UNDP Jobs - 64210- Project Officer - Information Technology), GAVI H

Project Officer - Information Technology), GAVI Health System Strengthening Project - 2 Positions in 2 States (Open to Indian Nationals Only)

Location :

State Capitals of Chhattisgarh and Odisha, INDIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-May-2016

Application Deadline :

20-Mar-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

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

Remuneration package is Rs. 15,84,243/- per annum (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

Routine immunisation (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) Government of India 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.

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.

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.

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 twelve states of the country namely Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal 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 (IT) will be based in each of the following 2 states – Chhattisgarh and Odisha. The position will require extensive travel to the designated districts. The Project Officer will work under the direct supervision of Senior Project Officer of the respective state.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for coordinating with implementing partner for the development and deployment of the Electronic Intelligence Network (eVIN) solution (for web application and java, android based mobile applications), including;
Follow-up with Vaccine Cold Chain Managers and Supply Cold Chain Officers in the districts for resolution of issues;
Tracking and facilitating upgradation of the IT solution as and when required;
Manage and track data and ensure data security;
Verify data integrity / accuracy of system developed reports from eVIN software from mobile/ web based solution / Temp Logger;
Provide technical inputs to the training officers in the state for improvisation during Trainings (Train the Trainers);
Support in district training programmes (CCH Training) with delivery / quality control of technical contents related to eVIN software & temperature data loggers;
Validate stock transactions and temperature records in Cold Chain Points during the field visits and implemented;
Work on issues related to temperature breaches and non-working of cold chain equipment’s or temperature data loggers to be either resolved or directed to the appropriate authority for resolution.

Programme Planning and Implementation:

Provides advice and support to:

The enhancement and implementation of the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) that includes vaccine logistics and cold chain management on one single information system platform based on user feedback;
Systematic and phased scale up of the eVIN system for SMS-enabled real time Management Information system (MIS) for cold chain and vaccine logistics management at the respective district level;
Inputs related to Software user manuals based on the field experiences;
Ensure that all users at district level are aware of the software upgrades and latest version of eVIN mobile application is used by the users(Cold chain handlers).

Capacity Building and technical assistance to:

Partners at the state and district level health vaccine structures to assess and understand the capacity needs and support required for the effective and timely implementation of the eVIN;
Regularly check functional status of eVIN software & Temperature Loggers for resolution, and escalate to operationalize dysfunctional equipment, mobiles or software with Senior Program Officer of the state if local level resolution not possible;
Software and Temperature logger operations / minor troubleshooting and provide hands-on support;
Based on the assessed needs support in undertaking capacity-building at the district level.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Undertake extensive field visits to monitor the implementation of the system and providing technical inputs to address gaps and bottlenecks;
Assist, support and monitor the identified implementing agency in the implementation of the system at the state, district and sub district level;
Document to the eVIN implementation process and analytical learnings from the implementation
Support state/ district staff in development and production of MIS reports from the system as and when required for monitoring purpose;
Undertake field visits prioritizing districts which are lagging behind in implementation of project activities;
Facilitate knowledge exchange visits in consultation with VCCMs and Supply Chain Officers(IT);
Regular analysis of consumption patterns and wastage rates at state level for vaccines and supplies to help develop monthly reports to support Sate Immunization Officer in taking corrective actions.

Perform any other tasks assigned from time to time by the Senior Project Officer of the State.

Competencies

Innovation:

Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things;
Makes the case for innovative ideas from the team with own supervisor.

Results Focus:

Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Contributes to work planning, manages time and resources efficiently;
Takes accountability for delivery of agreed targets;
Ability to prioritize assignments and requirements, and multitask as needed;
Identifies problems and proposes solutions.

Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement:

Maintains awareness of new developments in own area of expertise and promotes this knowledge with others who may benefit;
Develops an understanding of own strengths and development needs;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Building and managing partnerships:

Ability to manage stakeholder relationships. Builds positive work relationships of mutual trust and empathy.

Team Working:

Contributes to a sense of team spirit and works collaboratively with others by seeking to understand and make best of team members’ diverse ideas, working styles, skills and backgrounds;
Demonstrates care and concern for other team members, proactively offering support;
Ability to work independently with limited instruction;
Aptitude for technical innovations and data analytics.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

A minimum of Master’s degree in Computer Sciences/IT from a reputed University/Institute.

Experience:

Minimum 3-5 years of professional work experience in managing information technology driven projects; at least 1 year should be in Routine Immunization programme including the vaccine logistics and cold chain mechanisms;
Should have analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills;
Experience in troubleshooting Java and android based applications;
Experience of working in the State Government or other international development organization will be an asset.

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.

Travel:

The position will require extensive travel to the designated districts

Note:

This Vacancy is open to Indian Nationals only. Interested applicants are required to apply online and attach a completed UNDP Personal History (P11) form available at: UNDP P11. Kindly note that only completed P.11 forms will be reviewed. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

UNDP strives to have a workforce which reflects diversity and gender balance, and applies an equal opportunities approach. All selections are on merit.