HIV/TB Programme Specialist(Port Sudan) – UNDP

Job Description

Job Identification	16922
Locations	Port Sudan,SUDAN
Posting Date	03/12/2024, 03:26 PM
Apply Before	03/26/2024, 03:26 PM
Grade	NPSA-11
Vacancy Type	National Personnel Service Agreement
Practice Area	Health
Bureau	Regional Bureau for Arab States
Education & Work Experience	Master’s Degree – 7 year(s) experience OR Bachelor’s Degree – 9 year(s) experience
Required Languages	Fluency in Arabic and English is Required
Vacancy Timeline	2 Weeks

Background

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations. 

UNDP has an important role in supporting health outcomes by supporting countries to address the social, cultural, and economic determinants of HIV and health, in partnership with UN entities and other organizations. This is done through UNDP’s core work in reducing inequalities and social exclusion that drive HIV and poor health, promoting effective and inclusive governance for health, and building resilient and sustainable systems for health. UNDP also contributes through its coordinating and convening role in bringing together multiple partners and resources at national and local levels.

As a trusted, long-term partner of The Global Fund (GF), UNDP’s value proposition lies in providing an integrated package of development solutions to strengthen institutions to deliver health services. Through its contributions as interim Principal Recipient (PR) and provider of technical assistance in over 53 countries since 2003, UNDP’s provision of integrated policy, implementation, and capacity development support to countries has yielded significant health and development results in challenging operating environments. Proactive risk management and investing in sustainability are the cornerstones of UNDP’s portfolio management approach and providing technical assistance to national counterparts during all phases of implementation, strengthening legislation, policies, and regulatory frameworks, and building capacities across key functional areas, including financial management, health information systems, procurement, and supply chain management. 

In Sudan, UNDP is the interim Principal Recipient (PR) for the HIV, TB, and C19RM grants and is also implementing Cost Sharing Agreement (CSA) to support the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) in the implementation of specific activities under Malaria grants. 

The UNDP-GF partnership under the 2021-2023 allocation aims to contribute towards the achievement of the vision, goals, and strategic responses, including targets of the Sudan National HIV and TB Strategic Plans.  For effective implementation of the Global Fund resources, UNDP Sudan has established a Program Management Unit (PMU), which under the overall guidance of the UNDP senior management is responsible for the day-to-day overall program management, risk management, policy guidance, financial accountability, procurement of goods, including health products and services, strengthening of the national pharmaceutical and laboratory supply chain systems, and monitoring and evaluation systems. The GF grant is implemented by UNDP rules, policies, and procedures, the grant confirmation, corporate agreements with the GF and in close coordination with the Federal Ministry of Health, Sub-Receipients, national stakeholders, technical partners, and UN entities, the Global Fund (Local Fund Agent, (LFA)) the Global Fund Country Team and Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM).   

Under the overall oversight of the Global Fund Programme Manager and direct supervision of the Head of Programme and Monitoring and Evaluation, the HIV/TB Programme Specialist will be responsible for leading a team of staff responsible for programmatic functional areas including 1) Preventive services and community response; 2) Laboratory Services; 3) Key population, displaced and Public-Private Mix; and 4) Care and Treatment services. S/hed will be responsible for providing routine support to the SRs in macro-planning and accelerating the implementation of programs. This will be done by UNDP rules, policies and procedures, the grant agreements, fund administration agreements, and corporate agreements with the GF, and working in partnership with sub-recipients national stakeholders, and close coordination with the GF (including Local Fund Agent), Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), technical partners and UN entities, the GF/HIST and other UNDP business units and programs. 

The HIV/TB Programme Specialist will promote a collaborative, client-oriented approach, ensuring integration across functional areas within the PMU and supporting the integration of capacity building and health system strengthening activities. 

Institutional Arrangement

Working under the overall supervision of the Head of the Programmes/ M&E  Section, the HIV/TB Programme Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality, and results-oriented approach across grant sub-recipients and stakeholders. The HIV/TB Programme Specialist about 70% of weekly working hours working in close collaboration with the assigned program/project focal persons at SRs, providing hands-on technical support to the preparation of acceleration plans and capacity transfer in the actual implementation of SR work plans and proactively addressing bottlenecks which could delay speedy implementation of SR work plans and budgets to ensure proper accountability for programmatic results and efficient use of the Global Fund resources. In delivering these important functions, the HIV/TB Programme Officer works in close partnerships with the Programme and M&E team, PSM Team, finance, and admin staff at SRs and within the UNDP-PMU and the colleagues within the Health for Development Portfolio, and other UN partners.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of the Programme/M&E section, the HIV/TB Programme Specialist will be responsible for the following functions.

Ensures effective programmatic management for the achievement of the following results: 

• Leads on the assessment of the programmatic impact and substantive monitoring of program delivery and evaluation of the programs’ performance and proactively leads on reviews with national and implementing partners, SRs for underperformance, and bottlenecks and ensures the accountability for the timely implementation of corrective action(s); 
• Provide routine technical support to SRs, working alongside the  SRs assigned program/project’s focal persons to provide capacity transfer in specific disease response, ensure speedy implementation and delivery of approved work plans and budgets, and proper accountability for programmatic results and efficient use of the Global Fund resources.
• In coordination with the Programme and M&E Specialist  and other PMU units, the HIV/TB Programme Specialist leads on performing risk assessments, develops and implements risk management matrix/plan in the areas of the program, and ensures adequate oversight and support is provided, with timely incident reporting;
• Liaise with all functional units of the PMU – PSM, Programme, Finance, etc. – to ensure effective coordination towards timely delivery of agreed activities in line with the grant agreement, UNDP rules, policies and procedures, and corporate agreements with the Global Fund and leads the preparation of GF programmatic reports and other reporting requirements (e.g., UNDAF, CPD, UBRAF); 
• Establishes a framework and agreed procedures with the Sub-recipient (SRs) for regular, quality reporting to UNDP on programmatic progress (e.g., implementation of activities, and reporting of indicators by the grant M&E frameworks). 
• Leads on the programmatic and M&E activities for UNDP and SRs to define project proposals, reprogramming requests, annual and quarterly plans, and budgets to ensure timely achievement of agreed results, budget compliance by UNDP rules, policies, and procedures, and Grant Agreement with the Fund (e.g., Performance Framework); 
• Develops and maintains an organizational structure for the program and M&E team to ensure adequate resources to deliver UNDP’s commitments, and supports the management of staff under his/her supervision, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion and building the technical, management, and leadership capacity of staff for promotion of organizational excellence; and

