UNDP Jobs - 84120- Project Coordinator - Improving health response sy

Project Coordinator - Improving health response system to contain Hepatitis E Virus

Location :

Windhoek, NAMIBIA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Apr-2019

Application Deadline :

25-Mar-19 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-8

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 Months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

12 Months

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 project aims to address the current outbreak of the Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in several in-formal settlements across different regions of Namibia. HEV is a liver disease with sudden, severe and life-threatening symptoms closely associated with poor sanitation. Previously rare in Namibia, an HEV outbreak that began in two informal settlements in the capital city Windhoek in April 2018, has persisted and spread to several parts of the country, causing over 4,000 reported cases and 34 reported fatalities.

The project aims to build on the work of various stakeholders, including the Government of Namibia, and various development partners to address identified gaps and needs in the response. This will be achieved through the following objective: Increasing the capacity of the Namibia HEV response in terms of response coordination and risk communication.

The project approach will provide capacity strengthening in coordination and risk communication in 6 regions, as to be identified in conjunction with the government of Namibia. Innovative sanitation solutions in informal settlements will be scaled up to benefit the most vulnerable, especially pregnant and post-partum women and children. The project intends to reach ap-proximately 120,000 people through risk communication and improved innovative sanitation solutions and facilities. Community led processes will provide locally owned and sustainable solutions.

The project will work through existing systems and build on inputs of government and other donors by integrating with the strategy and coordination of the National Health Emergency Management Committee (NHEMC) at the Ministry of Health.

The project will be coordinated by UNDP as an integrated component of the national HEV response under the Hepatitis E Task Force of the National Health Emergency Management Committee of Namibia (NHEMC).

Duties and Responsibilities

Main duties and responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under overall guidance and supervision of the Programme Specialist (Environment and Energy), the Project Coordinator provides support to the unit to ensure effective delivery of the Improving health response system to contain Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) outbreak in endangered health districts in Namibia project.

The Project Coordinator will undertake the following tasks:

Coordinate the day to day running of the project, represent UNDP at the NHEMC, and liaise with partners, including the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), particularly at the Directorate of Primary Health Care (PHC).

The Project Coordinator will be supported by existing logistics and technical staff within UNDP CO.

Conduct regional activities including meetings and site work, which will be con-ducted through the various governance structures of the MoHSS and in collabo-ration with various donors and civil society, and existing partners involved in co-ordination, surveillance, and risk communication.

Results / expected outputs

As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

Stakeholders enabled to implement and coordinate the response at national, regional, and municipal levels;
Improved access to innovative sanitation solutions;
Improved awareness of communities on prevention and control HEV infections;
Improved national and regional response to the current HEV crisis;
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.
Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Competencies

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

Required Skills and Experience

Required Degree Level: Bachelor's degree

Required Experience: 2 - 3 years

Education, qualifications, skills, experience, areas of expertise: University Degree in Health Sciences, International Development, or any other relevant qualification.

1-2 years of relevant working experience, including experience in the health and/or environmental development. Experience in project management and stakeholder’s facilitation is an asset.

Submission of an updated detailed Personal CV or Signed and Updated P11 form which can be downloaded from http://sas.undp.org/documents/p11_personal_history_form.doc