UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, A bright future

Purpose for the job:

The Health Manager (HSS) reports to the Chief Health for general guidance and supervision. The manager is responsible for managing, implementation, evaluating, reporting and supervising all stages of health programmes/projects (e.g. health systems strengthening, gender, maternal, neonatal, child survival/development, emergency preparedness) within the country programme, from strategic planning and formulation to delivery of results. S/he leads and manages the health team including establishing plans of action to achieve concrete and sustainable results according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM), as well as UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework, and does so in consultation with the Regional Health Adviser.

Summary of key function, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

Programme development and planning Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results Advisory services and technical support Advocacy, networking and partnership building Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building Strengthening of health system and universal health coverage

1. Programme development and planning

Plan and provide technical support and guidance for the preparation, design and updating of the situation analysis to establish a comprehensive and updated strategic plan for development, design and management of health related programmes. Keep abreast of development trends to enhance programme management, efficiency and delivery. Prepare, coordinate and/or supervise the formulation of health programme recommendations and related documentations as a component of the Country Programme, establishing clear programme goals, objectives, strategies, and results based on results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM), especially for health systems strengthening and universal health coverage agenda. Evaluate programme recommendation to ensure alignment of the sectoral programme with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, Country Programme, UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), regional strategies as well as national priorities, plans and competencies. Consult and collaborate with colleagues and partners to provide technical and operational support on programme planning, management and implementation, and to ensure integration, coherence and harmonization of programmes/projects with other UNICEF sectors throughout all stages of programming processes.

2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results

Plan and/or collaborate with internal and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators, and other UNICEF/UN system indicators and measurements to assess and strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the assigned sector in health programmes. Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions to achieve results. Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and/or weaknesses in programme management, identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals. Actively monitor programmes/projects through field visits, surveys and/or exchange of information with partners/stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution. Plan, monitor and verify the optimum and appropriate use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity, ensuring timely reporting and liquidation of resources. Prepare regular and mandated programme/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.

3. Advisory services and technical support

Collaborate and consult with key government officials, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners/donors on policies, strategies, best practices, and approaches on health-related issues to support programme development planning, management, implementation, and delivery of results. Participate in strategic programme discussions and planning to provide technical advice and to contribute to policy discussions and agenda setting to promote health and development issues especially in the areas of gender, emergency preparedness, health systems strengthening, universal health coverage, maternal and neonatal health, and child survival and development. Prepare policy papers, briefs and other strategic programme materials for management use, information and/or consideration. Participate in emergency preparedness initiatives for programme development and contingency planning and/or to respond to emergencies in country or where designated

4. Advocacy, networking and partnership building

Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with health sector government counterparts, national stakeholders, as well as global partners, allies, donors, and academia. Through active networking, advocacy and effective communication, build capacity and exchange knowledge and expertise to facilitate the achievement of programme goals on child rights, social justice and equity. Prepare communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances, and support fund raising for health programmes (maternal, neonatal and child survival and development). Participate and/or represent UNICEF in appropriate inter-agency (UNCT) discussions and planning on health-related issues to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF planning and preparation of health programmes/projects, ensuring organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNDAF process in development planning and agenda setting

5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

Promote critical thinking, innovative approaches and good practices for sustainable health programmes/projects initiatives. Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best and cutting-edge practices in health management and information systems. Institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned. Contribute to the development of policies and procedures and introduce innovation and best practices to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programmes and projects. Lead, plan and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of stakeholders to promote sustainable results on health related programmes/projects.

6. Strengthening of health system and universal health coverage

As manager of the health system strengthening unit within the health section, provide leadership, guidance and direction for sectoral, inter-sectoral health system strengthening and universal health coverage. Ensure program development, design, planning, implementation and management in health systems strengthening and universal health coverage.

Hold primary responsibility for formulation of sectoral program goals and objectives and development of strategies and innovative approaches related to health system strengthening and universal health coverage

Education:

An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health/nutrition, health financing, pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, environmental health sciences, biostatistics, socio-medical, health education, epidemiology or another relevant technical field.

Experience:

A minimum of eight years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: public health/nutrition planning and management, maternal and neonatal health care, or health emergency/humanitarian preparedness.

Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset.

Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

Competencies and level of proficiency required:

Core Values

Care Respect Integrity Trust Accountability

Core competencies

Communication (II) Working with people (II) Drive for results (II)

Functional Competencies:

Leading and supervising (I) Formulating strategies and concepts (II) Analyzing (III) Relating and networking (II) Deciding and Initiating action (II) Applying technical expertise (III)

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

This vacancy is archived.

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