Programme management officer – HTH programme

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 World Health Organization (WHO) African Region has embarked on a new Global Programme of Work (GPW14) and a new Programme Budget (2024-2025). The region aims to deliver public health outcomes through these two strategic documents using an integrated results-based structure.

The overall objective of the Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Cluster, in the WHO African Regional Office (AFRO) is to provide leadership and ensure action in supporting Member States in reducing the impact of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases (CND) and contribute to attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the SDGs in the WHO African Region.

The Cluster is responsible for the following technical areas - HIV, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis, including other Sexually Transmitted Infections (HTH); Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases, including Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases; Non-Communicable diseases; and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases.

The Framework for an Integrated Multisectoral Response to TB, HIV, STIs and Hepatitis in the WHO African Region (2021-2030) was developed to guide the prioritization of evidence-based interventions and actions. The Framework aims to achieve a region free of the burden and the negative effects of AIDS, TB, Hepatitis and STIs and will guide member states to build stronger and integrated systems and services to maximize the impact of interventions against these diseases and monitor the progress of the response to HIV, TB, Hepatitis and STIs. Within the context of the UCN Cluster, the HTH team leads WHO AFRO work on these diseases.

The UNV programme management officer will work with the HTH team and will be responsible for performing the following tasks: Contribute to implementation of the regional strategies for HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and STIs and active dissemination of guidelines and information products. S/he will review, analyze and interpret HTH programme data to inform leadership decision making and contribute to development of mid-term, annual, end-term or other periodic HTH programme reports. The UNV programme management officer will support implementation and coordination of technical support to countries, capacity building support, documentation and dissemination of best practices and implementation of programme, epidemiological and document reviews.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the UCN Programme Manager, as assigned, the UN Volunteer will: • Contribute to implementation of the regional strategies for HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and STIs • Contribute actively to the dissemination of HIV, TB, Hepatitis and STIs latest guidelines • Review, analyze and interpret HTH program data to inform leadership decision making. • Contribute to the mid-term, annual, end-term or other periodic HTH program reports • Contribute to implementation of technical and capacity building support to countries HIV, Hepatitis, TB and STIs • Contribute to collect, documentation, and dissemination of best practices related to HIV, TB, Hepatitis and STIs programme implementation in the region. • Contribute to reviews – programme, epidemiological and document reviews.
• Support training sessions, workshops, webinars related to the implementation of HIV, TB, Hepatitis and STIs. • Support the development and dissemination of information products including monthly bulletins, newsletters, and other information products. • Contribute to coordination of country support and engagement • Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

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.

•Professionalism; •Integrity; •Teamwork and respect for diversity; •Commitment to continuous learning; •Planning and organizing; •Communication: proven interpersonal skills; •Flexibility: adaptability and ability; •Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement.

    public health programming in lower and middle-income country contexts 

• HIV and/or TB program implementation experience at national level and/or international level required including knowledge of current trends, priorities and challenges • Work experience in WHO and/or other UN agencies, bilateral, multilateral or non-governmental or humanitarian organizations will be an advantage. • Demonstrable experience in preparing reports or other professional documents is required. • Strong skills in communication (verbal and written) • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work well within teams • Strong conceptual and analytical skills to be able to quickly grasp and translate new concepts into operation plans and results • Outstanding ability to exercise flexibility and prioritization and able to accept and react to evolving planning and implementation contexts. • Respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing. • Demonstrate excellent computer skills including skills with Microsoft office, we-based databases and electronic filing.

The Republic of Congo is a low-middle income country, located in Central Africa sub-region.

The country shares boundaries with Gabon in the South-West, Cameroon and Central Republic Africa in the North and Northeast, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the East, and Angola and the Atlantic Ocean in the South.

Since 2014, the Republic of Congo is experiencing an economic downturn, affecting the economic growth (-5 per cent in 2017). Because of the persistent drop in the price of oil, this situation drove to the decline of the gross domestic product per capita, from $3,196 in 2013 to $1,658 in 2017. Nevertheless, the country is globally stable and safe in the main urban and rural areas.

Frequent disruptions are recorded in the electricity supply, particularly in Brazzaville (political capital) and Pointe-Noire (economic capital). The living cost is relatively affordable, but some concerns with the cost of decent housing should be noted. The population enjoys dressing in style and loves music both profane and religious.

According to United Nations security standards, life and travel in Brazzaville and in the other areas major are secure.

The Republic of Congo is a unique country. 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.