Public Health Senior Advisor

Contract

This is a IICA-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-4 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

• Infrastructure
• Procurement
• Project Management (full service, back on track)
• HR and Transactional Services
• Grants Management
• Technical and Advisory Services

• Project Information

  Project Information

In support of Uzbekistan’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare system in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, UNOPS is aspiring to provide project, infrastructure and procurement management services to the Government. This will include conducting a feasibility study and assessments to determine infrastructure and medical equipment needs and requirements of various diagnostic and medical facilities, procurement and supply of laboratory and biomedical items and supplies, and infrastructure design and implementation of priority facilities.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager, the Public Health Senior Advisor provides technical expertise on all aspects of health systems strengthening - from health infrastructure to procuring pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, as well as capacity building and staff training, with the aim of delivering sustainable health care systems. Following WHO guidance and country standards/policy, and working in collaboration with strategic partnerships, the Public Health Senior Advisor provides technical and management support on the project implementation, and leads any health engagements as required. Their leadership and advice should be following WHO guidance, international best practices and country standards/policy, and working in collaboration with strategic partnerships. The Public Health Senior Advisor works closely with a team of specialists with expertise in biomedical, ICT, procurement and project management, in leading and advising on all aspects of the project from a public health perspective.

Appointment of this role is subject to signing of the respective project agreement with the partner, which is expected to take place in Quarter 1 2022.

Functional Responsibilities

1. Project management
2. Advisory capacity
3. Stakeholder engagement
4. Knowledge management and innovation

5. Personnel management and leadership

   ****1. Project Management**** - Provide strategic guidance to the implementation of the project, including : work planning, monitoring and evaluation of work plans.

- Lead the assessment, design, implementation, and setting up monitoring and evaluation for healthcare system infrastructure. - Manage the development, implementation and monitoring of the project team to strengthen the capacity of the project to deliver on its functions in relation to public health. - Lead the preparation of public health aspects of assessments, reports, briefings, presentations and proposals required for strategic decision-making. - Guide the development of communications and advocacy documents that convey the outputs and impact of the project. - Convene various Public Health project management meetings, coordinate relevant activities, ensure predictable follow-up on agreed action points with relevant stakeholders. - Assess the design, governance and implementation of existing health systems implemented in-country, assess country capacity, identify challenges and recommend solutions. - Develop detailed strategies as well as risk assessment and mitigation plans for the realization of the project.

2. Advisory Capacity

• Advise the Senior Project Manager on all matters related to Public Health, especially on laboratory diagnostics, curative / hospital care and healthcare digitalisation.
• Take the lead on the assessment process and feasibility stage of the project in relation to clinical and diagnostic feasibility of targeted facilities.
• Provide oversight and recommendations on the implementation of the project, ensuring alignment with national legislation on sanitary norms and rules, international best practice and WHO technical guidance with respect to health infrastructure (laboratories and hospitals), medical equipment and health digitalization?
• Responsible for the setup and implementation of a training programme for staff, covering the health surveillance system and developing laboratory and medical skills.
• Contribute to the evaluation and selection of new or adapted national health surveillance and monitoring software and ICT systems.
• Contribute to the strategic positioning of UNOPS in the health procurement domain, in coordination with the project team and Procurement Advisory Services.

3. Stakeholder Engagement - Engage, discuss, negotiate and liaise with key stakeholders, such as the Government of Uzbekistan, line ministries and health agencies,the World Health Organization (WHO), etc. - Establish solid working relationships with the project team and key stakeholders. - In collaboration with the Senior Project Manager, enable the formulation of project communications plans related to public health, coordinate internal project communications, and monitor the effectiveness of project communications. - Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring effective timing and interdependency management of communications.

4. Knowledge Management and Innovation

• Knowledge building and sharing with regards to public health, synthesis of lessons learnt/best practices, and sound contributions to UNOPS knowledge management initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance and on-the-job training to ensure work standards are achieved, both in terms of quality and quantity of inputs/outputs processed.

5. Personnel Management and Leadership

• In close collaboration with the Senior Project Manager, co-lead the process of establishing a team as assigned, with the aim of developing, implementing and working on the realisation of the Project.
• Establish strategic objectives, key performance indicators and measurement standards toward delivering expected results for the assigned team.
• Attract, retain and develop talent with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance as required and take into account gender parity and diversity objectives.
• Offer guidance to enable responsible, effective and efficient performance; lead and motivate the team, ensuring that behavioural expectations are established.
• Ensure safety and security for all project personnel and comply with UNDSS standards.
• Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education An advanced university degree (e.g. Masters) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Social Sciences or other related fields is required. A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in combination with 2 additional years of progressively relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work experience - A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in health services, health programme development or health programme implementation is required. - Excellent knowledge and understanding of health systems and health systems management is required. - Experience in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS countries) or Eastern European countries is an asset. - Understanding of relevant WHO normative guidance on public health with emphasis on diagnostic and curative care, as well as other global guidance, developments, partnerships and initiatives is valued. - Experience in the UN system organisations, preferably in a developing country, is an asset.

Languages - Proficiency in English is required. - Working knowledge of Russian and/or Uzbek is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International/Local Contract Agreement Contract level: ICS-12 / IICA-4 Contract duration: 18 months, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.