Health Specialist (Policy & Planning) - UNICEF (Apply by: July 29, 2015)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Health Specialist (Policy & Planning), UNICEF, New Delhi

Health Specialist (Policy & Planning), NO-C
Location: New Delhi
Closing date: 29 July 2015

If you are a passionate and committed professional and want to make a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading children’s rights organization would like to hear from you.

UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s rights organization working for the rights of children, seeks a Temporary Appointment for the post of Health Specialist (Policy & Planning).

Purpose of the Post:

UNICEF India Country Office (ICO) is undergoing a change management process to align itself with current government priorities. As a part of this the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Section has identified four objectives for the remaining part of the UNICEF Country Program 2013-2017. The four objectives are centred around reducing neonatal deaths, improved management of childhood illnesses with a focus on pneumonia and diarrhoea, strengthening routine immunization and knowledge management with a focus on CTA (Call to Action). This will require close monitoring of progress along the four objectives, evidence-based generation and utilization of data for planning and policy influencing.

In addition, UNICEF is committed to support the Government of India on CTA with support in 105 high priority districts of the country. This will involve capacity building of district monitors, monitoring progress on supportive supervision, giving feedbacks to state offices in quarterly reports, timely sharing of compiled reports with the Ministry of Health and generation of quarterly CTA score cards for internal monitoring with regional office and headquarters, leading to Better Results for Children.

This position is therefore requested to provide the above mentioned support for the RCH Section to deliver efficiently along the new objective structure and priorities identified by ICO as well as the ongoing support for CTA monitoring and reporting. Under the supervision of the Chief of Health, and in close co-ordination with other section colleagues, objective focal points and state colleagues, the Health Specialist, Policy and Planning will provide assistance to the RCH Section for the above mentioned needs. The post holder will also contribute to the UNICEF technical support in strengthening of HMIS of NRHM, meeting data needs of the Section for important meetings / presentations, MYR and annual reports and coordinating with the Policy Planning and Evaluation Section for evaluations and surveys at the national and state levels.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. RCH Program Monitoring – The overall support will focus on tracking progress on the program and result matrix of the RCH program. In addition specific support is needed for the following –

• Call to Action – Supports the RCH Section and Field Offices in the compilation, analysis and feedback to states in quarterly reports for CTA, tracking progress on budget allocation and utilization in UNICEF-supported HPDs. Supports capacity building of district monitors on supportive supervision.
• India Newborn Action Plan – Tracks progress on priority actions identified under INAP with a focus on quality and equity, reports on newer interventions under INAP and monitors progress on key global indicators identified under the Every Newborn Action Plan.
• India Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhoea – Monitors progress on the roll out in the 4 priority states of UP, Bihar, MP and Rajasthan and tracks key indicators on the pillars of protection, prevention and treatment.
• Routine Immunization Strengthening – Provides oversight and feedback on data quality of supportive supervision done through medical colleges. Monitors coverage and progress under the Million Children Immunization Campaign and MR Campaign.
• Convergent Priorities – Supports progress on WASH compliance in health facilities and Adolescent nutrition with linkages to low birth weight and stunting.

2. Evidence-Based Generation – 

• Knowledge Management :
- Maintains updated RCH data bases and tracks progress and trends on RCH indicators, at national level and at state level.
- Documents progress on INAP (India Newborn Action Plan), IAPPD (India Action plan for pneumonia and diarrhoea), CTA (Call to Action).
- Reviews and compiles quarterly CTA score cards bridging India office with the Regional Office and Headquarters.
- Compiles success stories from the field, based on evidence, with special focus on innovation.
- Provides inputs for the periodic updating of the health page on the UNICEF India website with the A&C Section.
- Provides evidence-based Inputs for Donor proposals and Donor reports to the concerned focal point(s), or any other advocacy material for the Resource Mobilization Section.

• Evaluation – Coordinates with the PPE Section on Planned Evaluations on
- New born.
- Routine immunization.
- Call to Action.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

a) Education:
Advanced University degree from a recognized University in Medicine, Public Health, Statistics/epidemiology, Community Medicine.

b) Work Experience:
Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national level in data analysis/reporting and research, monitoring and evaluation or in a related field.
Specific experience in public health and epidemiology desirable. High level skills in evidence-based planning, policy support, management and monitoring (mortality, morbidity and coverage) desirable.
Familiarity with practical applications of survey methodologies and field data management techniques desirable. Knowledge and ability to use computer word processing and spreadsheets.

c) Languages:
Fluency in English. Knowledge of local working language of the duty station an asset.

d) Competency Profile:

i. Core Values (Required)
a. Commitment
b. Diversity and Inclusion
c. Integrity

ii. Core Competencies (Required)
a. Communication [ II ]
b. Working with People [ II ]
c. Drive for Results [ II ] 

iii. Functional Competencies (Required)
a. Leading and Supervising [ I ]
b. Formulating Strategies and Concepts [ II ]
c. Analyzing [ III]
d. Relating and Networking [ II ]
e. Deciding and Initiating Action [ II ]
f. Applying Technical Expertise [ III ]

e) Technical Knowledge:

a. Specific Technical Knowledge Required1:
• Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF.
• UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines.
• Mid-Term Strategic Plan.
• Knowledge in Health related issues.
• Intermediate Technical Knowledge (at the graduate education level) of the theories, principles and methods in one of the following areas:
• Public Health, International Health, Health Policy and Management, Environmental Health Sciences, Population and Family Health
• Health Research, Biostatistics, Socio-medical Sciences, Epidemiology
• Health Education, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Educational Interventions in Health Care

b. Common Technical Knowledge Required1:
• Methodology of programme/project management.
• Programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies for sectoral programmes.
• Knowledge of global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current UNCEF position and approaches.
• UNICEF policies and strategy to address national and international issues, particularly relating to conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery.
• UNICEF emergency programme policies, goals, strategies and approaches.
• UNICEF financial, supply and administrative rules and regulations.

c. Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job) 1:
• Knowledge of local conditions and country legislation relevant to UNICEF programmes.
• UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses.
• UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions.
• UN security operations and guidelines.

f) Other Skills and Attributes:
• Knowledge of the latest developments and technology in related fields.
• Analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
• Supervisory and managerial skills.
• Leadership and teamwork abilities.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.

Reference to UNICEF and/or UN in terms of technical knowledge requirements (a, b and c above) are applicable only to those who are or have been the staff members of UNICEF or the UN common system.

If you meet the requirements, please send the following documents to hspp-unicef@sams.co.in by 29 July 2015: 

• A completed and signed Personal History form (P-11) - mandatory
• An updated CV
• A letter of motivation 

The Personal History form (P-11) should be which can be downloaded from http://www.unicef.in/Careers. Completion of all fields is required.
In order to ensure that your application is sorted correctly, please clearly mention the title and location of the post in the subject line of your e-mail/application. Only applications of short listed candidates will be acknowledged. This vacancy is open to Indian Nationals only.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organizations.

UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process including application, interview, meeting, traveling, processing, training etc. UNICEF is a non-smoking working environment.