Program Lead – Pandemic Preparedness Program (internationally recruited)

BACKGROUND

In the context of the global response to COVID-19, IDLO seeks to support countries in enhancing national responses to prevent, detect and respond to public health risks and public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC), including COVID-19. To contribute to the overall objective, IDLO will initiate a Pilot Project to strengthen national legal and policy frameworks on public health emergency preparedness and response, including for the implementation of the International Health Regulations, in proposed partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO). The pilot will feature a participatory gap analysis of the current national legal and policy frameworks in selected countries, with a view to increasing the understanding of pathways to legal and policy reform on preparedness and response to PHEIC and public health risks, in line with international standards. The pilot will also focus on supporting the development of a roadmap to legal and policy reforms needed to strengthen national pandemic preparedness and response. Findings of the pilot will inform technical assistance plans to be carried out in a potential phase II of the project.

THE POSITION

As part of the health law team, under the supervision of the Director of Policy, Research and Learning and in close cooperation with the Programs Department, the Program Lead, Pandemic Preparedness Program manages IDLO’s project on pandemic preparedness and response. The Program Lead will be expected to:

1.   Oversee project implementation, including work planning, budget, monitoring and reporting, HR management, recruitment and coordination of technical experts

• Lead the overall management of the project, including substantive and administrative matters, to ensure effective, efficient, results-based and timely delivery of activities and results;
• Design implementation plans by means of standardized program cycle management tools, logic models and frameworks, work plans, monitoring reports, and others;
• Maintain oversight of the overall financial management, accurate financial forecasts, including reviewing financial reports and identifying areas of over- or under-spending, and flagging any urgent budgetary issues;
• Review and provide inputs to annual and quarterly reports; clear the submission of financial and narrative reports; highlighting the value, results and impact the project bring;
• Effectively lead the team by providing clear direction, addressing development, and performance through ongoing dialogue and mentoring; fostering a teamwork approach in meeting objectives and goals; address possible conflicts in a positive and constructive manner; encourage initiative and maintain effective working relationships within a multi-cultural setting;
• Select, supervise, and manage international and national technical experts, ensuring that the work delivered meets high-quality standards and is coordinated at HQ and field level.

2.  Ensure project compliance consistent with the project design and delivery schedule, and IDLO processes and procedures, as well as quality standards

• Monitor project implementation, including revisions to project design and work plans; make decisions for timely and optimal course corrections;
• Design, research, draft, review and edit technical working papers, memos, briefs, and other original materials in the field experience, and utilize these materials for the development of relevant outputs;
• Conduct and review research on legal, political, social, and economic events, trends, and/or developments relating to the project; respond to internal and external requests for such research;
• Ensure project deliverables meet quality standards and proactively seek input from relevant substantive internal and external experts;
• Establish and maintain regular communications with project’s partners and stakeholders at HQ and field level;
• Foster effective communication and coordination with relevant IDLO Departments, Branch Offices and Field Offices;
• Undertake regular monitoring missions to project’s selected countries and other locations, as needed, throughout the implementation of the project.

 3. Project Leadership, Development and  Representation

• In close coordination with the supervisor and as part of the health law team, generate ideas and identify opportunities to scale up the project and identify new program opportunities;
• Provide substantive public health and/or health law knowledge and guidance in leading and supporting project team members;
• Provide substantive input in the development of proposals or concept notes aimed at innovatively expanding IDLO’s Health Law Program portfolio in line with the organizational strategy;
• Under the guidance of the supervisor, represent IDLO in project-related events and liaise with project stakeholders and donors. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Law, Public Health, International Relations, Development Studies, or other related field is required;
• Minimum 8 years of significant relevant professional experience within an international organization preferably within the area of global health, designing and implementing complex programs;
• Desirable: Relevant experience in the implementation and monitoring of International Health Regulations (2005); relevant experience in public health law and in designing/assessing/supporting national public health emergency responses.

Languages 

• Fluent oral and professional writing skills in English are essential. Working knowledge of French, Spanish or Arabic would be an asset. 

Specific Knowledge / Skills / Competencies

• Proven experience in global health, public health and/or health law related programming and collaboration with other international organizations and network/partnership building in these areas;
• Familiarity with standard program and data management tools, as well as results-based management and monitoring and evaluation principles;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proficient use of other ICT software and internet software;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience working in a diverse professional environment. Shares information, contributes, encourages and motivates others to become involved in team activities;
• Works effectively across and within IDLO organizational boundaries;
• Takes initiative to share knowledge, experiences and information with others. Accepts and gives constructive feedback (up, down and across) to develop and motivate others;
• Proven ability to see through tasks set and deliver results;
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility and an entrepreneurial spirit;
• Ability and willingness to travel even to high-conflict countries, if necessary;
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate. Self-motivated and dynamic with a willingness and ability to use initiative to assist the organization to achieve its objectives.

TERMS and CONDITIONS

For this internationally professional recruited position, IDLO shall offer the selected candidate an Affiliate contract of 10 months, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and availability of funding.

IDLO shall also offer a monthly basic salary of EUR 5,300 and a benefits package including provident fund contribution (14%), medical insurance, and leave entitlements. Relocation and installation support are also available for internationally recruited employees in accordance with IDLO Employee Regulations and Rules.

Salaries and benefits paid by IDLO to employees are exempt from taxation in Italy. IDLO employees are responsible for compliance with income tax laws of their country of nationality or residence and/or of any other relevant fiscal jurisdiction.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and encourage diverse applications.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the employee assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.

The Director-General of IDLO reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities or even to cancel the recruitment to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.