Programme Management Officer

Support health development agenda and program management, ensure effective planning and budgeting.

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Application deadline 5 months ago: Saturday 27 Dec 2025 at 22:59 UTC

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Overview

Support health development agenda and program management, ensure effective planning and budgeting.

You have:

  • University degree in business or public administration, economics, social sciences, public health or related field.
  • At least 2 years of relevant experience at the national level in programme management and financing in a public health context.
  • Expert knowledge of English.
  • Specialized training in planning, results-based management and/or project management is desirable.
  • Prior experience with WHO or similar UN Agency in planning, budgeting, monitoring and assessment would be an asset.

Contract

This is a NO-B contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 2,554 USD.

Salary for a NO-B contract in Lilongwe

The salary of a NO-B depends on the duty station. The minimum salary there is 2,554 USD Please note that depending on the location, a higher post adjustment might still result in a lower purchasing power.

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.

More about NO-B contracts.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To support the achievement of national health and development agenda, the programme management function will be instrumental in the WHO Country Office in ensuring strategic and operational planning, programme budgeting, resource distribution, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and contributing towards resource mobilization efforts while ensuring strict adherence to organizational guidelines and standards. The unit will contribute towards better integration, collaboration and planning for resultsand ensuring performance assessment is conducted on timely basis and resultsare reported.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervisionof the External Relations and Partnership Officer in Malawi and the overallguidance of the WHO Representative (WR), the incumbent is responsible for, butnot necessarily limited to the following duties: Facilitate the development Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) and other strategic plans, in accordance with WHO's guiding principles; ensure collaboration with all levels of the Organization and alignment of Country Office priorities with the General Programme of Work, UNDAF and delivering as One United Nations System. Undertake regular planning reviews and operational planning with WHO teams at all levels and provide recommendations for adjustments based on technical needs. Monitor the Programme Budget (PB) implementation and provide inputs and recommendations on financial, administrative and human resource allocation as well as related programme management decision-making on resource utilization for optimal results. Report on identified programme management issues and risks and liaise with the WR and/or relevant staff to ensure timely mitigation and resolution. Ensure performance monitoring and assessment in WHO Country Offices to measure progress towards defined priorities and results including coordinating the quarterly, semi-annual, mid-term and end of biennium review and reporting processes. Contribute to resource mobilization efforts by supporting the development of results-focused proposals, donor agreements and other grant-related instruments ensuring quality and alignment with WHO policies, pertinent documents and other administrative provisions. Coordinate evaluation activities to support Organizational learning. Implement and monitor standardized methods of capturing and consolidating evidence on health interventions as well as document lessons learnt, best practices and trend analyses to support health sector/cluster coordination and responsive decision-making. Build and update a stakeholder database of key operational partners with the aim of strengthening multi-sectoral dialogue and collaboration for improved health sector performance. Build the capacity of internal and external stakeholders, and promote accountability, responsiveness and transparency.Monitor the PB implementation and provide strategic recommendations on financial, administrative and human resource allocation as well as related programme management decision-making on resource utilization for optimal results. Track and report on budget and financing aspects of the PB: identify financial gaps, consolidate financial data, analyze and prepare periodic/ad hoc donor reports, and recommend remedial or alternative action to technical officers as appropriate.Assist in programme delivery excellence by provision of timely managerial support, advice and assistance to programme and administrative teams on budget, financial, and human resource regulations and proceduresSupport implementation efforts to overcome delivery challenges and achieve success through comprehensive action planning, problem solving tools and building team capacity to deliver and make measurable impact. Perform any other relatedduties, as required by the functional supervisor

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in business or public administration, economics, social sciences, public health or related field. Desirable: Specialized trainingin planning, results-based management and/or project management. In depth knowledge of WHO Planning, Budgeting and Monitoring framework.

Experience

Essential: At least 2 years of relevant experienceat the national level in programme management and financing in a public health context. Desirable: Prior experience with WHO or similar UN Agency in planning, budgeting, monitoring and assessment would be an asset.

Skills

Sound theoretical and practical knowledge in results-based management in the health sector.Strong technical, analytical,conceptual and inter-personal skillsKnowledge and experience in quantitative and qualitative methodsAbility to manage multiple issues and tasks and reprioritize actions on short noticeAbility to propose innovative approaches and solutions to challenging situations.Excellent organizational, oral and written communication skills including the development of reports and presentationsFamiliar with value-for-money principles, resource mobilization and communication for impactDemonstrated capacity to foster internal (within Country Teams) and external collaborations with various stakeholders including Member States and partners.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Producing results Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Desirable:

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 30,644 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

  • Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

  • A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

  • 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/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

  • According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

  • Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

  • The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.

  • WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

  • WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

  • Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.

  • An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

  • WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

  • WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

  • For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

  • WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

  • The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

  • Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at [email protected].

  • This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.

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Potential interview questions

How have you contributed to program management in a public health context? This assesses your practical experience and effectiveness in managing programs. Discuss specific projects where you played a key role in managing public health programs. Highlight outcomes.
Describe a challenging program management issue you faced and how you resolved it. This examines your problem-solving skills in real situations. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use for effective stakeholder engagement? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure alignment of program priorities with organizational guidelines? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain your experience with budget monitoring and reporting. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you assess the performance of programs you manage? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Discuss your familiarity with results-based management. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What innovative approaches have you proposed to overcome delivery challenges in your previous roles? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 6 months ago - Updated 5 months ago - Source: who.int