PROJECT MANAGER – HEALTH GOVERNANCE AND PEACEBUILDING

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.

As a low-lying coastal, West African country, Guinea-Bissau is one of the least developed countries in the world and ranks among the lowest on the Human Development Index (HDI):177 out 189 countries (BTI 2020). The country borders Senegal in the North, and Guinea-Conakry in the Southeast and has an estimated population of 1.9 million. Portuguese is the official language and Creole is the national language. The latter is widely used as a medium of communication: In terms of Immigration and health formalities, Citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) do not need an entry visa. All other nationalities must obtain an entry visa before traveling.

The Project Manager will be based at the WHO and will adhere to the terms of the organization. Under the direct supervision of the External Relations and Partnerships Officer and the overall guidance of the WHO Representative, he/she will a) engage and coordinate with project partners and national-level stakeholders, the day-to-day activities of the joint project; and b) provide technical support and oversight for smooth project delivery. Specific tasks and responsibilities include the following:

Management, Coordination, and implementation of the project

• Manage the implementation of the Joint Project “ Strengthening Social Cohesion through Promoting Inclusive and Effective Public Health Sector Governance, Management, and Administration” and support the day-to-day management of the implementation of the joint project, in accordance with the agreed work plan (Annual and Quarterly Work Plans) including those of partner agencies. • Finalize the annual workplan, M&E plans, prepare activity budgets, and manage their implementation. • Manage the technical implementation of the project; provide technical advice; forge synergies with other UN thematic teams and UN Agencies. • Review partner financial and narrative reports as required. • Provide guidance on Results Based Management and monitoring of performance indicators. • Ensure effective communication among the UN entity involved and implementing partner and keep them abreast of implementation status at all times. • Ensure steering committees’ decisions are followed up. • Ensure communication of Board meeting decisions to all Board members on time. • Effectively communicate and coordinate peacebuilding-related initiatives. • Build, manage, and expand relationships with national partners to support the im-plementation of the joint project. • Serve as an expert resource to partners and provide technical advice. • Implement and oversee capacity-building initiatives. • Provide partners with advanced technical assistance, training, and capacity devel-opment initiatives. • Manage project Consultants. • Provide the necessary support and technical guidance to the implementing part-ners to ensure the achievement of outputs as per the approved work plan. • Undertake monitoring visits (including joint monitoring) and document findings and recommendations for improved project delivery. • Organise activities and provide support to strengthen capacity of project imple-mentation partners—government counterparts and CSOs, target groups both at the national and regional levels and organize trainings, workshops to facilitate de-livery of project thematic areas. • Ensure delivery of project quarterly reports, annual reports, financial reports, and any other donor-required reports in a timely manner. • Monitor project risks as initially identified in the Project.

Knowledge-management and partnership

• Support documentation of knowledge generated and dissemination of knowledge products to project stakeholders and the wider community. • Lead the development of knowledge management strategies and methodologies and products.

Results/Expected Outputs

• Effective launch and on-going management of this project with the submission of regular quarterly reports and more substantive annual reports done in the formats required. • Regular monitoring of partners and implementation with the identification of key implementation challenges and identification of possible solutions. • Documentation of lessons learned and development or contribution to knowledge products to promote effective public health sector governance. • Substantive inputs to project coordination meetings provided and participation in organizational exercises conducted. • Development of bi-monthly communication products based on project results achieved • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment and Motivation, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Judgement and Decision-making, Leadership, Managing Performance, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Vision, Working in Teams.

• At least three years of relevant experience in programming on health governance, and/or in peacebuilding with strong knowledge of health systems strengthening. • Prior experience in a conflict or post-conflict context would be an asset. • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of programming, preferably within the health-peace nexus. • Experience in or exposure to providing policy advice and technical assistance on institutional strengthening, peacebuilding, and/or development. • Experience in or exposure to engaging in results-oriented in-country capacity development, including training-related activities. • Experience in supporting government institutions and CSOs in conflict and post-conflict situations is desirable. • Professional results-based management skills, preferably with monitoring and evaluation experience. • Familiarity with UN administrative practices and procedures would be an asset. • Good exposure and ready to work with all cultures. Work experience in West Africa would be desirable.

Desired Skills: • Strong analytical, management and communication skills. • A good team player; skilled in strategic partnership building, networking, and teamwork. • Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills. • Ability to use information and communication technology as a tool and resource. • Initiative, analytical judgment, ability to work under pressure, ethics, and honesty. • A solid understanding of public health sector governance.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and by taking an 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 reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities using UNV’s Volunteer Reporting Application- 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.

The living conditions in Guinea-Bissau are generally low to moderate. Decent housing is hard-to-find and even if available, it is mostly unfurnished. Most houses that are available were constructed during the Portuguese colonial times and are either dilapidated or minimally refurbished. In terms of public transport, the use of shared taxis is the commonest means of transportation: taxis cost about 150 CFA (app USD 0.50 cents) for travel within the city center. However, the price varies depending on the distance traveled. Taxis are mostly shared with other passengers going in the same direction. Traveling from the airport to the city center and vice versa costs around 2000 CFA (app USD 4): the African Financial Community (CFA), popularly known as the West African CFA franc is the predominant currency in Guinea-Bissau. Another means of transport is “toca-toca” (A minibus ): the latter is cheaper however it is not recommended for safety reasons. In terms of restaurants, there is only a handful of them within the city center, and for grocery shopping, there are a few decent supermarkets. During your assignment in Guinea-Bissau, expect some power cuts which do happen occasionally. Also, take note that there may be water shortages on certain occasions. The medical services on the other hand are poor and unreliable however you can expect to have access to the UN Health Clinic and Dispensary at the UN House as a UN staff.