and social inequalities, the climate crisis, rapid urbanization, the continuing burden of HIV and other infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis, COVID.19), the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and the emergence of health threats. The scope and scale of delivering health and well-being for all demands innovative partnerships and financing.

UNDP’s partnership with the Global Fund (GF), in line with UNDP’s HIV and Health Strategy 2022-2025: ‘Connecting the Dots’, makes a vital contribution to UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the pledge to leave no one behind. When requested, UNDP acts as interim Principal Recipient (PR), working with national partners and the Global Fund to ensure management, implementation, and oversight of GF grants, while simultaneously strengthening health institutions and systems for national entities to assume the PR role over time.

In Equatorial Guinea, UNDP acts as Principal Recipient (PR) for the Global Fund HIV and malaria grant, working with national partners to ensure effective management, implementation, and oversight of grants, while building capacity for national entities to assume the PR role over time.

UNDP has an important role in supporting health outcomes by supporting countries to address the social, cultural and economic determinants of HIV and health, in partnership with UN entities and other organizations. This is done through UNDP’s core work in reducing inequalities and social exclusion that drive HIV and poor health, promoting effective and inclusive governance for health, and building resilient and sustainable systems for health. UNDP also contributes through its coordinating and convening role in bringing together multiple partners and resources at national and local levels.

As a trusted, long-term partner of the Global Fund, UNDP’s value proposition lies in providing an integrated package of development solutions to strengthen institutions to deliver health services. Through its contributions as interim Principal Recipient (PR) and provider of technical assistance in over 53 countries since 2003, UNDP’s provision of integrated policy, implementation and capacity development support to countries has yielded significant health and development results in challenging operating environments. Proactive risk management and investing in sustainability are the cornerstones of UNDP’s portfolio management approach and providing technical assistance to national counterparts during all phases of implementation, strengthening legislation, policies and regulatory frameworks, and building capacities across key functional areas, including financial management, health information systems, procurement and supply chain management.

Additionally, UNDP intends to maximize the potential of partnerships among main stakeholders. This is accomplished through strengthening the capacity of local counterparts and government counterparts; expansion of partnership with domestic and international stakeholders and technical agencies; more effective use of existing UNDP country office implementation structures in cross cutting areas and continuing to advance effective coordination and collaboration with the existing and future partners.

The Programme Manager provides technical leadership to the implementation of the grant, in collaboration with Government, UN Agencies, donors and other partners, to ensure that the implemented project contributes to the broader national strategy. When requested by the Deputy Resident Representative or the Resident Representative, the Programme Manager represents UNDP in international and national fora, liaises with external clients and a broad range of constituencies and UNDP counterparts in the Government, local and international media, civil society as well as counterparts from other international organizations.

This will be done in accordance with UNDP rules, policies and procedures, the grant agreements, and corporate agreements and technical guidance notes, as applicable, with the GF, and working in partnership with national stakeholders, and close coordination with the GF (including Local Fund Agent), Country Coordinating Mechanism, technical partners and UN entities, the GFPHST and other UNDP business units and programmes.

Position Purpose

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative, the Programme Manager leads, supervises and coordinates the daily activities of the Global Fund programme and provide strategic direction for the development and provision of support services in the implementation of programme , in order to assure: i) the achievement of planned targets and ii) the effective and transparent execution of the financial resources of the project, in compliance with UNDP and Global Fund rules and regulations.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure effective implementation of the programme through planning, management and oversight and ensure effective programmatic monitoring of the grants for the achievement of the following results:

• Oversight and management of the planning and implementation of grants with an emphasis on achievement of the programmer’sobjectives.
• Coordination and supervision of administrative, financial, procurement, asset and programmatic aspects of the Global Fund grants in accordance with the grant agreement, UNDP rules and regulations and corporate agreements with the Global Fund.
• Financial and substantive monitoring of the Grant, identification of potential implementation constraints and bottlenecks, and recommendation of appropriate solutions.
• Supervise the development, implementation and review of the risk management matrix for the Grants.
• Lead on the grant audits and ensure timely follow up on audit recommendations and developed action plans.
• Ensure timely and quality submission of core documents and reports to the Global Fund.
• Ensure the programme’scompliance with appropriate UNDP policies and procedures;
• Participate in recruitment processes of programme personnel, performance management and supervision and effective leadership of the project team.
• Negotiate and provide technical assistance to the governmental partner to prepare the annual workplans and detailed action plans as required by the project.
• Oversee programmatic and M&E activities for UNDP and implementing partners to inform programme proposals, reprogramming requests, annual and quarterly workplans and budgets, and ensure timely achievement of agreed results and budget compliance in accordance with UNDP rules, policies and procedures and Grant Agreement with the Global Fund.
• Oversee timely and quality contributions to the UNDP Quantum project management module, the UNDP Results-Oriented Annual Reporting (ROAR), the Transparency Dashboard and the Project Quality Assurance System.
• Lead the routine assessment of programmatic performance and data quality with national and implementing partners to identify root causes of underperformance, bottlenecks and put in place mechanisms for the timely implementation of corrective action(s).
• Liaise with national partners to ensure that current national M&E systems (DHIS2 and others) include the necessary data elements to measure indicators under the grant agreement.
• Establish a framework and standard operating procedures with implementing partners for regular, quality reporting to UNDP on programmatic progress (e.g., implementation of activities, and reporting of indicators in accordance with the grant M&E frameworks);
• Oversee the timely commissioning and implementation of key studies under the grant.
• Leads risk assessment processes, develops and implements risk management matrix/plan in the areas of programme and M&E, and ensures adequate oversight and support is provided, with timely incident reporting.
• Advise and support implementing partners in the development and monitoring of effective training, supervision, and technical assistance plans.
• Lead the PMU, in preparing timely and quality financial and programmatic progress updates on the project, in alignment with Global Fund reporting tools and procedures.
• Supervise PMU personnel including programme and M&E personnel on a day-to-day basis
• Proactively inform the Global Fund Country Team of any situation likely to delay or hinder the achievement of grants’ goals, including a clear proposal to get back on track.
• Lead/oversee the timely implementation of the various recommendations issued by the Global Fund (e.g. performance letters, spot checks).

