Chief Health, P5, Fixed Term, Islamabad, Pakistan, #6978 (Re-advertisement)

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Health

How can you make a difference?

Pakistan was the sixth country in the world to sign and ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child, less than one year after it was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989. However, children and adolescents living in Pakistan still face acute challenges.

UNICEF supports the Government of Pakistan to accelerate progress for children, work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and help children realize their rights under the Convention on the Rights of Children. This will be made through, among other things, strong partnerships with provincial authorities, teachers and health professionals, frontline workers and social mobilisers, communities and families, and of course the children and adolescents themselves.

The Chief Health (Level 5) reports to the Deputy Representative and is responsible for the overall management and administration in the development, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Health programme in the context of child survival and development within the country programme. Accountable for effective technical leadership, management guidance and programme support to facilitate the application and adaptation of UNICEF policies and strategies to achieve programme goals and expansion of UNICEF assisted Health interventions, including the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As Chief of Section, directs, leads, manages, develops and enables a competent team of professional and support staff to achieve the strategic goals and objectives of the Health programme, with a view to leverage all sectors to achieve health related results, including integrating gender equality across all aspects of the country programme. Contributes to create synergy partnerships which reinforce other organizations – including other UN Agencies – SDGs strategic directions in areas where UNICEF has primary responsibility or comparative advantage such as interrelated areas of maternal, new-born, and child health.

Works closely, in Humanitarian Action, with the Nutrition, Health clusters, WASH and other sectors as appropriate within the inter-agency standing committee (IASC).

To make a difference, the incumbent shall be responsible for following key strategic functions, accountabilities and related duties/ tasks;

1. Timely and quality sectoral analysis, input, support and coordination contribute to the Situation Analysis, its periodic update, and all programme documents to formulate effective Health goals, strategy, and project planning and development.

• Leads, guides and coordinates to ensure the timely preparation and completion of the relevant components of the Situational Analysis and its periodic update through accurate monitoring and analysis, and timely preparation and finalization of sectoral input.  Ensures effective project, sectoral or inter-sectoral planning, development and management. Conducts regular consultation and coordinates with key partners at all levels.

2. Integrated Health strategies, methodologies and innovative approaches are developed and implemented based on results-based approach and Human Rights framework by broad participation and collaboration with internal and external partnership.

• As part of the senior management team, ensures the integration of the sectoral programme with other UNICEF sectors in all stages of the programming process. Builds on intersectoral experience and establishes partnerships to promote innovative approaches to address immediate and underlying determinants of maternal, newborn and child health, recognizing that health outcomes are not the results of action in the health sector alone; hence maintains close working relationships with other UNICEF sectors, particularly Health, Polio, Nutrition, WASH, HIV/AIDS, Education Child Protection and programme communication to ensure integration/convergence of the Health programmes with other sectors.
• Participates with UNICEF, government, donors, and other partners in the development of integrated strategies, methodologies and identification of innovative approaches for improving programme delivery, with emphasis on advocacy, community participation and social mobilization based on the Human Rights framework and cross sector approach to Programming and Community Capacity Development.
• Exploits efficiently the strategic partnerships as well as selective partnerships on specific issues with global funds, multilateral and bilateral agencies and development banks and enhance relations with the private sector in order to: formulate common advocacy position, propose new financing mechanisms, and influence investment decisions such as on goods most needed by poor families and new supply solutions.

3. Technical support is provided to government and non-government organizations at all stages of the programme cooperation, including capacity building of government personnel and beneficiaries.

• Provides guidance and support to government and non-government organizations at the national and provincial levels in the planning, development and implementation stages of the programmes/projects. Plans, organizes and oversees training and orientation activities for government personnel and beneficiaries and other relevant partners, for the purpose of institutional capacity building and expansion of coverage of services.

4. Monitoring and evaluation of programme performance is systematically undertaken for adjustment, acceleration and improvement of program delivery.

• In collaboration with other colleagues, establishes effective information and reporting systems to monitor and evaluate the impact of the Health programme and achievement of targeted goals.
• Monitor and evaluate project implementation in the field. Participates in major review and planning meetings with government partners and key stakeholders on the country programme to assess and evaluate programme effectiveness, identifying problems and adopting remedial measures to accelerate/improve programme delivery.

5. Work plan and objectives are effectively established, performance is managed, and planned results are timely delivered through exercise of strong programme management leadership.

