Programme Management Officer (Roster) at WHO

Purpose of the Post

To ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness of programme management processes in countries using a results-based management (RBM) approach to planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. In the context of the WHO Country Office needs, the incumbent will coordinate the creation, implementation and development of the strategic response plans as well as the WHO operational plan, outlining the activities and resources (staffing, equipment, funding) required for WHO to perform its role as the lead technical agency in health, and more specifically as the leader of the Health Cluster in humanitarian emergencies and outbreaks. The incumbent will be deployed to emergency operations.

Organizational context (Describe the individual role of the incumbent within the team, focusing on the work environment within and outside the organization) Under the direct supervision of the Head of WHO’s Country Office and the overall guidance of the Director Programme Management (DPM), the incumbent will coordinate the Country Office planning, budget management, monitoring and evaluation processes. In emergency settings, s/he will act as an advisor to the WHO emergency team on Planning & Performance Management activities. The incumbent will work closely with the other members of the Country Office team and the respective technical leads, across the three levels of the Organization to coordinate strategic and operational planning. S/he ensures that planning is based on accurate data and that the expected results with the associated inputs (human and financial resources) are clearly defined and tracked.

Summary of Assigned Duties:

Under the direct supervision of the Head of WHO’s Country Office, and the overall guidance of the Director Programme Management (DPM), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to the following duties:

1. Lead and facilitate the development of the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) and other strategic planning documents, in accordance with WHO’s guiding principles; while ensuring collaboration with all levels of the Organization and alignment of Country Office priorities with the General Programme of Work, UNDAF and delivering as One United Nations System.

2. Coordinate operational planning and undertake regular planning reviews with WHO teams at all levels and provide recommendations for adjustments based on technical and/or emergency needs.

3. Monitor the Programme Budget (PB) implementation and provide strategic recommendations on financial, administrative and human resource allocation as well as related programme management decision-making on resource utilization for optimal results.

4. Report on identified programme management issues and risks if any and liaise with the WR and/or relevant staff to ensure timely mitigation and resolution.

5. Coordinate performance monitoring and assessment in WHO Country Offices to measure progress towards defined priorities and results including coordinating the quarterly, semi-annual, mid-term and end of biennium review and reporting processes.

6. Contribute to resource mobilization efforts by supporting the development of results-focused proposals, donor agreements and other grant-related instruments ensuring quality and alignment with WHO policies, pertinent documents and other administrative provisions.

7. Coordinate evaluation activities to support Organizational learning.

8. Oversee and/or design standardized methods of capturing and consolidating evidence on health interventions as well as document lessons learnt, best practices and trend analyses to support health sector/cluster coordination and responsive decision-making.

9. Build and update a stakeholder database of key operational partners with the aim of strengthening multi-sectoral dialogue and collaboration for improved health sector performance.

10. In emergency settings, analyse and document WHO performance based on the WHO Emergency Response Framework (ERF) while ensuring the implementation of remedial actions for effective emergency response health interventions.

11. Build the capacity of internal and external stakeholders, and promote accountability, responsiveness and transparency.

12. Perform any other related duties, as required by the functional supervisor

RECRUITMENT PROFILE

Competencies: Generic (Describe the core, management or leadership competencies required – See WHO competency model – list in order of priority, commencing with the most important ones)

1. Producing results

2. Fostering integration and teamwork

3. Ensuring effective use of resources

4. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

5. Communication

Functional skills

• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge in results-based management in the health sector.

• Strong technical, analytical, conceptual and inter-personal skills

• Knowledge and experience in quantitative and qualitative methods

• Ability to manage multiple issues and tasks and reprioritize actions on short notice

• Ability to propose innovative approaches and solutions to challenging situations.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the development of written reports and oral presentations

• Familiar with value-for-money principles, resource mobilization and communication for impact

• Demonstrated capacity to foster internal (within Country Teams) and external collaborations with various stakeholders including Member States and partners

Education (Qualifications)

Essential: Masters level university degree in public health.

Desirable: Specialized training in planning, results-based management and/or project management would be an asset. Knowledge of WHO Planning, Budgeting and Monitoring Framework and WHO Emergency Response Framework would be an additional asset.

Experience

Essential: At least 7 years of relevant experience at the national or international levels in programme management in a public health context.

Desirable: Working experience with WHO or similar UN Agency in planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation.

Languages:

Essential: Expert knowledge of English

Desirable: Working knowledge of another WHO official language would be an asset.

Other Skills (e.g. IT):

Essential: Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Desirable: Knowledge of automated planning tools would be an asset