Program Officer- Health

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The South Sudan country office was established in 2011 when the country gained its independence. The main office is situated in the capital Juba with 13 field and zonal offices across the country. UNICEF South Sudan is one of the largest country offices globally with 364 staff members (end 2020) and one of the largest country programmes, due to the great needs in the country. More information on UNICEF’s programming can be found at our website: https://www.unicef.org/southsudan/

UNICEF Health programme in South Sudan supports nationwide implementation of the childhood immunization activities on an ongoing basis. The programme has been supporting the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination activities nationwide since early 2021. The programme is also supporting nationwide scale up of preventive and curative activities on Malaria. In addition to the nationwide interventions, UNICEF is supporting implementation of Basic Package of basic integrated Primary Health Care services as well in selected hospitals in Upper Nile and Jonglei states of South Sudan. These interventions require preparation of reports, human interest stories, as well as different types of materials for communication purposes within the service delivery areas, and with the media. Some of these communication materials and presentations will be needed for different meeting with donors, and partners.

This UNV assignment will support UNICEF’s health programming efforts by coordinating and quality assuring proposals and reports, strengthening internal monitoring mechanisms and building capacity of colleagues to ensure a more efficient process.

UN Volunteers should be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to: • Introductory briefings about the organisation and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment; • Support with arrival administration including setting-up of bank accounts, residence permit applications and completion of other official processes as required by the host government or host entity; • Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal;

Under the general guidance of the Chief of Health, the Program Officer-Health will provide programmatic support in proposal development, monitoring and reporting. Key activities include:

• Strengthening program implementation efforts by drafting and finalizing programme documents, reports and presentations based on discussions, dictation, written request, templates, and draft materials provided by UNICEF. Quality assure reports based on expectations laid out in proposals at the program design.
• Support resource mobilization efforts for health in the development of concept, proposals and presentations, coordinating inputs of the health team and providing quality assurance of final documents with partnerships colleagues in the country office.
• Support program managers in follow up of monitoring of program activities, for the purpose of reporting and program review.
• Support documentation of successes and lessons learned, working with communications colleagues and field colleagues to develop human interest stories and other visibility materials.
• Work with health team members to build their capacity in writing, documentation, writing and presentation of written materials.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs

• As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Reduced turnaround of documents and presentations in internal reviews. o Ensuring mechanisms are in place for monitoring to ensure improved reporting outcomes o Ensuring timely submission of donor reports and proposals • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement

experience in project management, reporting and proposal development required. International experience in health programming is an asset. Background/familiarity with emergency contexts or development work is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organizations. • External communications experience is an asset. • Advanced ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and concisely orally as well as in writing. • Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas. • Proven ability to manage different priorities of different internal and external stakeholders. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and familiarity with database management. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

Recent reports from IGAD and parties to the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan show good progress and goodwill towards implementation of the peace agreement. The improving security situation across the country that was once engulfed in fighting has built positively to national security and stability. Security in Juba (Duty Station) is calm with curfew which currently runs from 19.00hrs to 06.00hrs. There are thousands of multinationals in the country supporting various humanitarian, development and peacekeeping activities. However, South Sudan remains a unique country and is in a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.