Ensure provision of policy advice and strategic guidance to the government and project partners, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Manage the overall strategic direction and provide leadership to UNDP on HIV and AIDS, and malaria in line with the approved Country Programme Document.
• Ensure harmonization and integration of the Grant into the national strategic documents on HIV and malaria.
• Provide strategic policy and technical advice to the Ministry of Health and Social Well-Being, related government ministries, national disease programmes, and implementing partners.
• Facilitate learning and experience sharing for government officials, local community leaders, NGOs, CBOs and local experts.
• Provide technical guidance to UNDP project personnel, participate in technical committees of the CCM and provide advice on Global Fund procedures as required.
• Coordinate activities and exchange information/ideas with other UNDP projects to establish and maximize synergies and contribute to the achievement of overall country programme objectives.

Provide capacity building of the national counterparts on programme management and the functional area of monitoring and evaluation for the achievement of the following results:

• Oversee the implementation of M&E capacity assessments of national counterparts to identify M&E gaps with a view on the eventual transition to a national recipient in the event of further funding allocation to the country.
• Provide capacity transfer to M&E personnel of the implementing partners to improve data demand and use to strengthen M&E systems and capacity.
• Provide technical support and facilitate capacity-building to the Ministry of Health and Social Well-Being to establish and maintain a robust health management information system, especially plans for the roll-out of DHIS2 system.
• Collaborate with Ministry of Health and Social Well-Being Programmes to design and disseminate M&E reporting and data quality tools and templates that support both national programs and UNDP to effectively plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate.
• Design and disseminate adaptive learning tools that support identification of good practices and lessons learned to generate knowledge, learning, and innovation

Ensures creation of strategic partnerships and support the implementation of resource mobilization, focusing on the achievement of the following key results:

• Coordinate and build partnerships with the national disease programmes, Ministry of Health and Social Well-Being, UN Agencies/Joint Team on HIV and AIDS, financial and technical partners and other implementing partners, as well as with international and local stakeholders to ensure transparent and effective implementation of the Grant.
• Strategically engaged with the transitional Country Coordination Mechanism (CCM): preparation and delivery of presentations on grant performance; provision of clarifications on bottlenecks; justification of reprogramming requests
• Support the national strategic planning processes for the Grant based on evidence gained during implementation.
• Establish strong relations with donors, partners and stakeholders to maintain effective working relationships, sustain interest, resource mobilization and cooperation.
• Maintain close coordination between the Grant and other health initiatives in the country to ensure and promote continuity, partnership building and avoid duplication of programmatic activities.
• Oversee the development of communication strategies with national and international stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of new funding requests and project documents as necessary.

Ensure guidance and capacity building and facilitation of knowledge building and sharing, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Engage with national partners to build the capacity of national systems and health institutions including national disease programmes in the key areas of procurement, financial management and oversight, risk management, project implementation and monitoring.
• Engage with national partners and oversee the development of capacity development (CD) strategies aimed at assisting governments and national entities to implement and assume the PR role.
• Document lessons learned and best practices in health project development and implementation and develop documents and briefing papers to be disseminated jointly with Government counterparts.
• Promote a culture of knowledge sharing and learning among programme staff and implementing partners at national and district levels.
• Provide guidance and coaching support to project personnel to enhance their capacity to deliver results.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Supervising/managing the Global Fund Team

Competencies

• Core Competencies:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

• Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction & Strategy-System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Business Development-Knowledge Generation: Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

Business Management Results-based Management: Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools

Business Management-Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment

Communications-Advocacy strategy and implementation: Ability to create and implement advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change

Partnership Management-Relationship management: Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding

2030 Agenda: People-Health: Support to Global Fund and other Health Programmes

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Public Health, Epidemiology, International Development, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or related fields is required.Or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned fields of study, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of professional work experience including in health programmes, in a managerial and/or senior technical capacity is required.
• Proven track record of sound knowledge of Global Fund’s rules, policies and procedures is required.
• Proven M&E experience in health programmes is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in policy guidance and development and/or capacity building in the area of public health is an asset.
• Experience working with UNDP/UN agencies or other international organizations is an asset.
• Experience in engaging with national partners to build the capacity of national systems and health institutions including national disease programmes in the key areas of procurement, financial management and oversight, risk management, project implementation and monitoring is desired.
• Experience in resource mobilization is desired.
• Experience in facilitating capacity-building to the government counterparts to establish and maintain a robust health management information system is desired.
• Experience in leading teams is an asset.

Language:

• Proficiency in oral and written English and Spanish is required.
• Working knowledge of oral and written French is desirable.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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