Natioinal Project Officer, Immunization and Health Systems Strengthening, NOA on TA, Dushanbe, Tajikistan (for Tajik nationals only)

Provides professional technical assistance to project design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and administration of the UNICEF component of the GAVI Health System Strengthening (HSS) project activities, including data analysis, programme support, delivery, progress reporting, and commitment for expansion of immunization coverage through strengthening cold chain, demand creation and outreach, in support of achievement of planned objectives of the work plan, aligned with country programme goals, objectives and strategy.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

Post Title:                            National Project Officer, Immunization and Health Systems Strengthening, at National                                                              Professional (NOA) level, on Temporary Appointment (TA)

Duty Station:                       UNICEF, Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Duration:                             364 days

Closing date:                       15 August 2017

Organizational Context and Purpose for the job:

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Job organizational context:

The position will support Tajikistan Country Office, specifically Surviving and Thriving in Early Years Programme, which aims to increase quality coverage of high-impact, evidence-based maternaland child health (MCH) and nutrition and early childhood development (ECD) interventions. More specifically, the position supports the implementation of Health System Strengthening GAVI Grant in order to achieve sustainable National Immunization Program and effective immunization coverage in the country, especially for the most vulnerable children.

Purpose for the job:

Provides professional technical assistance to project design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and administration of the UNICEF component of the GAVI Health System Strengthening (HSS) project activities, including data analysis, programme support, delivery, progress reporting, and commitment for expansion of immunization coverage through strengthening cold chain, demand creation and outreach, in support of achievement of planned objectives of the work plan, aligned with country programme goals, objectives and strategy.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks (Please outline the key accountabilities for this position and underneath each accountability, the duties that describe how they are delivered. Please limit to four to seven accountabilities)

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primarily, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results.
1. Accurate, complete and up-to-date programme/project management information is available for effective budget preparation, project implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation.
Ensures the availability of accurate, complete and up-to-date information required for effective project implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation. Drafts project budgets for review by the supervisor, ensuring accuracy and appropriateness of data and coding. Drafts updated project status reports.
Assembles and provides updated data and information on national immunization programme and other health programmes relevant to the GAVI HSS project on financial/administrative status for monitoring, analysis and analysis. Analyses the programme status and recommends appropriate adjustments as necessary.
2. Project efficiency, effectiveness and vaccination coverage are enhanced through effective implementation follow-on.
Enhances project efficiency and effectiveness through implementation follow-on, including monitoring UNICEF inputs, local conditions and resources, flow of supply and non-supply assistance and the project status.
Undertakes field visits to districts and sub-districts for monitoring of project activities and to improve immunization coverage. Prepares reports on the results of the field visits and progress of vaccination coverage in the project targeted areas.
3. Progress reports and project work plans are timely prepared, and effective technical support is provided in the drafting of donor, annual and other reports/project documentation related to UNICEF component of GAVI HSS project.
Collects, assembles and analyses data and information, and drafts progress reports; proposes changes in the project work plans and in identification of required supplies and equipment. Drafts donor, annual and other project documentation, ensuring accuracy and consistency with established rules, regulations and plans of action.
4. Appropriateness and completeness of financial and supply documentation as well as adherence to established allotments are ensured.
Monitors flow of supply and non-supply assistance to local authorities. Records supply and non-supply inventory and quarterly update on cold chain equipment, distribution and utilization.
Ensures the appropriateness of financial, administrative and supply documentation; verifies that the project expenditures are within allotments and that data is consistent with the project information and database. Follows up on queries or initiate corrective action on discrepancies.
5. Provision of technical assistance for the government and other stakeholders is coordinated in the design and implementation of Communication for Development (C4D) Strategy to create demand for immunization and to reach out to the most marginalized children with health and immunization services.
Collaborates with, advises and/or consults internal partners and external partners to design demand creation for immunization and outreach strategies to ensure that the most vulnerable and under-served children are covered by quality health and immunization services. Coordinates population surveys (nationwide and/or targeted) and social inquiry / investigation on immunization related issues. Provides quality assurance on materials and related documentations for communication for development (C4D) and outreach strategies and plans to ensure optimum impact, scale and sustainability of achievements/results. Facilitates implementation of the demand creation / outreach activities with/for a wide range of constituents, stakeholders, partners, communities, etc. to encourage/promote engagement and dialogue, inclusion, self determination and participation in mobilizing social, political, behavioral and cultural change to achieve sustainable immunization and health program results.
6. Knowledge sharing with donors and media is promoted.
Compiles the project information materials, and shares useful and appropriate information to promote knowledge sharing with donors and media.
7. Effective communication, networking and collaboration are achieved with internal and external partners.
Ensures the effective communication, networking and working relationships are developed and maintained.
• Collaborates with Operations staff to resolve day-to-day issues or discrepancies in financial or supply management.
• Works with local government counterparts to exchange detail information on the project implementation and status as well as movement and distribution of supplies. .
• Arranges field visits to project sites for government and other partner, providing necessary information for briefing on the project. Participates in the study of the project status and evaluation as required.
• Liaises with members of the development community, including NGOs, UN and bilateral agencies in the exchange of information relating to Immunization and health system strengthening.

