Local Implementation Expert – CARDIO4Cities

Volunteering Medical & Health

Overview

Support the implementation of CARDIO4Cities in Portugal.

You have:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in project management and/or activities related to public administration and/or health sector
• Overall computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), email, and internet.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience in public health, particularly in primary health care and/or the management of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a wide range of partners.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

Cardiovascular disease is the world’s leading cause of death – taking almost 18 million lives per year. Although cardiovascular disease is a global challenge, three-quarters of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Cities are facing unprecedented health challenges, from the growing burden of cardiovascular disease to increased demands on health systems due to rapid urbanization, the constant threat of emerging diseases often hitting urban populations hardest, the impact of climate change and the global shortage of skilled health workers.

Against this background, the Novartis Foundation (NF) is working with city authorities and other partners to co-design and implement data-driven responses to improve cardiovascular population health and narrow health inequities in urban settings. The Novartis Foundation built and validated its cardiovascular population health approach, called CARDIO4Cities. This initiative developed powerful proof for how cities can improve cardiovascular health in their populations – by dramatically increasing hypertension control, the prime risk factor for cardiovascular disease in cities on three continents. This was achieved by combining resources and expertise from multidisciplinary partners, and monitoring progress against measurable target.

In Brazil, CARDIO4Cities was adapted to the Brazilian context and implemented in partnership with BP - Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, demonstrating cost-effective and scalable impact. Over a period of 15 months, the percentage of people with hypertension who managed to control their blood pressure jumped from 12% to 31%. During this time, heart attacks decreased by 13%, and stroke (cerebrovascular accident) episodes fell by 12%. Since 2024, CARDIO4Cities has already expanded to a total of 45 new municipalities, supported by the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) and co-financiers such as the Umane and Swiss Re Foundation. The model integrates multisectoral collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and proactive detection and management of cardiovascular risks.

This project focuses on implementing CARDIO4Cities, in Colombia, Chile and/or Uruguay, selected countries in the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) and bears the potential to implement in other countries in the future. In order to do so, this project brings together the global expertise and thought leadership of NF with BP’s experience in implementing health policies and programs. In order to build an implementation mechanism for CARDIO4Cities that can operated in different countries and across borders, the actions are enhanced through the global platforms and networks of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which also acts as a catalyst for partnerships at the local and global levels, enabling the addition of new partners according to the initiatives to be implemented.

Within the scope of the CPLP, the first experience to be implemented will be carried out in Portugal. The Local Implementation Expert/Coordinator will be responsible for supporting the coordination, planning, executing, monitoring, reporting, engaging the local counterparts, ensuring full alignment with strategic objectives and established indicators.

Under the direct supervision of Project Manager, the Local Implementation Expert will serve as Country Expert/Coordinator within the scope of the CARDIO4Cities in Portugal, supporting the implementation and sustainability of actions in partnership with NF, BP, UNDP and local counterparts. The main responsibilities include:

· Coordinating, planning and monitoring CARDIO4Cities project activities, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and defined indicators.

· Preparing and consolidating monthly reports describing activities carried out, results achieved, and supporting evidence (attendance lists, meeting records, etc.).

· Analyzing data and monitoring indicators related to primary health care and chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a focus on cardiovascular risk.

· Developing and managing dashboards and monitoring systems for health indicators.

· Integrating and validating databases from different municipalities and sources.

· Coordinating and conducting advanced data analysis to generate insights on cardiovascular risk and intervention performance.

· Ensuring data quality and security, in compliance with LGPD and international best practices.

· Supporting interoperability between local systems and the project’s digital tools.

· Producing analytical reports and visualizations for managers and partners.

· Training local teams in the use of digital tools and interpretation of indicators.

· Supporting local implementation, including coordination with municipal managers, health teams, and institutional partners.

· Coordinating and implementing capacity-building and engagement activities for healthcare professionals and stakeholders to strengthen evidence-based practices.

