Programme Management Specialist

PURPOSE OF THE POSTE 

To ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness of programme management processes in countries using a results-based management (RBM) approach to planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. In the context of the WHO Country Office needs, the incumbent will coordinate the creation, implementation and development of the strategic response plans as well as the WHO operational plan, outlining the activities and resources (staffing, equipment, funding) required for WHO to perform its role as the lead technical agency in health, and more specifically as the leader of the Health Cluster in humanitarian emergencies and outbreaks. The incumbent will be deployed to emergency operations. 

The programme management specialist works with the senior management /head of the WHO office to guide and manage the delivery of programme management support through effective results-based planning and management, budgeting, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of collaborative programmes. The programme management specialist may introduce new approaches to enhance programme management services, particularly in challenging or emergency settings. 

Organizational context 

Under the direct supervision of the Head of WHO’s Country Office and the overall guidance of the Director Programme Management (DPM), the incumbent will coordinate the Country Office planning, budget management, monitoring and evaluation processes. In emergency settings, s/he will act as an advisor to the WHO emergency team on Planning & Performance Management activities. The incumbent will work closely with the other members of the Country Office team and the respective technical leads, across the three levels of the Organization to coordinate strategic and operational planning. S/he ensures that planning is based on accurate data and that the expected results with the associated inputs (human and financial resources) are clearly defined and tracked. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• The incumbent will perform all or part of the following, and other related responsibilities as required by the needs of the office.
• Coordinate strategic dialogue as part of the strategic and operational planning for the country office, working closely with the different technical teams.
• Provide advice to the head of the WHO office and senior staff on the implementation of the one-planning and monitoring approach anchored in the Country Cooperation Agreement at the country level.
• Work closely with the Health Policy Adviser or Specialist to promote integrated approaches and cross-programme collaboration in the entire results-based management cycle that is anchored in the country cooperation strategy.
• Manage the planning, inclusion of critical programme performance measures, monitoring, analysis, and reporting of programme initiatives for the country office for quality results and strategic decision making including in emergency settings.
• Coordinate the overall results-based management of the country office including grants management, budget, work planning, and resource allocation to ensure the effective execution of the head of the WHO office public health programmes.
• Collaborate with resources mobilization focal point on resources mobilization activities.
• Ensure appropriate use of funds, especially the thematic funding and specified voluntary contributions (VCS) to achieve results.
• Organize various programme management meetings, capacity-building programmes, and relevant activities, guiding and ensuring follow-up on agreed action points with relevant stakeholders.
• Develop flexible and innovative solutions to support WHO’s outbreak and health emergency operations, in line with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the incident management system.
• Manage the implementation of flexible and creative solutions to deficiencies in head of the WHO office management processes, towards enhanced results-based management, in line with the SOPs. Propose revisions to corporately generated SOPs.
• Manage the capacity-building programme or initiatives of the country office on all processes and tools for managing results.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education 

• Essential: Advanced university degree (master’s) in a relevant field (such as public health and/or management, accounting, business/public administration or physical or social sciences). Specialized training/certification in health programme management (such as planning, monitoring, evaluation of public health programmes).
• Desirable:  Specialized training in planning, results-based management and/or project management.

Experience

• Essential: A minimum of seven years of work experience relevant to the position (in planning, implementation, monitoring and enhancing of programme management services – including budgets – in international development/public health programmes, programme planning, monitoring and evaluation). Experience in developing countries including in emergency settings. Experience in management of programme budget reporting especially on impact/ results.
• Desirable: Some of the above-listed experience to have been obtained at an international level.

Use of Languages Skills: 

• Essential: Expert knowledge of English
• Desirable: Working knowledge of another WHO official language would be an asset.

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2400459