Background

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) is among those countries with an “intermediate” Tuberculosis (TB) burden in the World Health Organization European Region, i.e. with high TB incidence. The TB burden in BIH has remained steady during the last few years. BIH has a fairly developed network of health infrastructure but that infrastructure requires upgrading. In 2009, the estimated incidence rate was 50 per 100 000 population and prevalence rate 62 per 100 000 population. The mortality rate was 1,9; multidrug-resistant rate was 0.4% in new TB cases, and 6.6% in relapse TB cases (Global TB control, 2009). The last anti-TB drug resistance survey, performed in 2000, has shown a prevalence of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) of 0.1 % in newly TB diagnosed cases and 2.0% in those previously-treated. Treatment success in new smear positive cases was 97%, and in smear positive re-treatment cases 95% (Global TB control, 2009).
The strong political commitment to tuberculosis programme in B&H was internationally reaffirmed by the Ministers of Health from B&H at the “WHO European Ministerial Forum – All Against Tuberculosis”, held in Germany, October 2007. At the service delivery/operational level the commitment is reflected in strong political support to TB control efforts, such as for example those related to the implementation of the TB GFATM grant.
To a large extent, the project “Strengthening of DOTS Strategy and Improving National Tuberculosis Programme, Including Multidrug Resistant and Infection Control, in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, refers to and builds on the objectives set forth in Round 6 approved TB grant for Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). It is conceived as a scaling-up and fortification of the existing DOTS-based National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP), and in support to systems’ orientation and focus towards ongoing primary health care/family medicine development and reform efforts in BIH.
The main goal of the project is to cost effectively reduce the burden of tuberculosis and to further consolidate and fortify National Tuberculosis Programme efforts aimed at sustainable reduction of the tuberculosis burden in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Implementation of this project will contribute in improvement of access and efficiency of respiratory health care services in Primary Health Care settings in BIH through implementation of Practical Approach to Lung Health (PAL) strategy (as a pilot project), strengthening and extending the DOTS+ pilot project of MDR-TB case management as well as ensuring and maintaining access to TB program for vulnerable groups with special attention to Roma and other vulnerable populations.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina is acting as a Principal Recipient of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) grant to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the implementation of “Strengthening of DOTS Strategy and Improving National Tuberculosis Programme, Including Multidrug Resistant and Infection Control, in Bosnia and Herzegovina ” project.

In the context of the TB project, the Monitoring and Evaluation Junior Assistant will provide support in implementation of TB project activities, assist in implementation of planned activities, data entering and checking, assist in coordination with governmental and non-governmental organization and assist in organization of events including provision of documentation and power point presentations with focus on TB Coordinators who are responsible for regular clinical activities related to Tuberculosis. Monitoring and Evaluation Junior Assistant will take part in relevant trainings and support project staff on M&E and identify priority areas of concern on the quality of M&E related data and inform the project implementation team. She/He will regularly document field visits performed incorporating challenges and lessons learnt important for Project implementation.

As this post is a UNV volunteer assignment, it is based on the values of free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity, which are the foundations of volunteerism. Volunteering brings benefit to the individual volunteer while making important economic and social contributions. In particular, it contributes to creating social cohesion and capital, through helping to build trust and reciprocity among citizens.

Conditions of Service
A 7 and 1/2 (seven and a half) - month contract (initially); monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, equivalent to BAM 1,031.00; life, health, and permanent disability insurance; resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of TB Expert the Monitoring and Evaluation Junior Assistant will collaborate with other members of M&E Team and undertake the following tasks:

1. Assist in the implementation of project activities; support overall project activities related to Monitoring and Evaluation within her/his area of responsibility

  • Assist in  timely preparation and submission of required projects reports based on the Work Plan of the GFATM Grant Agreement, indicating progress against targets set in the Grant Agreement (semi-annual, annual or any other required report) to GFATM and UNDP;
  • Assist in presentation and provision of data entered (summary data, disaggregated data as per request of Monitoring and Evaluation unit and LFA);
  • Participate in the trainings relevant for Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Undertake the routine field checking of the M&E-related works supervise quality of the performance in the field and ensure data accuracy and completeness of data.
  • Keep the record on field visits performed incorporating challenges and lessons learn important for Project implementation
  • Ensure that primary stakeholders are involved to the fullest extent possible in undertaking M&E activities.

2. Closely liaison with the relevant national partners in field of health data collection and monitoring and evaluation.

  • Assist in timely implementation of project activities;
  • Assist in provision of technical assistance to sub-recipients to effectively monitor GFATM implementation (incentives, outreach workers);
  • Assist in identification of any possible issues, cause of delay or threat to accomplishment of project targets and subsequently alerting Project Manager;
  • Assist in liaison with project and research partners (PHIs, CCM, NGOs, MoHs etc.) for data collection methodologies and research related to TB programme;

3. Coordination of data collection and data management

  • Assist in routine tracking of key elements of the Programme (inputs and outputs);
  • Ensure that field data is gathered and registered, verifying  the quality of data entered and helping to produce initial statistical analyses informing on any inconsistencies that have been observed
  • Undertake routine data quality control checking with partners working in the field of tuberculoses,;
  • Assist in assessment of data quality
  • Assist in provision of  guidance and support to sub-recipients;
  • Filing documentation (reports, meetings, minutes etc);
  • Assist in preparation of power point presentation for various meetings.
  • Assist in organization of events/meetings/training (logistic).


Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to:

  • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
  • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
  • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
  • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
  • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
  • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Output:

Overall, it is expected that Monitoring and Evaluation Junior Assistant will contribute to improved planning of TB project activities, enhanced management of TB resources, and follow up delivery of implementing agencies’ services and ease reporting to Global Fund.

Outputs:

  • Support to the more efficient, effective, transparent and accountable implementation of the UNDP TB  programme, and support to enhanced client-oriented approach and overall image of the programme and UNDP at whole.
  • Support to and participation in at least 1 UNV Country Office initiatives (International Volunteer Day, International Year of Volunteers + 10, contribution of articles, etc.).
  • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Competencies

  • Demonstrated commitment to UN mission, vision and values.
  • Demonstrated success in project planning, program monitoring, report writing, identification and delivery of technical assistance.
  • Experiences in working with local government and non-governmental organizations
  • Basic understanding of the tuberculosis issues,
  • Experience in delivering effective resource management through capacity building and technical assistance.
  • Possession of excellent oral communication skills with the ability to assist in delivering trainings and conflict resolution.
  • Competency to manage inter-group dynamics and mediate conflicting interests of varied actors.
  • Possession of excellent written communication skills, with analytic capacity and ability to synthesize project outputs and relevant findings for the preparation of quality project reports and training materials.
  • Maturity and confidence in dealing with senior and high ranking members of national and international institutions, governmental and non-governmental institutions.
  • Knowledge and experience sharing approach.
  • Leadership and Self-Management
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored under pressure.
  • A track record that demonstrates energy and creativity, and the ability to successfully manage competing priorities.
  • Cultural, gender, religion, race and nationality sensitivity and adaptability.

Required Skills and Experience

At least 22 years of age (at commencement of duties);

Education:

  • Secondary school education or equivalent. Bachelor’s degree is a distinct advantage.

Experience:

  • At least 2 years of experience in working with government and civil society organizations
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages and in handling of web-based management system.
  • Relevant experience in the field of monitoring and evaluation would be considered as advantage
  • Relevant experience in the field of prevention programmes would be considered as advantage.
  • Demonstrate experience working in complex environments, preferable in providing support to governmental institutions and and CSO sector.
  • Familiarity with UNDP system, rules and procedures is an advantage.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in BiH languages (written and spoken). Fluency in English (written and spoken) would be an asset.