Background
The Governments of India and Norway have entered into a partnership to work together toward the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal 4 (MDG 4) that aims to reduce child mortality worldwide. The objective of Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) is to provide catalytic support that would make a strategic and sustainable difference to the rapid scaling up of quality child health services under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in select states that contribute the highest number of child deaths. All activities undertaken under NIPI shall be directed towards fulfilling the goals and objectives of NRHM. NIPI new born project led by the Director is hosted by the United Nations Development Project (UNDP). NIPI new born project envisages strengthening of techno-managerial capacity and health systems in the States to accelerate child health activities under NRHM/RCH II.
NIPI completed the first phase of operation in 2012 in the focus states of Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar and Rajasthan. It has started phase-2 of its operations to coincide with the new National Rural Health Mission plan (NRHM) (2013-2017). NIPI Phase II will continue in same districts in Rajasthan, Bihar, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh and assist in scaling-up activities in the same states through technical assistance. In addition it will provide support for demonstration of its activities in one district of 3 additional States namely Assam, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. It will continue with a focus on new born and maternal health, especially interventions at point of care with community health workers and home to facility (ASHA-ANM-hospital staff), and capacity building of health personnel are prioritized. The major focus will be on strengthening SNCU systems in these States for accelerating implementation of quality facility based new-born care and supportive supervision of health functionaries within the umbrella of RMNCH+A, in addition to community based care for new-born and infants and child health screening and early intervention services.
The Senior Programme Officer contributes to the overall effort of National NIPI-New born project implementation providing technical, strategic and policy advice to Government counterparts at the state-level within the framework of the National Rural Health Mission NRHM. He/ She will also be responsible for technical assistance in planning, implementation, and monitoring of high impact interventions for improved new born and child survival, systems strengthening, at state-level and in focus districts.
Duties and Responsibilities
Influencing Policy:- Analyses, influences, advocate and recommend policies, systems of management and co-ordination to improve neonatal and young child survival in the State;
- Identifies and recommends necessary action for adjustments in the NIPI Newborn Project within the framework of Govt. of India’s RMNCH+A strategy and leverages Government/other resources to enhance coverage of services with quality.
Programme Planning and Implementation:
- Provides advice and assistance to government officials and other partners in the planning and management of Newborn and Child Health Services through state specific PIPs;
- Designs the state specific NIPI-New-born project;
- Prepares, implements, monitors, and evaluates the NIPI assisted New-born and Child Health intervention packages viz. routine immunization, HBNC+, SNCU system strengthening including follow up of SNCU discharged cases, child health screening and early intervention services etc. This includes the strengthening of community-based systems (ASHA Chain) to enhance uptake of services leading to improved coverage;
- Guides and supports the State and district based personnel supported by NIPI.
Building Partnerships
- Convenes strategic partnerships to impact on overall policies for new born and child survival and development, to support the programmes and resources in the State;
- Participates in meetings with Ministries/Departments of Health and Family Welfare, (and others as needed), responsible for programme/project review, and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements;
- Fosters partnerships for RMNCH+A in the state with government, other agencies, professional bodies, technical institutions and NGO networks in the state, with special focus to enhance new-born and infant survival.
Capacity Building and technical assistance for Government
- Assists government authorities to strengthen the State training institutes (SIHFW, Medical Colleges, etc) to identify capacity-building needs and undertake capacity-building activities on New born and Child Health issues for different levels of health professionals and field-level functionaries;
- Provides technical expertise as required, facilitates learning exchanges as well as policy influencing.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Facilitates the review of systems and capacities relating to the delivery of Newborn and child health services, in conjunction with State NRHM, and the interventions to improve such systems and capacities;
- Undertakes field visits to monitor programmes aimed at increased coverage of NIPI strategic interventions, as well as conducting periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners.
Report Writing
- Writes inputs for State Coordination Committee proposals, status reports required for donor budget review, programme analysis, annual reports, case studies, etc. in a qualitative and timely manner.
Budget and Finance:
- In consultation with the national team develop the budget for State NIPI newborn project.
Competencies
Corporate competencies:
- Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.
Specific Technical Knowledge Required
- NIPI approach and programming in NIPI Newborn project;
- National and State programme policy, procedures and guidelines in Maternal, Newborn and Child Health under NRHM.
- Technical knowledge of new born and child health.
Other skills and attributes
- In depth understanding of new born and child Health Policy analysis and administration skills and issues;
- In-depth knowledge of RMNCH+A programmes in India and State;
- Familiarity as to how public administration systems affect delivery of results for children;
- Understanding of social mobilization and behaviour change communication, especially at community level
- Understanding of the importance and role of partnerships;
- Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas, as well as to impart knowledge and teach skills;
- Analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills;
- Report writing and documentation;
- Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- MBBS with an advanced degree in any of the following disciplines: Public Health, Pediatrics, Health Policy & Management, Family Health, Socio-medical Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Education, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Educational Interventions in Health Care.
Experience:
- A minmum of five (5) years of professional work experience at the State/National level in policy-cum-programme development, monitoring & implementation of primary health care programmes including experience in field-based management and implementation of Newborn and child survival and development initiatives.
Language:
- Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is required;
- A good working knowledge of local language of the duty station will be an asset.