Job Recruitment at the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

 

Job Title: International Immunization Consultant, Abuja

Reference No.: 538542
Location: Abuja
Contract type: Consultancy
Level: Consultancy
Categories: Health, Consultancy

Purpose of Activity / Assignment
To provide technical support to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) on effective and efficient introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, monitoring and coordination at the national and sub national levels.

Scope of Work

• Work with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to support the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines into the country and coordinate effectively the deployment of the vaccine in aspect of distribution, handling and storage at the subnational levels and to the service points.
• The incumbent will work with the TWG in coordinating the COVID-19 vaccines roll out in the country. Under the Guidance of the health Manager will coordinate all activities relating to UNICEF support.

Responsibilities
More specifically, the consultant will carry out the followings but not limited to:

• Provide technical support to NPHCDA on the coordination of COVID-19 vaccine introduction in the pre-introduction, introduction and post -introduction activities.
• Provide secretarial service support to the TWG in the introduction of covid-19 vaccine.
• Support the preparation of guides, tools and protocols and ensure the tools are developed, printed and distributed to the states.
• Prepare regular update on covid-19 vaccine introduction and submit to the immunization cluster and health section.) Support NPHCDA to track Covid-19 vaccine distribution from the national store down to the service points to avoid risk of diversion, falsification and ensure the security and safety of the vaccine storage facilities, preserve vaccine safety and integrity during transport, and the safety of all staff.
• Support in coordinating the vaccine deployment plan and standard operating procedures (SOPs) communicated to all levels;
• Support NPHCDA in the registration of the target population, development of the micro plan in all states and mobilization of the target population for immunization.
• Supervise the two-immunization supply chain and two advocacy, communication and social mobilization officers in the coordination for the introduction of covid vaccine.
• Coordinate the subnational level UNICEF support in the introduction of covid vaccines including use of the polio structure at all levels.
• Use every opportunity to strengthen the public health system including integration of primary health care services.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s in Public health, medicine, pharmacy, nursing or other related disciplines with 5 years of experience.

Knowledge / Expertise / Skills Required:
Specific Technical Knowledge required (for the job):

• Knowledge of the public health system preferably in a developing country context.
• Mastery of technical knowledge of the primary health care and immunization program in coordination, planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Common Technical Knowledge required (for the job group):

• Knowledge of managing supplemental and routine immunization in the African context.
• Knowledge of management of health emergencies in African context.
• Knowledge of coordination of stakeholders for the purpose of introduction of the covid vaccines.
• Proficient in MS Office bundle and knowledge in the use of DHIS2 is an added advantage.

Technical Knowledge to be Acquired / Enhanced (for the Job):

• Information and Communication Technology administration.
• UNICEF emergency programme and operations policies, strategies, procedures and approaches.
• Rights-based and Results-based management and programming approach in UNICEF.
• Mid-Term Strategic Plan (MTSP); Country Programme Management Plan (CPMP).
• International Code of Conduct
• UN and UNICEF policies and approaches on program management involved in harmonization of operations in the common system.
• UN and UNICEF security operations and guidelines.
• Government regulations and laws in the locality (e.g., customs clearance, VAT and other taxation systems).

Interested and qualified candidates should:Click here to apply

Application Deadline 9th March, 2021.

 

Job Title: Programme Assistant – Individual Contractor, Abuja

Reference No.: 538633
Location: Abuja
Contract type: Consultancy
Level: Consultancy
Categories: Health, Consultancy

Purpose of Activity / Assignment

• Support the coordination and oversight of implementation of the Gavi supported and other programs for strengthening COVID-19 response in Nigeria
• Work in close collaboration with the Project team and relevant stakeholders for effective achievement and implementation of health security in Nigeria
• Work closely with all stakeholders to achieve results and contributing to resolving project-related issues and information delivery
• Support and report to the partnership liaison lead for COVID-19 response in NCDC