· Producing and reviewing technical and institutional content, including materials for communication, reports, and presentations.

· Organizing and/or participating in strategic and operational meetings scheduled by BP or project partners.

· Ensuring compliance with institutional guidelines and data protection regulations, safeguarding confidentiality and proper data use.

· Promoting project sustainability in implemented municipalities, supporting continuity strategies and integration with local policies.

· Supporting the submission of the project for national and international awards and recognitions, when applicable.

Desired competencies:

· Strong analytical skills for interpreting health data and indicators.

· Orientation toward digital innovation.

· Analytical and critical thinking.

· Attention to information quality and security.

· Technological adaptability.

· Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and local authorities.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Knowledge of user-centered design methodologies and health innovation is considered an asset.

Competencies and values:

· Accountability

· Adaptability and Flexibility

· Creativity

· Judgment and Decision-making

· Planning and Organizing

· Professionalism

· Self-management

Required skills and experience:

· Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in project management and/or activities related to public administration and/or health sector

· Overall computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), email, and internet.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong drafting, formulation, and reporting abilities.

· Accuracy and professionalism in document production, data analysis, and technical reporting.

· Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a wide range of partners, including local authorities, health professionals, community-based organizations, and international stakeholders.

· Ability to effectively liaise with global and local teams, fostering collaboration in multicultural environments.

· Ability to work and adapt professionally in dynamic and challenging environments; capacity to meet tight deadlines.

· Self-motivated, with the ability to work with minimal supervision.

· Sound security awareness and professional conduct.

· Strong interest in public health, digital innovation in health systems, volunteerism as a mechanism for sustainable development, and the United Nations system.

Desirable skills and experience:

· 2 years Experience in public health, particularly in primary health care and/or the management of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and/or experience in cardiovascular risk prevention

· 2 years experience with organization and implementation of technical events, seminars, workshops, or intersectoral meetings;

· 2 years experience with procurement and contracting processes in projects (preferably within international organizations or the Portuguese public sector);

· Knowledge of the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS), including its structure, key institutions, and governance mechanism;

· Familiarity with data analysis tools, dashboard development, and basic database management is desirable.

· Experience with organization and implementation of technical events, seminars, workshops, or intersectoral meetings;

· Knowledge of clinical protocols and public health strategies for the prevention and control of NCDs.

· Experience working with international organizations or development initiatives.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, offers a vibrant and culturally rich environment that is generally safe and accessible. The city boasts a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it comfortable for year-round living. Lisbon is known for its high safety standards, with a low crime rate compared to other major European cities. However, as in any urban area, standard precautions should be taken. The city is well-connected by air with Lisbon Airport, which serves numerous international destinations. Public transportation within Lisbon is efficient, encompassing a network of buses, trams, and a metro system. Lisbon is a cosmopolitan city with a relaxed dress code in most places. The cost of living in Lisbon is reasonable compared to other Western European capitals, but housing can be relatively expensive in the city center. Accommodation options vary from apartments to shared housing, catering to different budgets. Food, water, and electricity are readily available. Lisbon offers a variety of international and local cuisine, and supermarkets are well-stocked with a range of products. The city has excellent medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics with multilingual staff. EU residents can access health services using the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Lisbon has a robust banking system with numerous ATMs and branches throughout the city. The communications infrastructure is modern, with reliable internet and telecommunications services. Lisbon provides an enriching environment for international professionals. It combines a high quality of life with a rich cultural tapestry and dynamic social atmosphere. While the city is accommodating, it also requires a level of cultural awareness and adaptability. Prospective UN volunteers should be prepared for a bustling urban lifestyle that, while comfortable, demands flexibility and an open mind.

UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances: The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos). For information specific to your assignment please see below:

Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations in the exchange rates .

Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): EUR 2381.16 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 350 Exit allowance: USD 120 for each month served, paid upon completion of contract Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance

Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle. Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated)

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Potential interview questions

Added 6 months ago - Updated 5 months ago - Source: unv.org