UNDP Jobs - 48058- Programme Officer, UNDP NIPI Newborn Child Project

Programme Officer, UNDP NIPI Newborn Child Project - (Open to Indian Nationals only)

Location :

Bhopal - Madhya Pradesh, INDIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

24-Jul-14 (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 Health Mission (NHM) 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 NHM. 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 NHM/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. 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 resource centres 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 care in district facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Programme Officer will be responsible for the following tasks:

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Programme Planning:

Provides assistance to the Senior Program Officer in the planning and management of New born and Child Health Services through state specific PIPs. Assists the designing of the state specific NIPI-New-born project.

Program Implementation in NIPI focus districts:

Responsible for preparation, guiding implementation in NIPI districts of the State, monitoring and reviewing the NIPI assisted New-born and Child Health intervention packages (including monitoring reports) viz. HBNC+, SNCU system strengthening including follow up of SNCU discharged cases and improving quality of paediatric care in district hospitals etc. This includes the strengthening of community-based systems (ASHA Chain) to enhance uptake of services leading to improved coverage and improved quality of care for newborn and sick children in facilities. 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.

Capacity Building:

Assists Senior Program officer to strengthen the State resource centres to identify capacity-building needs and undertake capacity-building activities on New born and Child Health issues for field-level functionaries.

Monitoring and Reviewing:

Responsible for the review of systems and capacities relating to the delivery of Newborn and child health services. Establish robust data collection system for periodic reporting and guiding the programme. 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 newborn project in a qualitative and timely manner.

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;
Integrity and Confidentiality.

Functional Competencies:

Specialist Knowledge:

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;
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;
National and State programme policy, procedures and guidelines in Maternal, Newborn and Child Health under NHM;
Experience of working in the NlPl State.

Technical Knowledge:

Demonstrate proven ability to provide programmatic intervention in child health services including its implementation;
Assist in strengthening state resource centres;
Ability to monitor, evaluate and review systems and capacities in relation to the project;
Proven ability to lead, guide and motivate the Project Management Team;
Proven ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships with government agencies and other stakeholders;
Demonstrate in-depth understanding and knowledge of current guidelines and project management tools, and utilize these tools regularly in work assignments related to the project.

Team Lead and Self - Management:

Proven ability to work flexibly and independently with limited supervision and deliver quality results based on agreed timelines;
Effectively build and sustain strategic partnerships with Government Agencies and main constituents, advocate effectively, communicate sensitively across different constituencies;
Build strong relationships with the Project Management Team and with the project partners, focuses on impact and result for the project partners and responds positively to feedback;
Communications Skills;
Advocate and communicate effectively and sensitively with different constituents;
Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Post graduation in Medical/Social Sciences/Health Management.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years’ experience. (post qualification} in Public health / Health related trainings / Health program management / Public administration;
Expertise in Public Health and/or in epidemiology / biostatistics/management background would be an asset;
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 State level is desirable.

Language:

Fluency in written/spoken English and Hindi is essential.

Note:

Remuneration package is Rs.108, 367/- per month (taxable).