Impact of Results (Please briefly outline how the efficiency and efficacy of the incumbent impacts its office/division and how this in turn improves UNICEF’s capacity in achieving its goals):

The efficiency and efficacy of support provided by the Officer to project planning and implementation of health programs/projects facilitates the delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the UNICEF component of the GAVI HSS Project that directly impacts the improvement of the health of the most marginalized and vulnerable children in the country, and this in turn contributes to maintaining/enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to continue to provide program services to protect the rights of children, promote greater social equality to enable children to survive, develop and reach their full potential in society.

Technical Knowledge
a) Common Technical Knowledge Required
1. Knowledge of the latest theories, technology and practices in: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Child and Maternal Health; Public Health; Behaviour Change Communication; Environmental Health; Health Education; Educational Interventions in Health Care.
2. General knowledge of: Methodology of programme/project management; Programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies for Immunization programmes
3. Knowledge of global Immunization issues and health system strengthening, specifically relating to children and women, and the current methods and approaches.
4. Financial, supply and administrative rules and regulations.
5. Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming.
6. UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual.
7. UNICEF Board endorsed policy papers and agency-wide programmes impacting on Immunization results
8. Knowledge and proficiency in the use of corporate office computer system applications and software, including LAN, email, word processing, spreadsheet, database, telecommunications.

b) Specific Technical Knowledge Required:
1. Professional technical Knowledge of theories, principles and methods in one of the following areas: Health, Public Health, Health Systems Strengthening, Maternal and Child Health, Nursing, Family Health, Immunization, Social Work, Behaviour Change, or a discipline relevant to international development assistance in Immunization
2. Gender and diversity awareness

c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced
National Government development plans and policies
Knowledge of local conditions and country legislation relevant to UNICEF programmes
UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses.
UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions
UN security operations and guidelines.

Qualifications:

Education: University degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Social and Behavioral Sciences, Medicine, Health, Public Health, Family Health, Child Development, Nursing, Sociology, Anthropology, Communication, or other related social / health science field is required.

Work Experience: One year of relevant professional work experience. Field work experience is desirable. Experience in knowledge management. Training and experience in social welfare, communication, or Immunization/ health care.

Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and either Tajik or Russian, with preference to both Tajik and Russian. 

Competencies and level of proficiency required (please base on UNICEF Competency Profiles):

Core Values:

Commitment
Diversity and inclusion
Integrity

Core competencies:

Communication [ I ]
Working with People [ I ]
Drive for Results [ I }

Functional Competencies:

• Formulating Strategies and Concepts [ I ]
• Analysing [ I]
• Applying Technical Expertise [ I ]
• Learning and Researching [ I ]
• Planning and Organizing [ I ]

 Application:

The link to review detailed Job Profile would be available at the following links: www.untj.org/jobs, www.unicef.org/tajikistan/resources, www.facebook.com/uniceftajikistan.

The candidates who are interested to apply for the position should follow the electronic application's instructions at:http://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/506270?lApplicationSubSourceID=.

It requires the applicant to upload the detailed CV and academic degrees/diplomas. UN candidates should upload at least two latest performance evaluation reports.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.