Scope of Work

• Support the development of the project activity /work plans, monitoring implementation and ensure compliance with specifications and funding limitations
• Develop framework for tracking of project and monitoring implementation
• Support the project team to track, record and analyse data for reporting and timely communicate the results of analysis to inform program decision making.
• Develop and maintain filling system for all project correspondence of Gavi-supported activities and other assigned task.
• Monitor budget and track expenditures/transactions of activities, ensuring compliance of developed activity budget and approved standards
• Under the guidance of the Partnership Liaison lead, ensure that the project activities follow correct financial and administrative documentation procedures in line with donor guidelines.
• Support the development of periodic program and financial reports of the Gavi-supported activities
• Support collaborations between NCDC and other relevant implementation and/or funding partners
• Support implementation of specific projects, documenting and reviewing health systems aspects relevant to health security
• Organize performance management meetings and engagement of stakeholders and project leads to ensure integrity and accountability of the program
• Manage communications and help build positive relations within the team and external parties to ensure achievement of the scheme’s objectives
• Develop and facilitate workshops, meetings, coordinates logistics, scheduling and participant communications.
• Draft and follow-up of correspondences with relevant parties
• Develop, compile, and write communications, create presentations, summaries, and materials to ensure better communication and wider understanding of the Gavi-supported program
• Support any other projects under health security.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of First Degree (B.Sc/BA) in business administration, social science or relevant field or Sciences with similarly relevant field experience;
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible programme support work experience, with co-ordination and administrative work in implementing development projects, with a good understanding of the operations of the government, donors, and other development organizations.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

Knowledge / Expertise / Skills required:

• Proven experience as program assistant or relevant position
• Knowledge of project/program management and development procedures /techniques
• Knowledge of performance evaluation, supervisory practices, and principles
• Tech savvy, proficient in MS Office. Working knowledge of project management software is desirable
• Skill in organizing work of self, and work with diversity and multi-disciplinary teams
• Detail-oriented and efficient, proactive problem solver
• Outstanding communication (written and verbal), inter-personal and leadership skills
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills

Interested and qualified candidates should:Click here to apply

 

Job Title: Monitoring and Evaluation Officer – Individual Contractor, Abuja

Reference No.: 538632
Location: Abuja
Contract type: Consultancy
Level: Consultancy
Categories: Health, Consultancy

Purpose of Activity / Assignment

• The Public Health Laboratory Services is a department of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) that manages the National Reference Laboratory (NRL), regional reference laboratories and the network of NCDC collaborating laboratories across Nigeria.  This department also provides diagnostic services for public health priority diseases like viral hemorrhagic fevers, meningitis, cholera, COVID-19, monkey pox through the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja and Central Public Health Laboratory in Lagos.
• The M&E officer will provide the technical and operational support for the execution of Gavi-approved interventions and other designated roles on COVID-19 preparedness and response in Nigeria.
• S/he also will build capacity towards improved laboratory response in NCDC’s National Reference Laboratory. He or she will be expected to lead all monitoring and evaluation activities for every laboratory bench and public health disease investigated in the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) and occasionally, will be required to support M &E activities across the NCDC’s network of laboratories.
• He/she will be responsible for the design, coordination and implementation of monitoring and evaluation, research, and learning framework of projects. He/she will develop systematic monitoring frameworks to improve qualitative and quantitative evidence gathered from Projects and will also provide technical assistance to the implementing agencies, particularly in relation to monitoring, reporting and facilitation of use of data for action.

