Programme and Finance Support Officer (Health)

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

To improve health program outcomes, UNICEF has implemented a decentralized approach whereby Field Offices collaborate closely with partners to provide technical support at the division, district, and sub-district levels to enhance their capacity for system strengthening. Since last few years, Mymensingh Field Office has been implementing significant number of Health interventions. Due to this decentralized strategy in fund disbursement, field office is managing large volume of projects as well as DCTs compared to other field offices. The COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that have a negative impact on health sector along with other sectors. Urban Health system is still under development and UNICEF started its research along with GoB to cover most underserved population within city corporations.

Mymensingh FO has been managing UNICEF programs in 12 districts (4 of Mymensingh Division and 8 from Dhaka Division) and three City Corporations (Gazipur, Mymensingh and Narayanganj). All the districts are diversely located and some of them have haor and char areas. The COVID 19 has made tremendous impact in overall health service delivery from the facilities to community level. At the same time, there are multiple challenges in the effective roll out of the COVID 19 vaccination. The gaps in HR capacities, infrastructure challenges and high numbers of vulnerable populations living in hard-to-reach areas, made this zone particularly vulnerable to shocks like the health emergency imposed by COVID 19.

In order to ensure proper facilitation and effective management of programs that meet UNICEF standards and quality, it is crucial to follow the HACT procedure, which includes timely disbursement of funds, programmatic visits, and other financial procedures that GoB managers have yet to develop the capacity for. As a result, it is imperative to strengthen the capacity of GoB managers and service providers at the field level to provide technical assistance to the Government in specific districts. Additionally, field level monitoring and supervision of the health interventions including HMIS, is necessary for all districts/city corporations under Mymensingh FO. UNICEF has been providing supplementary assistance and capacity building to address maternal, child, and adolescent health issues in all districts that are falling behind. To effectively implement UNICEF programs, Mymensingh FO urgently requires a National UN Volunter - Programme and Finance Support Officer (Health) to support the office, team, and partners.

The UN Volunteer will collaborate towards enhancing the capabilities of health personnel at various levels, including Division, districts, upazilla, and community, with the aim of facilitating effective fund management. This involves supporting counterparts in timely submission of fund requests and liquidation documents, monitoring programs, and conducting necessary programmatic visits as per requirements.

Additionally, the UN Volunteer will contribute to strengthening the skills of Government of Bangladesh (GoB) managers and officials to ensure the efficient and prompt management of funds. This will be done in accordance with the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) procedures and by adhering to the established standards and quality guidelines set by UNICEF.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Operation Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the Programme and Finance Support Officer (Health) will carry out the following activities:

• Maintain coordination with GoB and CSO partners and ensure effective communication for the smooth implementation of programs. • Assist GoB managers and other partners in preparing fund request and liquidation documents and submitting them to UNICEF for processing in a timely manner. • Review financial documents submitted by partners, ensure timely entry into the system, and facilitate the certification and approval process. • Conduct programmatic visits to Implementation partners (IP) and ensure timely uploading of Pro-grammatic Visit reports to the e-Tools system as per office requirements. • Strengthen MIS reporting of Division, District, Municipality and City Corporations and Capacity building of health managers and statisticians on use of data for local level planning and monthly review meetings. • Strengthen the quality reporting of critical MNCAH indicators with focus EmONC indicators, EPI, QI indicators, MPDSR, SCANU, KMC, IMCI DEPB, Adolescent Friendly Health Services etc. • Provide assistance for equity analysis and connect with District Evidence-Based Planning and Budgeting (DEPB) with equity. • Perform all other duties assigned by the supervisor, Health Officer, and senior colleagues from the health section.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities. • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities. • 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: • Ensured that IPs submitted quality reports in a timely manner. • Managed grants and funds successfully. • Maintained effective coordination with IPs, donors, and other development partners. • Collaborated with colleagues in the MFO and CO offices to ensure that all compliance requirements were met for requests. • Made significant contributions to the development of financial and analytical reports, as well as narrative reports. • Synthesized lessons learned and best practices in programme and project finance. .

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Building Trust • Client Orientation • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Working in Teams

• Programme management, grants management, programme finance management, or other relevant programmes; experience with UNICEF/UNDP/UNFPA/ is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization.

• Experience in HACT (Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers) procedures, such as timely fund disbursement, liquidation, programmatic visits, and other financial protocols, grants management, Programme finance management etc.

 We particularly encourage applications from female candidates.

Mymensingh is a city located in east north part of Bangladesh and it is known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. While it is not as large as the capital city of Dhaka, it is still a significant economic, cultural, and educational centre of the country. The living conditions in Mymensingh are relatively good, with the city offering a mix of urban and rural lifestyle. The cost of living in Mymensingh is relatively low compared to other major cities in Bangladesh. While there are various types of housing options available, such as apartments, houses, and hostels, the cost of living is relatively high compared to other parts of the country. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city canter can range from 10,000 BDT to 15,000 BDT per month, while outside the city centre, it can be slightly cheaper. The city has a well-developed transportation system and access to modern amenities such as hospitals, schools, and shopping centres.

Mymensingh is well-known for its educational institutions. The city has several renowned universities, including Mymensingh Medical College and Bangladesh Agricultural University. Apart from these, there are several high schools, colleges, and madrasas that cater to the educational needs of the residents. The city's education system is commendable, and students from different parts of the country come here to pursue higher education. Mymensingh has several well-equipped hospitals and clinics that cater to the healthcare needs of the residents. The Mymensingh Medical College Hospital is one of the most renowned hospitals in the city, providing excellent medical facilities to the people. Apart from this, there are several private clinics and hospitals that offer quality medical care.

Mymensingh is a relatively safe city. The crime rate is low, and the local authorities take measures to ensure the safety and security of the residents. However, it is still essential to take necessary precautions, especially when traveling alone or at night.

However, like many other cities in Bangladesh, Mymensingh faces challenges such as traffic con-gestion, inadequate waste management. Despite these challenges, Mymensingh is a lively and vibrant city that offers a unique blend of traditional and modern living.