Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) Senior Specialist

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background information- ECR

Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; procuring goods and services; and managing human resources.

ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.

Background Information - Job-specific

RBM Partnership to End Malaria

The past twenty years have seen tremendous gains in reducing the burden of disease and progressing towards malaria elimination. Since 2000, global malaria deaths have been cut by more than half, saving over 10 million lives, primarily among children less than five years of age. Expansions in financing, strong political commitments, novel diagnostic and preventative measures, and multi-sectoral coordination have facilitated this progress. Since 1998, RBM Partnership to End Malaria has been central to the global fight against malaria. It has been essential to mobilizing resources and scaling up innovative interventions, putting the world onto a path towards eliminating malaria. The Partnership comprises more than 500 partners committed to end malaria, including malaria endemic countries, their bilateral and multilateral development partners, the private sector, nongovernmental and community-based organizations, foundations, and research and academic institutions.

The RBM Partnership's Vision is of a world free from the burden of malaria. The work of the RBM Partnership is guided by the 2021-2025 RBM Partnership Strategic Plan.

The RBM Partnership is based in Geneva and hosted by UNOPS.

Functional Responsibilities

The Country/Regional Support Partner Committee (CRSPC) provides a platform to engage the RBM Partnership community in coordinating support to countries and regions as they execute their malaria control and elimination implementation programmes. Support is tailored to suit the requirements and existing capacity in each country and region.

The Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) Senior Specialist shall work for the RBM Country/Regional Support Partner Committee (CRSPC) to provide technical support to national malaria programmes in optimizing the quality and effectiveness of country and regional programming of malaria including developing plans, conducting reviews, providing ongoing support in programme implementation, addressing bottlenecks, resource mobilisation and advocacy.

Strategy, planning and implementation technical assistance

• Lead the definition of the campaign strategy: roles and responsibilities of campaign partners; quantification of human resources and materials required; allocation of ITNs to households and household identification; methods for ITN distribution; etc.; identify specific issues related to multi-product campaigns and security in the macroplanning
• Lead the development of the plan of action, timeline of activities and macro budget for mass distribution of ITNs
• Lead discussions related to digitization of campaign processes with a focus on improving effectiveness, efficiency and overall campaign outcomes
• Lead the development or modification of tools for campaign implementation, including training guides, data collection forms, training simulation exercises, standard operating procedures, supervision and monitoring checklists, etc.
• Lead the development of the risk assessment and mitigation strategy related to strategic and operational aspects of the campaign
• Identify and propose feasible solutions for human resource needs and operational gaps
• Lead and develop strategies to ensure 100% of targeted households are reached, including mapping and registration team planning, independent monitoring of household registration and/or ITN distribution and in or end process evaluations
• Lead the development of the templates and materials (agendas, guides for filling and cleaning the microplans, etc.) required for microplanning for operational planning and budgeting, including supporting national malaria programmes to identify digital options for microplanning
• Lead independent process evaluations of campaign implementation to provide external feedback to national malaria programmes and partners
• Lead post-campaign review meetings, including development of tools for collection of information from decentralized levels, to provide final inputs to national malaria programmes and partners for reporting

Logistics and in-country supply chain management technical assistance

• Lead the definition of the logistics and supply chain management strategy: roles and responsibilities of campaign partners, quantification of macro storage and transport requirements, human resources, and methods for ITN distribution, waste management and reverse logistics; identify specific issues related to multi-product campaigns and security in the macroplanning
• Lead the development of the logistics plan of action, timeline and budget, as well as supporting documents regarding warehousing, transport and security of ITNs, budgeting, and overall supply chain management
• Lead the development of the risk assessment and mitigation strategy related to logistics aspects of the campaign
• Lead discussions related to digitization of logistics processes with a focus on improving effectiveness, efficiency and overall supply chain management outcomes
• Lead the development or modification of logistics tools for campaign implementation, such as training guides, logistics tracking tools, training simulation exercises, standard operating procedures, supervision and monitoring checklists, etc.
• Identify and propose feasible solutions for human resource needs and operational gaps in the area of logistics planning at all levels for adequate reinforcement
• Lead and develop strategies to ensure 100% ITN accountability, including standard operating procedures for warehouse and transport management, planning and tools for spot checks and ITN reconciliation for each stage of the campaign and each level of the supply chain
• Lead the development of the templates and materials (agendas, guides for filling and cleaning the microplans, etc.) required for logistics microplanning, including supporting national malaria programmes to identify digital options for microplanning
• Lead the development of the commodity management assessment protocol and training materials, as well as templates and plans for analysis of data collected and final reporting
• Lead independent process evaluations of campaign implementation to provide external feedback to national malaria programmes and partners
• Lead post-campaign review meetings, including development of tools for collection of information from decentralized levels, to provide final inputs to national malaria programmes and partners for reporting