Scope of Work
Development/Refinement of M&E framework:

• Support the development of overall frameworks for project M&E and project Performance Monitoring Plan for the COVID-19, as well as the NRL and its network of laboratories
• Support the development and/or finalization of project work-plans and keep updated in accordance with project activities and timelines as relevant.
• Review the quality of existing data in project subject areas, methods of data collection, and the degree to which it will provide good baseline statistics for impact evaluation.
• Develop baseline data for each project component and for all project indicators.
• Review existing approaches and management information systems and agree on any required changes, support and resources.
• Develop a plan for project-related capacity-building on M&E for the NRL staff

M&E Implementation and Coordination:

• Collect data on a regular basis to measure achievement against KPIs
• Conduct data quality checks as required
• Maintain and administer the M&E database; analyse and aggregate findings for the NRL.
• Support project progress reporting, project mid-term review and final evaluation.

Communication:

• Develop reports on M&E findings as required by stakeholders.
• Provide the Project Manager with management information s/he may require.
• Facilitate use of monitoring data in appropriate fora and in a timely fashion for decision-making. If necessary, create such discussions to fill any gap.

Other duties:

• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Director, Laboratory Services, NCDC.

Requirements

• Master’s in international development, Public Health, Health Policy, Health System and Research, Demographics, Epidemiology, Health Management or similarly relevant fields. Advanced certificate in M&E, statistics or Economics and minimum of 5 years of experience in M/E in laboratory systems strengthening and/or laboratory quality management systems.
• The incumbent must have at least 2 years’ experience in medical laboratory science, molecular biology/diagnostics or similar fields
• Understanding of public health laboratory systems and functions
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders

Knowledge / Expertise / Skills required:

• Compelling evidence of interest in and commitment to the mission of Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
• Demonstrated strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and thought leadership abilities
• Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Reliable people manager, able to manage and promote inclusive and diverse teams within the organization;
• Fast learner, open to learning from peers, subordinates, and supervisors collaboratively and at a rapid pace;
• Results oriented performer, experienced in developing and tracking self and team with clear KPIs;
• Strong verbal and written communications skills,
• Experience in data analysis and/or statistics
• Experience in data gathering, extraction and qualitative research processes.
• Experience with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience in report writing and project administration/management.

Interested and qualified candidates should:Click here to apply

 

Job Title: Technical Advisor (TA) – Project Management – Individual Contractor, Abuja

Reference No.: 538630
Location: Abuja
Contract type: Consultancy
Level: Consultancy
Categories: Health, Consultancy

Scope of Work
Project Planning and Coordination:

• Provide technical thought-leadership and support for the implementation of the Gavi-supported activities and other assigned tasks towards strengthening COVID-19 response, national health security and resilience, as directed by supervisor
• Support the development of implementation strategy and methodology to ensure optimal utilization of available resources while meeting key milestones
• Support the development of NCDC partnership strategy including systems and procedures, internal governance and coordination structures to manage NCDC partnerships
• Provide support in the development of strategic documents (proposals, concept notes, framework, etc) and partnerships for health security
• Support in ensuring that strategic initiatives are implemented and tracked centrally and support strategic planning and resource management for NCDC programmes
• Actively contribute to the transfer of leadership and management skills to designated NCDC team to ensure capacity building

Project Implementation:

• Lead the day-to-day execution of project activities, manage workflows of assigned project officers and maintain schedules to meet key milestones at every project phase
• Monitor implementation to identify potential risks and implement creative mitigation actions to protect implementation process from unforeseen delays and costs.
• Ensure close collaboration and coordination with relevant stakeholders and provide periodic updated on project plans and progress
• Support in operationalising the governance structures within NCDC and ensure that roles and responsibilities managing partners are clear
• Support in collating and review NCDC programs annual operation plans and ensure program initiatives are tracked. Support in implementing sustainability structure
• Provide timely and accurate reporting of pipeline, strategic partnerships and management activities
• Pro-actively track project, activities, budgets and timelines to keep teams on task and achieve schedule targets
• Facilitate routine technical problem-solving sessions with the client and relevant stakeholders to brainstorm implementation challenges and align on decisions to guide the path forward

Project monitoring and reporting:

