Program Management Specialist

Overview

Provide strategic and operational support for program management and budgeting.

You have:

• Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, finance, management, or related areas from an accredited university.
• Five years of combined national and international professional experience in business administration, budget, finance, human resources management or procurement.
• Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, including spreadsheets and presentation tools, as well as ERP and management information systems.

Contract

This is a P-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 89,144 USD and 121,080 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

Information Technology Services (ITS) provides leadership and direction in the deployment of information and communication technologies and systems to support the Pan American Health Organization/Regional Office of the Americas of the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) in carrying out its mandate. Furthermore, ITS establishes and maintains strategies, policies, standards and procedures to ensure the effective and efficient provision of information and communication services in a geographically dispersed environment.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director, Planning, Budget and Evaluation (PBE) and the direct supervision of the Senior Advisor, Applications Development and Support (ITS/AT), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following duties:

Strategic advice and support:

1. Engage in corporate efforts for strategic and operational planning, budgeting and resource coordination to enable the implementation of the Department’s programs, supporting the Organization’s mandates, priorities and results-based management framework;
2. Brief and guide project managers and other personnel with respect to the management of all administrative operations and services; ensure that pertinent rules and regulations of the Organization are followed;
3. Conduct analysis, and provide advice and support to the Department in all areas related to the Program Budget development and implementation cycle, including the development and implementation of the biennial work plan (BWP);
4. Support the Department in the management and follow-up of special initiatives and projects;
5. Coordinate the monitoring and updating of Web Portals related to Information Technology, to maintain relevant content and design;

Program Budget management:

6. Support the planning, implementation and evaluation of the Department’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP); collaborate with responsible technical staff to provide required planning data and information to adequately assess and report on implementation of projects’ expected results, products/services, etc.;
7. Support the Department´s Director in leading the coordination of the Performance Monitoring and Assessment (PMA) of the Department’s BWP, including the preparation of reports; advise on setting realistic targets and milestones and ensuring up-to-date information to monitor progress on BWP implementation;
8. Provide support in the overall program management and budget functions, including management of guidance and tools to develop, monitor and track the biennial work plan (BWP);
9. Collaborate in the completion of risk management analysis of the BWP, and implementation of approved mitigation response; plans;

ITS Administration Support:

10. Implement PAHO standard systems, norms and procedures for the administration of financial and material resources of the ITS Department as well as for the control and evaluation of such processes;
11. Work closely and provide support to IT Outsourced Service Providers (OSPs), suppliers and contractors. Monitor IT contracts to ensure services are provided according to the established Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to maximize value for money, and alignment with the ITS Roadmap and Strategic Goals;
12. Ensure basic program and budget management functions, in particular follow-up of program implementation, human resources plan and operational plan;
13. Provide support with contracts, invoices and payments of Outsourced Service Providers and other suppliers;
14. Support preparation for, and participate in inter-programmatic and cross-organizational working groups, ITS’s management meetings and other internal and external fora, as directed;
15. Provide knowledge management and communications services to the entity, including management of web site(s), online media presence, presentations, etc., in support of the entity’s program of work;
16. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education****:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, finance, management, or in any of the areas related to the functions of the position, from an accredited university.

Desirable: A master’s degree in management, business administration or related field would be an asset.

In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO, only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience****:

Essential: Five years of combined national and international professional experience in business administration, budget, finance, human resources management or procurement. Experience should include corporate ERP systems, and management of corporate resources.

Desirable: Experience in applying UN procedures and policies would be an asset.

SKILLS****:

PAHO Competencies:

• Overall attitude at work****: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.
• Teamwork****: Collaborate and cooperate with others. - Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the teams’ successes and shortcomings. Identifies conflicts in a timely manner and addresses them as necessary; understands issues from the perspective of others; does not interpret/ attribute conflicts to cultural, geographical or gender issues.
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences****: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity - Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.
• Communication****: Express oneself clearly when speaking/Write effectively/Listen/Shares knowledge - Quality and quantity of communication targeted at audience. Listens attentively and does not interrupt other speakers. Adapts communication style and written content to ensure they are appropriately and accurately understood by the audience (e.g., power-point presentations, communication strategies, implementation plans). Shares information openly with colleagues and transfers knowledge, as needed.
• Knowing and managing yourself: Manages stress/Invite feedback/Continuously learn - Remains productive even in an environment where information or direction is not available, and when facing challenges; recovers quickly from setbacks, where necessary. Manages stress positively; remains positive and productive even under pressure; does not transfer stress to others. Seeks feedback to improve knowledge and performance; shows self- awareness when seeking and receiving feedback; uses feedback to improve own performance. Seeks informal and/or formal learning opportunities for personal and professional development; systematically learns new competencies and skills useful for job; takes advantage of learning opportunities to fill competencies and skill gaps.
• Producing Results****: Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients’ needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own timelines effectively and efficiently. Shows awareness of own role and clarifies roles of team members in relation to project’s expected results. Makes proposals for improving processes as required and takes responsibility for own work and/or actions, as necessary. Demonstrates positive attitude in working on new projects and initiatives. Demonstrates accountability for own success, as well as for errors; learns from experience.
• Moving forward in a changing environment****: Propose change/Adapt to change - Suggests and articulates effective and efficient proposals for change as needed when new circumstances arise. Quickly and effectively adapts own work approach in response to new demands and changing priorities. Is open to new ideas, approaches and working methods; adjusts own approach to embrace change initiatives.

Technical Expertise:

• Expertise in administration, budget, planning and programming, financial/accounting administration, local and international human resources management, general services, procurement, and other related administrative services and operations.
• Thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of managerial principles and practices, as well as good judgment to plan and execute.
• Thorough theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in handling financial, personnel, and administrative problems.
• Strong technical, analytical, and conceptual skills; demonstrated ability to assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendations on key managerial and administrative issues.
• Ability to integrate managerial and administrative inputs into recommendations.
• Practical knowledge of results-based management concepts and tools and their applications.
• Ability to integrate managerial and technical inputs into recommendations for decision-making process; ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment.
• Excellent organizational and analytic skills combined with strong professional oral and writing skills including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, including spreadsheets and presentation tools, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and management information systems. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, OneDrive, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint are considered essential.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary****: (Net of taxes)

USD $49,254.00 post adjustment

Post Adjustment****: 63.9% of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level****.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.

For information on PAHO please visit: http://www.paho.org

PAHO/WHO is an ethical organization that maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.

PAHO/WHO also promotes a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of abusive conduct.

PAHO/WHO personnel interact frequently with people in the communities we serve. To protect these people, PAHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.

PAHO/WHO is committed to workforce diversity. PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

PAHO/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary and post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance). Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grant and rental subsidy.

Candidates appointed to an international post with PAHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.

Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this post. The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.

Potential interview questions