UNDP Jobs - 62336- Project Officer –Research, GAVI Health System Stre

Project Officer –Research, GAVI Health System Strengthening Project - (Open to Indian Nationals Only)

Location :

New Delhi, INDIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

20-Dec-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

Routine immunization (RI) against vaccine preventable diseases (e.g. measles, polio, TB, tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough) is one of the most cost effective interventions for reducing childhood illness and mortality. Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is an ambitious programme of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) that aims to reduce morbidity and mortality due to vaccine preventable diseases (VPD). Joint Review Missions and Common Review Missions organized by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on a regular basis) have noted that whilst UIP performance in India has improved overtime, there still remain a number of key constraints impacting immunization coverage in the country. Further, there are significant inequities in vaccination coverage in different states based on various factors related to individual (gender, birth order), family area (area of residence, wealth, and parental education), demography (religion, caste) and the society (access to health care, community literacy level) characteristics.

The GAVI Alliance-funded Health System Strengthening (HSS) programme is one of the efforts of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to improve the quality and level of immunization coverage in India.

Some of the main constraints currently preventing India from achieving a quality immunization programme with universally high coverage rates relate to Cold Chain and Vaccine Logistics Management. There is limited cold chain infrastructure and capacity in many states – even for routine UIP vaccines. Systematic efforts to identify gaps and address issues in cold chain and VLM have been conducted in recent years. Key constraints identified include: inadequate and poor infrastructure, HR issues including technical capacities; weak monitoring and MIS issues; and Vaccine management. These constraints have led to high breakdown rate of equipment, overstocking and stock outs, inadequate monitoring and supervision, poor management thus hampering improved vaccine coverage.

UNDP under the GAVI HSS grant 2014-2016 will address some of the above mentioned issues by the development of an integrated and innovative solution that aims to provide real time information of vaccines stocks at the various level of the Routine Immunization Programme as well as have real time information on the temperature at the various levels of storage in three state of the country namely Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, UNDP will strengthen the evidence base for improved policy-making on programmatic areas through a well developed and implemented national M&E plan and research framework.

For the specific purpose above UNDP intends to recruit the Project Officer - Research to be based at New Delhi. The position will require extensive travel to the designated districts.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Officer-Research will work under the direct supervision of Senior National Project Manager and be responsible for delivering on results related to documentation and knowledge generation on how the eVIN project is getting implemented, scaled up and its impact on health system strengthening.

Operations Research:

Develop concept notes on relevant operations research topics related to the project;
Develop analytical frameworks for demonstrating project impact;
Provide lead on carrying out relevant studies/demonstrations in the project.

Data Management:

Maintain and regularly update the eVIN database, collating all data generated in the field;
Analyze data from the field and produce information/briefs to inform interventions, strategies of the Project;
Coordinate on data collection and quality etc;
Identify critical issues in project implementation in the districts through eVIN data that will inform project management.

Partnerships:

Systematically compile researched materials around immunization system strengthening and related areas ensuring that the project team hasaccess to and is well equipped with research and programme documents;
Support UNDP work on the immunization research network of MoHFW;
Establish collaborations and partnerships with research institutions and resource centers;
Coordinate research activities to inform and enhance intervention strategies and build knowledge base.

Document Project Implementation and Learnings:

Prepare case studies, write-ups, papers etc that capture the process of establishing and scaling up eVIN;
Be part of project team’s initiatives on scientific documentation of the immunization system strengthening;
Support the development of project communications material that is underpinned by evidence from the field.

Perform any other tasks assigned from time to time by Senior National Project Manager.

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:

Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Contributes to work planning, manages time and resources efficiently;
Ability to prioritize assignments and requirements, and multitask as needed;
Maintains awareness of new developments in own area of expertise and promotes this knowledge with others who may benefit;
Contributes to a sense of team spirit and works collaboratively with others;
Demonstrates care and concern for other team members, proactively offering support;
Ability to work independently with limited instruction.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A minimum of Bachelor’s Degree, with Masters in Science/ Epidemiology/ Health from a reputed University or Institution.

Experience:

At least 4 years’ experience in research analysis, documentation, records and information management;
Out of which at least 1 year should be in Routine Immunization programme including research, evidence, policy support;
Demonstrated analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills;
Should have computer knowledge in MS Office and other applications;
Experience of working in the Government or other international development organization will be an asset.

Language:

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is required.

Travel:

The position will require some travel to the implementing States.

Remuneration package is Rs. 116,169/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.

UNDP strives to have a workforce which reflects diversity and gender balance, and applies an equal opportunities approach. UNDP does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS status. All selections are on merit.