Social and behaviour change (SBC) technical assistance

• Lead the development of the comprehensive SBC plan of action (which includes advocacy, social mobilization and social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) activities), timeline, and budget for a campaign’s pre- distribution, distribution and post-distribution phases; identify specific issues related to multi-product campaigns and security in the macroplanning
• Lead the development of the rumour management plan aligned to the context and risks in the areas targeted for the ITN distribution
• Lead the development of the risk assessment and mitigation strategy related to SBC aspects of the campaign
• Lead the development of social mobilization strategies and other appropriate communication approaches including the use of mass media for target groups with different communication requirements, as well as the development of advocacy and engagement packages for specific audiences.
• Lead the development of the creative brief for the campaign, defining the channels and audiences, materials required and timing
• Lead the development of messages around household registration, procedures for ITN distribution, and promoting the acceptable use, care, maintenance and/or disposal of expired nets, as well as the disposal of net packaging
• Lead the development of materials for engagement of implementation-level actors (such as community leaders, civil society organizations, teachers, etc.)
• Lead the development of SBC modules in training manuals and of teaching and learning tools for training of supervisors, monitors, and implementers at regional and local levels.
• Lead the development of the templates and materials (agendas, guides for filling and cleaning the microplans, etc.) required for SBC microplanning, including supporting national malaria programmes to identify digital options for microplanning

• Lead discussions related to digitization of SBC processes with a focus on improving effectiveness, efficiency and overall SBC outcomes

• Identify gaps in SBC planning or resources for high quality execution of the campaign for follow up

• Lead post-campaign review meetings, including development of tools for collection of information from decentralized levels, to provide final inputs to national malaria programmes and partners for reporting

Monitoring and evaluation

• Lead the development of the monitoring and evaluation plan (either standalone or as part of the global campaign plan), including the table of indicators linked to the different campaign activities
• Lead the development of protocols, including sampling methodologies, and questionnaires for in process, end process, independent or rapid monitoring or post-campaign evaluation
• Lead the development of data collection forms, training materials and agendas, training simulation exercises, supervision and monitoring checklists, etc.
• Lead the analysis of the data collected and ensure key indicators identified are reported against
• Lead the development of the risk assessment and mitigation strategy related to M&E aspects of the campaign
• Lead discussions related to digitization of M&E processes with a focus on improving effectiveness, efficiency and overall campaign outcomes
• Lead the development of the database to be used for collecting all information during each phase of campaign activities and ensure that the key information can be extracted daily for programmatic actions to improve quality of service
• Lead independent process evaluations of campaign implementation to provide external feedback to national malaria programmes and partners
• Lead post-campaign review meetings, including development of tools for collection of information from decentralized levels, to provide final inputs to national malaria programmes and partners for reporting
• Identify gaps in M&E planning or resources for high quality execution of the campaign for follow up

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

a. Education

Advanced university (master’s) degree desired, preferably in public health, social science, public administration, business administration or related area with 7 years of relevant experience

OR

First Level University degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) may be considered with 9 years of experience

OR

Technical/Professional License with additional 8 years of experience.

OR

Technical/Professional Diploma with additional 11 years of experience.

OR

Completed High/Secondary school education with 13 years of experience.

b. Work Experience

Combined with academic qualifications and the minimum years of professional experience required as indicated in the Education section above, working on mass ITN distribution campaigns, mass vaccination campaigns, or other large-scale programmes such as food distribution, emergency operations, disaster response or other large-scale health or humanitarian programmes is required.

Within the above experience requirements, a minimum 5 years of experience in at least one of the core ITN campaign areas is required:

• Strategy, planning and implementation assistance
• Logistics and in-country supply chain management
• Social and behaviour change
• Monitoring and evaluation

Desirable:

• Knowledge of broader health policies and national malaria programmes
• Knowledge of the RBM Partnership to End Malaria
• Familiarity with The Global Fund, PMI and other donor procedures and processes
• Work experience in challenging contexts
• Work experience in complex operating environments

c. Languages

• Fluent in spoken and written English is required. Working knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA (Individual Contractor Agreement)

Contract level: ICA-3 (ICS11) Retainer Contract

Contract duration: 12 months with possible extension upon satisfactory performance and funding

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.