• As head of a large section, Chief Health takes primary responsibility for the development of the results-based sectoral work plan as well as for managerial oversight and implementation of sectoral project activity, consistent with the defined project strategies and approaches. Establishes partnership frameworks that pool competencies and resources.

6. The capacities of Country Office staff are strengthened through effective capacity building programme in the development, implementation and management of Health programme.

• Guides and coordinates a staff training/development programme with Regional and HQ Advisers to strengthen the capacity of UNICEF Country Office staff enabling them to progressively engage in and lead in the programme development, implementation, and management of the Health programme.  Oversees relevant orientation, workshop, training, and staff learning/development activities, iincluding relying on technical partnership with collaborating agencies to provide state –of the –art -technical information to staff.

7. UNICEF and Government accountability is ensured for supply and non-supply assistance and disbursement of programme funds for the sector.

• Coordinates with Operations and Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring UNICEF and Government and implanting partners accountability.  Approves disbursements of funds, ensuring those activities are within established plans of action and programme budget allotments; and to orientate and train Government and UNICEF implementing partners in UNICEF supply and non-supply policies and procedures. Monitors the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated. Takes appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds.

8. Effective partnership and collaboration are achieved and maintained in the advancement of advocacy, technical cooperation, programme coordination, information sharing and knowledge networking.

• Exercises leadership for technical cooperation, programme coordination and advocacy in the areas of Health, ensuring knowledge networking and experience sharing with other programmes for identification of new strategies and approaches to accelerate delivery of programme results and promote effective advocacy.
• Participates in establishing effective monitoring, knowledge database/network and reporting systems to ensure the availability of current and accurate programme information/data, and contributes to the development of communication materials and strategies to: support advocacy and community participation; and to widen partnership with all stakeholder at national , regional , district, community and household levels as well as with funding partners including the private sector in order to accelerate achievement of Health related SDGs.

9. The most relevant and strategic information is provided to support the Health Programme by the effective implementation of integrated programme monitoring system.

• In collaboration with monitoring and evaluation and program communication colleagues, conducts accurate and timely monitoring and data collection, and supports an integrated programme monitoring system, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
• Provides technical support to ensure that a set of programme performance indicators is identified and adjusted as necessary. Coordinates with partners to ensure that monitoring systems are properly designed, and that data collection and analysis from field visits are coordinated and standardised across programmes to feed into to programme performance monitoring.
• Participates in major evaluation exercises, programme mid-term review, annual sector review and preview meetings with Government counterparts and all other relevant partners. Analyses and evaluates data to ensure achievement of objectives and recommends corrective measures as appropriate.

10. All required programme reports are timely prepared in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures.

• Oversees and ensures the timely preparation of annual sector status reports in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures.  Participates in the preparation of all programmes reports for management, Board, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, and provides guidance and assistance in programme related reporting; and shares the information with relevant partners as required.

11. Emergency preparedness is maintained, and in emergencies, emergency responses with effective coordination is provided.     

• Collaborates in forming emergency preparedness plan relevant to Health, Nutrition, WASH, Polio, and others as appropriate, to foster integrated programming. In case of emergency, participates in monitoring and assessing the nature and extent of the emergency in the assigned area. Coordinates and provides assistance to the Country Office in identifying where support is required in terms of immediate response as well as long-term strategy and plan.  In line with the Core Commitments for Children (CCCs) in Humanitarian Action, strengthens partnerships with the health, nutrition, education, WASH, and Child Protection humanitarian actors within the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC).

12. Other assigned duties and responsibilities are effectively accomplished.

• Assumes any other duties and responsibilities assigned as appropriate to the purpose of this post, and delivers the results as required.

 To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Advanced university degree in Public Health (preferably with specialized training in health planning, health education, health care system management, HIV/AIDS prevention, or epidemiology), Child Development, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or other relevant disciplines.
• Doctor of Medicine Degree is required.
• Ten years of professional work experience at the national and international levels in planning programming, implementation monitoring and evaluation of health programmes including those relevant to child survival & development. Professional work experience in a managerial position, or a technical expert position in health, and child survival & health care.
• Developing country work experience including strengthening national health systems.
• Background/familiarity with Emergency.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1); Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2); Works Collaboratively with others (3); Builds and Maintains Partnerships (4); Innovates and Embraces Change (5); Thinks and Acts Strategically (6); Drive to achieve impactful results (7); Manages ambiguity and complexity (8)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.