Country: Myanmar
Closing date: 22 Jun 2016
https://gprs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=10255
Background Information - UNOPS
UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.
With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.
A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.
Background Information - Myanmar
UNOPS Myanmar develops, supports and oversees a portfolio of programmes and projects in Myanmar which focus on post-disaster recovery, health programmes and food security. UNOPS Myanmar ensures that synergies between programmes and projects are effectively developed. UNOPS is also expanding its infrastructure and procurement services in Myanmar.
The UNOPS Myanmar portfolio currently includes fund management of the multi-donor Three Millennium Development Goals Fund (3MDG) and the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT). In addition, UNOPS is the Principal Recipient of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria grants to Myanmar (PR-GFATM).
UNOPS Myanmar plays a critical role in ensuring quality services to UNOPS’ partners that meet stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness. It is also responsible for liaison with Government counterparts, Donors and UN Agencies.
Background Information - Job-specific
UNOPS is the Fund Manager for the Three Millennium Development Goal (3MDG) Fund, a multi-donor fund supported by Australia, Denmark, the European Union, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the USA. The Fund was established in 2012 to provide support for health needs in Myanmar. The three components of the 3MDG are:
- Maternal, Newborn and Child Health care. Increasing the availability and accessibility of essential services.
- HIV, TB and Malaria. Support for specific interventions for populations and areas not supported by the Global Fund.
- Health systems strengthening. Improve the functioning of the health care system to ensure effective, efficient, and equitable delivery of health services.
The detailed programme description is outlined in 3MDG Fund Description of Action, available on the www.3MDG.org.
The 3MDG Fund was established in 2012 with the goal to contribute to national progress towards the three health millennium development goals (MDGs 4, 5 and 6) in Myanmar. In order to achieve its goal, the Fund is committed to maximizing the positive outcomes of 3MDG health programming at all levels of the health system, and in communities in conflict affected areas to minimize negative impact and to achieve better health for all peoples in Myanmar.
Rakhine State remains one of the poorest States/Regions in Myanmar. According to the Integrated Household Living Conditions Assessment (IHLCA) conducted in 2009-2010, an estimated 43.5% of Rakhine residents live below the poverty line. Chronic underinvestment in the State over the past decade has contributed to poor health and social outcomes: in 2014, as little as 12 percent of women delivered at a health facility; one in three households (38 percent) reported having regular sources of clean water; an estimated 75 out of 1000 children die before the age of five.
Against this background and based on in-depth consultation with the Ministry of Health, both at the Central and State level, 3MDG developed a two-pronged investment approach grounded in 3MDG’s conflict sensitivity strategy (available at www.3MDG.org).
- Pillar 1 will provide technical assistance (TA) to the State HealthDepartment(SHD) in Sittwe with an expected long-term, State-wide impact that strengthens the health system and improves health outcomes for all.
- Pillar 2 will finance the delivery of short-term interventions that will have life-saving impacts on Maternal, Neonatal, and child health.
Functional Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the HSS (Health Systems Strengthening) Specialist and in close collaboration with the conflict sensitivity team as well as senior management of the 3MDG Fund, the Rakhine Health Programme Manager is responsible for the following:
Risk Identification and Mitigation Strategy
- Conduct on-going contextual analysis of political, economic, and social developments in Rakhine. This includes monthly or, bi-monthly visits to Rakhine State and meeting with stakeholders. After each visit, provide summary notes including key recommendations that summarize key developments and how the developments may impact 3MDG’s investments in the State.
- On a regular basis, critically analyze risks for 3MDG investments in Rakhine. Develop, implement, and update mitigation plan(s) for identified risks.
- In partnership with the 3MDG’s Conflict Sensitivity team, ensure that program activities under Pillars 1 and 2 are aligned with 3MDG conflict sensitivity principles.
Project Management
- Work closely with program stakeholders to ensure efficient and effective implementation of program objectives.
Communication and Coordination
- Liaise with government, development partners, UN agencies (including the UN coordinator in Sittwe), INGOs, and NGOs on developments in Rakhine.
- Effectively represent 3MDG at coordination meetings on developments in Rakhine State.
- With the support of the communications team and in collaboration with the selected implementing partners, clearly communicate Pillars 1 and 2 work in Rakhine.
- Actively participate in discussions on emergency preparedness.
- Coordinate program visits from the 3MDG Fund Management Office and/or the Fund Board, on an as requested basis.
Documentation and Knowledge Generation
- Draft bi-annual lessons-learned reports and/or case studies that highlight key developments in grants funded under Pillars 1 and 2 in Rakhine.
Other
- Assist with other tasks on an as requested basis.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
a. Education
- A Master’s degree in international development, public health, public administration, sociology, or political science with 5 years of relevant experience is required.
- A Bachelor’s degree in these areas with 7 years of relevant experience is considered as equivalent
b.Work Experience
At least 5 years of experience managing grants, projects, and/ or programs is required
At least 3 years of working experience in the health sector; is required
At least 1 year proven working experience in Rakhine is required
Full competency in the usage of computers and office software packages is required;
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including drafting policy and program memos are highly desirable ;
Strategic planning, including the use of the logical framework approach and other planning activities are highly desirable;
Experience of working sensitively and effectively in a culturally diverse is highly desirable
Risk management experience, particularly in conflict sensitive areas is highly desirable
Understanding of development aid, health, and humanitarian aid architecture is highly desirable;
Experience of working in local governance, including but not limited to formal local government structures, local and community based NGOs, traditional governance systems, and informal networks is highly desirable.
c. Language
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required
Competencies
Integrity & Accountability– Ability to take ownership for all responsibilities and honors commitments and deliver quality output within prescribed time frame. Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude. Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
Respect for Diversity– Proven ability to relate to people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Creativity and Innovation– Ability to challenge mindsets and think outside the box, as well as improvise in dynamic situations. Ability to exhibits original and innovative thinking in his/her work.
Professionalism– Ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, and recommend solutions; proven analytical skills.
Result-oriented– Ability to focus on the result for the clients and respond positively to feedback.
Analyzing Skills– Ability to make rational judgments for the available information and analysis and probe for further information or greater understanding of a problem and present with alternative options.
Self- reliant - Ability to act independently with a minimum of supervision. Specific assignments may be reviewed while in progress; however the majority is reviewed on completion. Routine duties are performed independently.
Additional Considerations
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
How to apply: