Individual Contractor Agile Project Manager, Brasilia, Brazil

Consultant Programme & Policy

Contract

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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, commitment.

Immunization is a success story for global health and development, saving millions of lives every year. Vaccines and surveillance actions have been responsible for the elimination and control of immunopreventable diseases, such as the eradication of smallpox, the interruption of polio transmission, the control of measles, the decrease of rubella. To this end, vaccination coverage needs to be adequate to control or maintain in a condition of elimination or eradication of immunopreventable diseases.

More than 20 life-threatening diseases can now be prevented by immunization. Since 2010, 116 countries have introduced vaccines they have not previously used, including those against pneumococcal pneumonia, diarrhea, cervical cancer, typhoid fever, cholera and meningitis. However, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in 2017, 10% of countries in the Americas region reported coverage levels with the first dose of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine below 80%.

In Brazil, the decrease in vaccination coverage for children under five years of age has been observed since 2015. This trend worsened during the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, due to the postponement of applications of the recommended doses and the low demand for health services. In addition, the occurrence of vaccine hesitancy, the fear of possible adverse events, the dissemination of misguided information and philosophical and religious beliefs, have created situations in which families and even health professionals have doubts about the need for the application of vaccines.

Given the scenario, UNICEF is developing the Active Vaccine Search (BAV – Busca Ativa Vacinal, in portuguese) initiative. It is an innovative and free technology platform to support local governments in identifying, recording and monitoring children and adolescents who are not immunized or at risk of not receiving vaccines. The initiative aims to support municipalities and regional governments to track routine vaccination coverage for children and adolescents. The Active Vaccine Search allows to find unvaccinated children and adolescents, identify the reasons or risks for vaccine delay or non-vaccination and mobilizes the community to increase vaccination coverage.

UNICEF develops the Active Vaccine Search initiative to contribute to the maintenance of high vaccination coverage and ensure that children and adolescents have access to prevention of preventable diseases.

How can you make a difference?

The consultancy seeks to meet our current needs of software development and its implementation in the health area, in line with the UNICEF Seal goals - 2021 to 2024.

The consultant should assist the UNICEF Office in Brazil in integrating ICT into UNICEF programming, develop the architecture and implementation of software for Active Vaccine Search, perform user tests to analyze the operation of the software and make the necessary changes after testing by pilot municipalities.

The software must include:

• different levels of access, with use controlled by login and password;
• case statistics according to spatial location;
• a protected database on children and adolescents with vaccine delay: allowing to store the identified cases of vaccine delay or non-vaccination;
• flexibility to address the specific characteristics of each municipality;
• a panel that presents specific and consolidated information on existing cases in the municipality;
• tools for a better management of the case - space of articulation and registration of actions performed;
• an administrative panel of the municipality that shows the evolution of active vaccine search in the municipality;
• provision of custom notifications.

The software development will be the responsibility of UNICEF, but implemented and used by municipalities.

The governments will actively participate in the governance structure, offering suggestions and improvements during the development of the platform.T4D consultants will be directly supervised by the ICT Officer (Innovation Focal Point).

A team consisting of two senior software developers (ideally both capable of Full Stack development, but alternatively, one can be specialized in Front End development and one specialized in Back End development), and a designer (UX) will be hired for this initiative).

Expected results:

The overall expected results are as follow:

1. Expected result #1

Support the team with Project Planning and Management, Team Management, Product Owner support, Process Management and Improvement and Team Building.

Activities:

• Define project scope and schedule while focusing on regular and timely delivery of value; organize and lead project status and working meetings; prepare and distribute progress reports; manage risks and issues; correct deviations from plans; and perform delivery planning for assigned projects.
• Assist in team development while holding teams accountable for their commitments, removing roadblocks to their work; leveraging organizational resources to improve capacity for project work; and mentoring and developing team members.
• Support the Product Owner in managing customer expectations for project deliverables, managing stakeholder communications, and helping to implement an effective system of project governance.
• Define and manage a well-defined project management process and champion ongoing process improvement initiatives to implement best practices for Agile Project Management.
• Promote empowerment of the team, ensure that each team member is fully engaged in the project and making a meaningful contribution, and encourage a sustainable pace with high-levels of quality for the team.

2. Expected result #2

Support the proper implementation of the SCRUM framework and to ensure that all practices related to this are well executed

Activities:

Essential Duties:

- Doing everything possible to ensure delighting customers;

- Guiding the team and organization on how to use Agile/Scrum practices and values to delight customers

- Guiding the team on how to get the most of out self-organization;

- Guiding the team on self-organizing to fill in the intentional gaps left in the Agile/Scrum frameworks;

- Assessing the Scrum Maturity of the team and organization and coaching the team to higher levels of maturity, at a pace that is sustainable and comfortable for the team and organization;

- Removing impediments or guiding the team to remove impediments by finding the right personnel to remove the impediment;

- Building a trusting and safe environment where problems can be raised without fear of blame, retribution, or being judged, with an emphasis of healing and problem solving;

- Facilitating getting the work done without coercion, assigning, or dictating the work;

- Facilitating discussion, decision making, and conflict resolution;

- Assisting with internal and external communication, improving transparency, and radiating information

- Supporting and educating the Product Owner, especially with respect to grooming and maintaining the product backlog;

- Providing all support to the team using a servant leadership style whenever possible, and leading by example.

3. Expected result #3

Support the technical planning and implementation of new modules related to BAV system, prioritized by the Monitoring and Evaluation area, to increase the availability of innovative solutions for UNICEF in Brazil.

Activities:

a) Support of the development / establishment of a technological evolution roadmap, including planning the implementation of new complete modules to be integrated into the current platform or the development of completely new platforms.

b) Help maintain the backlog of pending issues and development progress on the ZenHub platform, keeping the information accurate and updated.

c) Technically and operationally support the preparation of technical materials / documentation - in accordance with organizational processes and management systems - to support the area of Health & HIV in program planning, results-based planning (RBM) and monitoring and evaluation of results, including inputs for annual reporting and analysis.

d) Incremental software releases related to this item should be done monthly and each major release every four months.

Deliverables:

Support the software development and maintenance activities of the BAV platform and related technologies and provide incremental updates.

• Support the technical planning and implementation of new modules related to BAV platform prioritized by the Health & HIV area, to increase the availability of innovative solutions for UNICEF in Brazil.

Performance Indicators:

For this innovation project we will use the SCRUM framework as project execution methodology. In SCRUM, development cycles occur every two weeks, based on demands prioritized by key stakeholders and the product owner at the beginning of each sprint (defined during the Sprint planning meetings).

The above results will be measured through functional software releases committed to UNICEF's private repository on GitHub and through periodic meetings with UNICEF Health & HIV representatives, where the results will be presented and subject to formal approval. Therefore, twice a month we must wait for the delivery of a new set of features and once a month we must generate a new software version that will go live.

1.1. Deliverable: Software release 1.0.

1.2. Duration (how many days are needed): 28 days

1.3. Deadline (final delivery date): January 31th 2022.

1.4. Payment: 1/10 of contract fee (R$13.150,00)

2.1. Deliverable: Software release 1.1.

2.2. Duration (how many days are needed): 28 days

2.3. Deadline (final delivery date): February 28th 2022

2.4. Payment: 1/10 of contract fee (R$13.150,00)

3.1. Deliverable: Software release 1.2.

3.2. Duration (how many days are needed): 28 days

3.3. Deadline (final delivery date): March 28th 2022

3.4. Payment: 1/10 of contract fee (R$13.150,00)

4.1. Deliverable: Software release 1.3.

4.2. Duration (how many days are needed): 31 days

4.3. Deadline (final delivery date): Apr 28th 2022

4.4. Payment: 1/10 of contract fee (R$13.150,00)

5.1. Deliverable: Software release 1.4.

5.2. Duration (how many days are needed): 30 days

5.3. Deadline (final delivery date): May 30th 2022

5.4. Payment: 1/10 of contract fee (R$13.150,00)

6.1. Deliverable: Software release 1.5.

6.2. Duration (how many days are needed): 28 days

6.3. Deadline (final delivery date): Jun 27th 2022

6.4. Payment: 1/10 of contract fee (R$13.150,00)

7.1. Deliverable: Software release 1.6: Alpha version of the platform. During the remaining months of contract, the consultants will follow up the pilot implementation of the platform, monitoring it closely, identifying and adapting it as needed for the optimal functioning of the platform.

7.2. Duration (how many days are needed): 32 days

7.3. Deadline (final delivery date): Jul 29th 2022

7.4. Payment: 1/10 of contract fee (R$13.150,00)

8.1. Deliverable: Software release 1.7.

8.2. Duration (how many days are needed): 31 days

8.3. Deadline (final delivery date): Ago 29th 2022

8.4. Payment: 1/10 of contract fee (R$13.150,00)

9.1. Deliverable: Software release 1.8.

9.2. Duration (how many days are needed): 32 days

9.3. Deadline (final delivery date): Sep 30th 2022

9.4. Payment: 1/10 of contract fee (R$13.150,00)

10.1. Deliverable: Software release 1.9

10.2. Duration (how many days are needed): 31 days

10.3. Deadline (final delivery date): Oct 31st 2022

10.4. Payment: 1/10 of contract fee (R$13.150,00)

The amounts to be paid will only be forwarded for completion upon delivery of each of the products registered above and after analysis and approval of the reports by the UNICEF supervisor of the contract.

During project execution, UNICEF will use a SCRUM methodology to ensure quality of results and good communication. One of the requirements for this is to have the development team (software developers, scrum master and designer) and the product owner working in the same environment, whenever it would be required by the supervisor. Thus, the workplace will be at the UNICEf Brazil Office, located in Brasília at SEPN 510 Ed. Ministry of Health II, 1st Floor - Asa Norte, and normal working hours are from Monday to Thursday, from 9:00 until 12:00 and from 13:00 until 18:00, and on Fridays, from 9:00 until 14:00.

Remote work must be pre-agreed with the supervisor, prior to the event.

Only candidates who reside in and around Brasilia or who intend to move to the region will be considered.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Punctuality in meeting deadlines.
• Quality of content.
• It is important to be able to perform all SCRUM ceremonies such as (Sprint planning meeting, daily meetings, Sprint review meeting, Sprint retrospective meeting) and maintain good communication with other team members (scrum master and product owner) and the main stakeholders who will work during the same period in the UNICEF office.

Technical background, and experience required

Agile Project Manager (1 professional):

• Minimum 1-2 years of professional experience as a key contributor to software development projects as Agile Project Manager plus University Degree in related areas, or a minimum of 5 years of equivalent professional work experience as a key contributor to software development projects as Agile Project Manager may be considered instead of University Degree.
• Solid understanding of software development life cycle models as well as expert knowledge of both Agile and traditional project management principles and practices and the ability to blend them together in the right proportions to fit a project and business environment
• A proven track record of successfully implementing software or web development projects using Agile methodologies including 8+ years of experience as a Project Manager managing large, complex projects in a high-tech development environment with multi-function teams. PMP preferred
• Prior experience with SCRUM/Agile methodologies with enterprise-level application development projects. First level Scrum Master certification such as PMI-ACP, CSM, PSM-I, or equivalent preferred.
• Experience overseeing multi-function project teams with at least 3-5 team members including Developers, Business Analysts, Designers and QA Personnel
• Balanced business/technical background:
• Sufficient level of technical background to provide highly-credible leadership to development teams and to be able to accurately and objectively evaluate complex project risks and issues
• Ability to provide leadership to business analysts and collaborate with customers and develop strategies and solutions of high business value
• Experience playing the Scrum Master role for at least one year for a software development team that was diligently applying Scrum principles, practices, and theory. Good skills and knowledge of servant leadership, facilitation, situational awareness, conflict resolution, continual improvement, empowerment, and increasing transparency
• Knowledge of numerous well documented patterns and techniques for filling in the intentional gaps left in the Scrum approach (example: numerous Burndown techniques, numerous Retrospective formats, handling bugs, etc.)

Preferred Skills/Experience

- Second level Scrum Master certification (CSP, PSM II)

- Experience playing the Scrum Master role for at least two years for a software development team that was diligently applying Scrum principles, practices, and theory.

- Knowledge of other Agile approaches: XP, Kanban, Crystal, FDD, etc

- Knowledge and/or experience with widely successful Agile techniques: User Stories, ATDD, TDD, Continuous Integration, Continuous Testing, Pairing, Automated Testing, Agile Games

- Applicable knowledge of the technologies used by the team

- Experience applying a wide variety of well documented patterns and techniques for filling in the intentional gaps left in the Scrum approach (example: numerous Burndown techniques, numerous Retrospective formats, handling bugs, etc.)

- Previous experience as a team lead

- Excellent communication and mentoring skills

Key competences

Builds and maintains partnerships; Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness; Drive to achieve results for impact; Innovates and embraces change; Manages ambiguity and complexity; Thinks and acts strategically; Works collaboratively with others.

Very effective interpersonal skills including mentoring, coaching, collaborating, and team building.

Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills with an ability to manage competing demands.

In-depth knowledge and understanding of business needs with the ability to establish/maintain high level of customer trust and confidence.

Proven ability to lead software development projects and ensure objectives, goals, and commitments are met.

Solid understanding of and demonstrated experience in using appropriate tools:

Agile Project Management tools such as Jira/Greenhopper, Rally, VersionOne or equivalent

Microsoft Project, Visio, and all Office Tools

Excellent oral and written communications skills and experience interacting with both business and IT individuals at all levels including the executive level.

Creative approach to problem-solving with the ability to focus on details while maintaining the “big picture” view.

Core Values

1. Care
2. Respect
3. Integrity
4. Trust
5. Accountability

General Conditions: Procedures and Logistics

• UNICEF will provide the individual contractor all required core equipment and material for fulfilling his duty, including computer.
• There is no need of travels for this work to be completed.
• No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant or individual Contractor.
• Consultants / ICs will not have supervisory responsibilities or authority on UNICEF budget.
• The Individual Contractor will work on-site under a full-time basis and prior authorization and/or clearance from UNICEF to engage in external activities is required.

Insurance and health coverage

• The contractor is fully responsible for arranging, at his or her own expenses, such life, health and other forms of insurance covering the term of the contract as he or she considers appropriate.
• The contractor is not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance schemes available to UNICEF and United Nations staff members.

Payment of fee

• The payment will be based on submission of agreed deliverables.
• UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

Restrictions

• Consultants and individual contractors may not receive training at the expense of UNICEF. Notwithstanding, consultants and individual contracts must complete the applicable mandatory trainings.
• In case of government officials, the contract cannot be issued without prior written clearance by the Government​, or unless on leave without pay.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF's policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

UNICEF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: unicef.org