Monitors and coordinates the implementation of programmatic and monitoring and evaluation activities for the achievement of the following results: 

• Provides technical support to the SRs to strengthen their management and implementation of activities, as well as their M&E systems develops risk mitigation and management plans, and establishes and tracking system to monitor the implementation of the risk matrix and management plans.
• Work closely with SRs and functional PMU teams to analyze the status of implementation, identify bottlenecks, and design solutions to address issues of slow absorption and/or low impact in HIV and TB grants.  Work together to Review Global Fund grant performance data and work plans; work with CTs, technical partners, national HIV and TB programs, and in-country partners to address issues.
• Liaises with national and international health partners to ensure that all the available support and technical assistance is made available to the implementing partners.
• Develops appropriate tools as necessary for UNDP and SRs to facilitate effective implementation and programmatic reporting on the Global Fund grants.
• Ensures that project monitoring arrangements comply with GF grant confirmations /guidelines and UNDP’s rules, policies, and procedures provisions are fully observed. 
• Participates and provides technical support to the SRS to prepare TORs, and conduct national surveys, surveillances, and other studies. 
• Reviews the management information systems of the SRs and agrees on required changes or resources to ensure that program and data quality standards are monitored and met reviews the quality of existing data sources, including their completeness and timeliness, and identifies areas for strengthening in collaboration with the government, partners, and programs; 
• Supports the timely implementation of studies to be carried out by the SRs, including the finalization of study protocols and their detailed budgets for consideration by the GF;
• Prepare and participate in external supervision and evaluation missions of the GF and other agencies by facilitating access to programmatic and M&E data, as required, and ensuring the optimal use of evaluation findings by guiding in preparation of timely management response to all mandatory evaluations and by developing a communication/dissemination plan.

Ensures the creation of strategic partnerships with key national actors and supports resource mobilization efforts focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• In coordination with the Head of Programme and M&E, builds strategic partnerships and maintains strong working relationships with the SRs, FMOH, technical partners, and UN entities to ensure transparent and effective management, quality services, and oversight of the programs.
• Ensure, in close collaboration with the Head of the Programme and M&E and Finance team that the SRs adhere to internal controls and compliance with UNDP policies and procedures ob accountability of results and resources, and ensure real-time and quality budget reprogramming and revisions, monitor the grant absorption rate, monthly and quarterly tracking and review of expenditures, etc.
• Provide hands-on support to develop funding requests to the GF that also complement UNDP’s PR role with other health and development activities and the development of project documents and initiation of the programs.

Facilitation of knowledge building and sharing focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Provides high-quality program briefs, write-ups, and inputs to UNDP reports including, ROAR, Annual Reports, Briefing Notes, and any other request for information and represents UNDP at the UN Joint Theme on HIV/AIDS and CCM, at the request of the Programme Manager and Head of Programmes and M&E; 
• Identifies and supports the development of communications (print, video) highlighting key program achievements, best practices, and lessons learned and contributes to information sharing with the FMOH, implementing partners, NGOs, CSOs, communities, donors and technical partners, the GF, CCM, Regional Bureau and GF/HIST; and 
• Actively participates in UNDP and other relevant external networks to promote the programs and UNDP’s health and development work (e.g., conferences, a community of practice, Yammer) and represents UNDP in relevant technical meetings, and working groups and gathers lessons learned to apply to the programs. 
• Ensure elaboration and implementation of assigned program/projects Grant Management specific capacity development/transfer plan to improve technical skills and program management systems at the DCD and any other designated National entity in preparation to adequately assume PR functions related to coordination and management of grant, according to the GF guidelines and requirements.

Other tasks required by the office

Competencies

Core
Achieve Results:	LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively:	LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously:	LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility:	LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination:	LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner:	LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:	LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies) 

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Business management	Results-based management	Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results
Project management	Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
Monitoring	Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results
Communication	Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
External relations & advocacy	Relationship management	Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding
Digital & innovation	Agile’ methodologies and practices	Ability to manage projects and processes through continuous iteration, learning and improvement. Ability to manage a self-organising cross-functional teams, foster a team culture of curiosity and learning. Being nimble and being able to improvise and quickly adjust to unforeseen events or changes in conditions or context.
Business Direction & Strategy	System Thinking	Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements	· Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Medical sector, public health or relevant related fiedl is required, OR· A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
Min. years of relevant work experience	· Minimum of 7 years (with Master’s Degree) or 9 years (with Bachelor’s Degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in management of HIV, TB programmes or any relevant related field  at national or intenational level is required.
Required  skills	Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP and advanced programmes for statistical analysis of data.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section	Demonstrated experience in developing and managing effective partnerships with government or civil society organizations in the area of health and development programmes, and specifically HIV and TB programmes  A solid understanding/experience of the Global Context and Sudan’s own national strategies to respond to HIV and TB epidemics is desirable. Demonstrated experience in working with national diseases programme will be an asset
Required Language(s)	Fluency in English and Arabic is required Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional-level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship before commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job descriptions, experience, and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 

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