UNDP Jobs - 58029- Project Officer, NIPI Newborn Project (Open to Ind

Project Officer, NIPI Newborn Project (Open to Indian Nationals Only)

Location :

New Delhi, INDIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

16-Jul-15 (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 and districts. It envisages strengthening of techno-managerial capacity and health systems in the States to accelerate child health activities under NHM/RCH II.

The project aims to reduce neonatal and infant mortality by strengthening capacities and improving access and utilization of public health services. It also seeks to accelerate the efforts of the National Health Mission (NHM) to improve the availability and access of people to quality health care, especially those residing in rural areas, women and children.

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 National Health Mission plan (NHM) (2013-2017). NIPI Phase II will continue in same districts and states.

All activities undertaken under NIPI new born project shall be directed towards fulfilling the goals and objectives of NHM.

Summary of Key Functions

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager NIPI New Born project, the Project Officer will support the technical, programmatic implementation and support the operational effectiveness of the project.

The Project Officer will work in close collaboration with the UNDP Country Office Programme, Operations as well as the Project teams at national & state levels in resolving complex operational, financial, human resources and programme-related issues to help ensure a smooth project implementation consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Officer will be responsible for the following tasks:

Programmatic Advice and Management

Support the Project Manager in providing technical and performance oversight over the implementation and monitoring of NIPI supported Health interventions such as Home Based Newborn Care Plus, Facility Based Newborn Care, preparation of appropriate modules for health workers and functionaries involved in implementation of the interventions and support training mechanisms;
Support project Manager in analysis of data and follow through with necessary corrective actions;
Preparation of technical and policy documents against the overall context of the NIPI program.

Ensure Effective of Project Management:

Support the Project Manager in the preparation of Annual Work Plans leading the consolidation of recommendations and inputs from various mandated Committees under Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) and facilitate its implementation at national, state and below level;
Support formulation, management and amendment of partnership agreements with various State Health Societies, NGO partners and Research Institutions as per the approved work plan;
Guide project partners on operational issues related to the day-to-day management of project implementation;
Provide inputs for result based monitoring and evaluation of the project - development of project performance framework; monitoring of project deliverables (technical and financial) through field reports and field visits;
Lead on identifying, mitigating and monitoring project risks including recording and updating them systematically in accordance with the UNDP Result Management Guidelines in the ERP system (ATLAS);
Upon request draft and provide background information to provide clarification to donor, UNDP, Auditor on physical and financial status of the project and ensure compliance with the recommendations;
Draft substantive agenda notes, proceedings and background material for periodic project review meetings by donor, government, UNDP.

Provide Support for Implementation of Operational and Financial Management Strategies and Procedures:

Coordinate with the State Health Departments and UNDP Country Office for disbursement and reporting on financial resources as agreed in the partnership agreements;
Facilitate project audit and compliance with the audit recommendations;
Lead preparation of budgeted annual work plans, budget revisions, updating of financial data in UNDP ERP system (ATLAS), financial reporting and reconciliation;
Liaise directly with concerned UNDP Unit to identify and resolve operational issues (financial, HR, procurement etc.) impeding project implementation in a time bound manner;
Coordinate with UNDP Resource and Planning Unit for operational and financial closure of the project;
Prepare Terms of Reference, Request for Proposals, EoI etc. for procurement of goods and services for various project activities – research studies, consultants etc.;
Coordinate with UNDP Procurement Unit to ensure sourcing and delivery of goods and services in a timely fashion
Ensure effective contract management and timely release of payments on satisfactorily release of services/goods as stipulated in the agreements;
Facilitate assessing project Human Resource needs, prepare ToRs and coordinate with UNDP HR Unit on recruitment actions.

Support Partnership and Resource Mobilization:

Track financial contribution from donor as per the commitments stipulated in the cooperation agreement;
Compile relevant documentation of various project components for preparation of progress reports for submission to different stakeholders (Donor, Government, UNDP etc.) – Joint Steering Committee, Programme Advisory Group, State Coordination Committees, Annual Review Meetings etc.;
Support coordination and dialogue with the donor focal points for regular briefing, review and facilitation of field visits.

Ensure Facilitation of Knowledge Building and Sharing:

Support identification of research needs and priorities, and coordinate formulation and implementation of research studies approved by the Joint Steering Committee;
Research, collate and share information of technical advancements in the area of new born and infant health care;
Presentation of thoroughly researched information for preparation of concept notes and support preparation of technical proposals for new innovations/ areas of interventions;
Synthesize lessons learnt and best practices in the project;
Contribute to update website and other programme-related online products;
Support in the organization of advocacy events and study releases;
Facilitate provision of technical guidance to the state teams.

Perform any other tasks assigned from time to time by the Project Manager, NIPI New born project.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Results-Based Programme Development and Management:

Contributing to results through provision of information;
Provides information for linkages across programme activities to help identify critical points of integration;
Provides information and documentation on specific stages of projects/programme implementation;
Participates in the formulation of project proposals.

Management and Leadership:

Builds strong and strategic relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive constructive attitude;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Ability to co-lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills to demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise:

Good knowledge of processes, methods and procedures;
Knowledge in the latest developments in child health, global research, national policies and best practices in this area;
Demonstrates in-depth understanding and knowledge of the current guidelines and project management tools, and utilizes these regularly in work assignments;

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting o Ability to lead formulation and monitoring of management projects;
Solid knowledge in financial resources and human resources management, contract;
Asset and procurement, information and communication technology, general administration.

Knowledge Management and Learning: Basic Research and Analysis:

Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things;
Documents innovative strategies and new approaches.

Knowledge and Skills:

Good communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;
Good understanding of development issues and programmes in the state;
Ability to work independently and under pressure;
Strong gender sensitivity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in Public Health/Pediatrics/Medicine/Social Sciences/ Business Administration or any other related subject.

Experience:

At least five years of progressively experience in public health related fields at national level;
Experience in programme management, collaboration and networking;
Familiarity with implementation of health programmes by Government of India and State Government;
Experience of working in international organizations will be preferred.

Language:

Fluency in English including very good writing skills;
Fluency in Hindi.

Travel:

Willingness to travel.

Remuneration

Remuneration package is Rs. 1,36,331/per month(taxable). UNDP also offers additional benefits which include medical insurance coverage and limited pension reimbursement for contract holder and encourages work life balance to its employees.

This vacancy is open to applicants of either sex. Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates.