UNDP Jobs - 56028- Capacity Development Officer

Capacity Development Officer - (Open to Zimbabwe Nationals Only)

Location :

Harare, ZIMBABWE

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Jun-2015

Application Deadline :

14-May-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-5

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

3 years

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

UNDP is a key partner to the Global Fund (GF). From 2009-2014 it acted as the Principal Recipient of GF grants in Zimbabwe. In 2014, based on increasing capacity within the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC), the Global Fund agreed to transition the PR role from UNDP to the MOHCC for the TB and Malaria New Funding Model (NFM) Grants starting in January 2015, with UNDP acting as the Fund Administrator.

In its new role of providing support services to the MoHCC as PR of the NFM TB and Malaria grants, UNDP Zimbabwe is responsible for managing the grant funds and disbursing to the MoHCC. UNDPs role is also to support the strengthening of capacities of the implementing national entities, and to continue the transition to national management and ownership, by providing support to strengthening capacity in all functional areas. These functional capacities includes financial management systems to minimize risk; further development of the Health Information System for reliable data for effective planning and programming; the development of national procurement systems and supply chain strengthening, further support to MOHCC governance systems, and support to policy development.

In this regard UNDP is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Capacity Development Plan which includes mobilizing and coordinating resources between UNDP, the Global Fund and other potential donors, financial accountability and reviewing and reporting on the Capacity Development Plan results.

The Capacity Development Plan 2015-2017 supports the development of strong functional capacities within the MOHCC, NAC, MCAZ and Nat Pharm. The purpose of the plan is to ensure that the national entities have the systems, procedures and technical expertise in place to successfully implement efficient and effective programmes.

The Capacity Development Plan emphasizes interventions to strengthen the capacity of national institutions to deliver on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and provide basic social services to the most vulnerable groups, particularly those affected by HIV, TB and Malaria.

Under the guidance and supervision of the UNDP Project Coordinator of the Programme Management Unit (PMU) and in collaboration with the MOHCC Programme Coordination Unit (PCU), the Capacity Development Officer will provide guidance and leadership to ensure effective implementation of capacity development activities. The Capacity Development Officer will coordinate the coaching and mentorship provided by UNDP to the MoHCC, and the Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) as part of the capacity strengthening efforts. The position will be supported by a Capacity Development Assistant. He/she will be based at the Ministry of Health and Child Care. S/he will work with the Ministry, sector departments, UNDP and other relevant stakeholders.

S/he will provide overall management of the project in the delivery of the Project Outputs as outlined in the Project Annual Work Plan. S/he works in close collaboration with the UNDP programme and operations teams, MoHCC, other Government office and may interact with multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors ensuring successful UNDP programme delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide strategic advice and strategic technical support and leadership to the MoHCC, NAC, MCAZ and NATPHARM capacity development activities focusing on achievement of the following results:

In collaboration with the MoHCC, ensure that the implementation is properly aligned with approved workplan;
Project financial resources management through planning, guiding, controlling, recording and reporting of resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations;
In support of Project Steering Committee, continuously analyze and monitor financial situation, provide presentation on performance of project;
Routinely monitor financial reports for for compliance;
In collaboration with the MoHCC, reprogramme the CD activities when new information becomes available and seek the approval of the Steering Committee;
Support the continuous design of the strategies and technical issues concerning the capacity development and institutional strengthening of the benefiting institutions.

Ensure effective management of the Capacity Development project focusing on quality control of the implementation of the project activities and focusing on achievement of the following results:

In close collaboration with MoHCC, develop the annual work plan of development activities;
Prepare a programme monitoring and implementation plan and provide progress updates on the milestone achieved to the relevant stakeholders (UNDP, PCU, Projects Steering Committee and Country Coordinating Mechanism);
Provide support to the Project Steering Committee meetings and present updates on the project and advise on new initiatives and strategies;
Ensure timely implementation of agreed activities;
At the request of MoHCC, make input to CCM on CD updates;
Review PCU requests for CD activities and make recommendations to UNDP;
At the request of PCU, assist MoHCC in the development of the annual training plans for the grants;
Support the MoHCC/PCU in preparation of Global Fund reports (PUDR, etc.);
Support MoHCC/PCU to review disbursement request from SRs for the TB and Malaria grants;
Support MoHCC/PCU in preparing disbursement requests for TB and Malaria grants;
Prepare Quarterly and Annual Reports on the project with inputs from the implementing partners;
Develop a TOR and coordinate the end of project evaluation and the report.

Enhance strategic Partnership develop and implement a resource mobilization framework and focusing on achievement of the following results:

Maintain effective partnership with Government and Regional Institutions, implementing partners and UNDP colleagues to exchange critical and technical information and resolve programme/project implementation issues to ensure results are achieved as planned;
Through UNDP , enhance partnership with donors including private sector, civil society in the capacity development area based on strategic goals of UNDP, and country needs;
Prepare substantive briefs on capacity development opportunities and initiatives for resource mobilization.

Ensure provision of quality Capacity building and knowledge management focusing on achievement of the following results:

Identify and disseminate best practices and lessons learned to build capacity and knowledge;
Support the design and documentation of achievements in the implementation of the Capacity Building programme and ensure wider circulation;
Coordinate coaching and mentorship of the national institutions on Global Fund reports and practices.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures. Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Shares knowledge and experience;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to perform specialized tasks related to Results-Based Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting;
Ability to provide inputs to business processes, re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems;
Ability to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government required. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential part of the job;
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required to influence policy-making, and to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents.

Leadership and Self-Management

Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Social Sciences, Public Administration or any development related field.

Experience:

At least 5 years professional experience, with at least 2 years of experience in the programme management at managerial level;
Solid experience in the management of people and systems in high-pressure environments;
Strong IT skills;
Experience of GF, UN or UNDP policies and procedures highly desirable;
Strong experience of programme partnership and collaboration with national institutions is highly desirable.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English with strong verbal and written skills.