UNDP Jobs - 41215- District Program Coordinator, UNDP

District Program Coordinator, UNDP - NIPI Newborn Project - (Open to Indian Nationals only)

Location :

Angul, Odisha, INDIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

05-Nov-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

One Year Initially

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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 SAHIYAAS-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.

Duties and Responsibilities

Programme Planning:

Coordinates with the District Health Department and NRHM Program Management unit in the planning and management of New born and Child Health Services through District Health Action Plan. Manages the designing of the district specific NIPI-New-born project activities, work plan and budget.

Program Implementation in NIPI focus districts:

Responsible for preparation, implementation, monitoring and reviewing the NIPI facilitated New-born and Child Health intervention packages (including financial reports and utilization) viz. HBNC, HBNC+, SNCU system strengthening including setting up/ strengthening of SNCUs, NBSUs and NBCs, follow up of SNCU discharged cases, child health screening and early intervention services, operations strengthening in new born and child health etc. This includes the activities to enhance uptake of demonstrated NIPI interventions for uptake into regular NRHM programs;
Participates in meetings with District magistrate, Senior Health Officials, NRHM Program Managers , Partner representatives (and others as needed) at district level and is responsible for programme/project review, and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements;
Also participates in meetings with Mission Director, Senior Health Officials, NRHM Program Managers , Partner representatives (and others as needed) at state level from time to time and is responsible for programme/project review, and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements of the state coordination meetings for NIPI activities in the state;
Takes part in activities and meetings related to Maternal, new born and child health activities in the district and coordinates with other development partners in the state. Assists the district in ensuring the implementation quality of evidence based interventions related to improving child hood and infant survival and development in High Priority and NIPI focus districts.

Capacity Building:

Coordinates with RCH officer/ District training officer/ Program Coordinator to organize, strengthen and assure quality of trainings related to new born, child and maternal health with a specific focus on NIPI new born project facilitated interventions. Helps identify capacity-building needs and undertakes capacity-building activities on New born and Child Health issues for field-level functionaries. Arranges for capacity building of technical staff for facility based care of new born through observer ship and skill building programs.

Monitoring and Reviewing:

Coordinates with the Senior district officials including the District Magistrate, Chief Medical Officer and RCH Officer in the review of systems and capacities relating to the delivery of New born and child health services, particularly those related to NIPI focused intervention packages. Undertakes field visits for quality implementation and monitoring of programmes aimed at increasing coverage of NIPI strategic interventions, as well as conducts periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners.

Report Writing:

Prepares monthly and other periodic reports, status reports as required by the NIPI new born project in a qualitative and timely manner.

Assists the state NRHM in timely submission of reports, expenditure statements and utilization certificate related to NIPI funds and activities in the state. He/She shall also assist in preparation for and coordination of the SCC meeting at state level. He/She shall support in drafting the minutes and in undertaking follow up activities related to the state coordination committee meeting for NIPI activities.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Good understanding of the national and state health policy and program, with field experience in the Public/ NGO health sector;
Expertise in Public Health and/or in epidemiology / biostatistics /management background would be an asset;
Excellent skills in written and spoken English and ability to network are important;
Proficiency in the use of computer with common software and internet; and experience of working in teams and with different stakeholders expected.

Knowledge & Skills required:

Specific Technical Knowledge Required:

NIPI approach and programming in NIPI New born project;
National and State programme policy, procedures and guidelines in Maternal, New born and Child Health under NRHM.

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.

The personnel is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNDP.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

MBBS Graduates with Public health experience or Post Graduate in Community Medicine/Public Health/ Health Management.

Experience:

Minimum of 2 years’ experience. (post qualification} in Public health / Health related trainings / Health program management / Public administration, prior working with the national / state government, if any would be an advantage;
Good knowledge of the health sector and maternal and child health programs is essential;
Experience of working with NRHM at the project or district level is desirable;
Experience of working in the NlPl State.

Language:

Proficiency in spoken and written English.