Planning Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The overall objective of the Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation (PBM) Unit is to lead the organization’s processes and capacity building in the planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of result-based and integrated Programme management toward achievement of African countries’ health and development goals and the WHO General Programme of Work. The PBM Unit leads the regional process for the development of the programme budget and associated work plans; guides and supports all offices in efficient activity and budget implementation; facilitates the Program Budget allocations; and supports performance monitoring, and assessment within WHO global review processes, ensuring strict adherence to organizational guidelines and standards. The PBM Unit also leads or contributes to programmatic and thematic evaluations at the regional, inter-country and country level.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the PBM Coordinator, and the overall guidance of the DPM, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties: Lead and manage the strategic and operational planning processes, including the development, monitoring and reporting of strategic plans, programme budgets, and operational plans, and the implementation of the Results-based Management framework regionwide; Provide strategic advice and participate in the development of the General Programme of Work and the Programme budget including the definition of impact, outcomes, outputs and related indicators as well as in the development of other organizational policies that have planning implications; Guide the Regional Office and Country Offices in the development of their strategic and operational plans, including linkages and integration of established organizational priorities, such as from the Country Cooperation Strategies (CCS) and the Transformation Agenda for the Africa Region; Guide AFRO staff on the procedures, terminology, and reporting requirements for this process; Develop and/or adapt guidelines, materials and tools needed to support the strategic and operational planning processes of the results-based system for programme planning, monitoring and evaluation. Lead the strategic and operational planning team to provide solid, effective, planning guidance and services which enable successful programme implementation. Coordinate the development and implementation of learning and communication strategies, mechanisms, and tools for strategic and operational planning; Validateand guide budget centers on alignment of operational plans (including country support plans) with the programmed budget, transformation agenda, country cooperation strategy, and other regional orientations; Lead the quality assurance of work plans (including those for Multi-Country Assignment Teams) with operational planning, costing, and budgeting guidance; Monitor the completeness and quality of products and activities in work plans; Provide technical support to Budget Centres for the follow-up of the implementation of workplans based on evidence related to progress made on the status of planned results; Lead, guide and support a network of budget centre planning, monitoring, and evaluation focal points including the Programme Management Officers’ Network(PMOs Network); Lead and draft the PBM Unit workplan and HR plan in consultation with the unit colleagues, ensuring alignment of the workplan with the programme budget, and regional orientations; Manage and revise the PBM HR and workplans as guided by the Coordinator PBM; Contribute to the performance monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the implementation of the programme budget and operational plans in the Region; Support the Country Cooperation Strategy in collaboration with the Country Focus and Cooperation Unit; Lead the resource mobilisation work for the unit in collaboration with the External Relations, Partnerships, and Governing Bodies Unit; and Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree in public health, economics, or social sciences.
Desirable: Specialized training in planning, results-based management and/or project management. Knowledge of Planning, Budgeting, and Monitoring and Evaluation framework Degree of medicine or other health sciences from a recognized university

Experience

Essential: A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in managing, leading, coordinating, and implementing programme development, planning, monitoring and evaluation programmes; at least 5 years of the 10 with WHO or other United Nations funds, programmes, or agencies at an international level in the public health sector.
Desirable:

Skills

Sound knowledge of management principles, practices and techniques of programme management including strategic and operational planning, and programme assessment. Excellent analytical skills and writing skills with the ability to conceptualise and think in abstract terms. Knowledge of the application of Results Based planning principles. Good management, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to resolve difficult situations, respond positively to change, identify client’s needs, and propose alternative workable solutions. Strong organizational skills, as well as the capacity to lead dialogue and negotiations. Ability to prioritise competing demands.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Intermediate knowledge of French.
Desirable:
The above language requirements are interchangeable.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 92,731 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 4297 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to 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. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

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• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

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• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

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