• Regularly monitor and review project activities to ensure quality, accountability, and contractual compliance with agreed deliverables and performance indicators as per the scope of work
• Lead the preparation of periodic program and financial reports and status of implementation of planned Gavi-supported activities
• Monitor project expenditure and ensure efficient utilization of project resources; liaise with Gavi and NCDC COVID-19 partnership Liaison Lead to adjust Project activities in-line with budget realities as required
• Performance management of strategic initiatives

Organizational learning and documentation:

• Support the documentation of the best practices in the development of projects and prepare sets of necessary materials, tools, and other resources
• Support routine archiving of all project documentation on the organization’s shared drive and oversee clean-up of all documents at the close of projects
• Participate in periodic organization-wide events to share critical insights from the project with other managers and directors
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Academic training: Minimum of Masters’ degree in International Development, Policy and Strategy Development, Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Management or similarly relevant fields
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience implementing development projects, with a good understanding of the operations of the government, donors, and other development organizations
• Experience with project planning/ management to include development of end-to-end project plans for health strategic initiatives, which include supported budgets, timelines and resource utilization;
• Consulting expertise: experience in strategy design or systems strengthening in a recognized consulting firm or health programme
• Certification as a Project Management Professional preferred, but not required.

Knowledge / Expertise / Skills required:

• Compelling evidence of interest in and commitment to the vision and mission of Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
• Demonstrated strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, thought leadership abilities, strategic planning and partnerships
• Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and working knowledge of a Project Management software (MS Project)
• Reliable people manager, able to manage and promote inclusive and diverse teams within the organization;
• Fast learner, open to learning from peers, subordinates, and supervisors collaboratively and at a rapid pace;
• Results oriented performer, experienced in developing and tracking self and team with clear Key Performance Indicators
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, ability to work with and lead interdisciplinary teams, knowledge of all facets of Program Management.
• Develop spreadsheets, diagrams and process maps to document needs
• Organizational skills, including multitasking and time-management

Interested and qualified candidates should:Click here to apply

Application Deadline 11th March, 2021.

 

Job Title: International Consultant to facilitate the development of Guyana and Suriname Country Programme Document (CPD) 2022-2026

Reference No.: 538505
Location: Nigeria
Contract type: Consultancy
Level: Consultancy
Categories: Programme Management
Position level: Senior P5 Level
Duration: 40 working days (between 1st April 2021 – 15th July 2021)
Reporting to: Area Representative for UNICEF Guyana and Suriname

Background
The UNICEF Guyana and Suriname Area Office, in collaboration with national partners, wishes to develop the new Country Programme of Cooperation between the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the Republic of Suriname and UNICEF.The overall goal of the current UNICEF country programme (2017 – 2021) is to support the efforts of the governments of Guyana and Suriname to promote and protect the rights of all children and to give all children equal opportunities to reach their full potential.

During the last two decades, both countries witnessed massive economic development and social transformation. Since 2017, the Governments of Guyana and Suriname have introduced many important national strategies, policies and Programmes to accelerate child centered Sustainable Development Goals.

Despite their qualification as “upper middle-income countries” and the progress realized in the last decades in Guyana and Suriname, inequities and inequalities remains the key factors for child deprivation, especially for children living in the hinterland and those who belong to the poorest quintile families. Under-5 child mortality rate is 39 (Guyana) and 19 (Suriname) per 1,000 live births. Access to education has improved, with an increase enrollment in primary school (95 percent/Suriname, 97/Guyana). However, challenges remain with retention and quality education. In Guyana, the Net Intake Ratio (primary) fell from 77.93 percent/male and 74/female in 2017-2018 to 68.81 percent/male and 65.17/female in 2018-2019. The main concerns remain at upper secondary, with 28% out-of-school children, 31 percent attendance and 24 percent completion rate. Students with disabilities start school later, have difficulty in accessing facilities and have the highest drop-out rate. Epidemic violence remains high: From 2010 to 2019, 70 percent of children (aged 2-14 years) reported experiencing violent discipline by an adult of the household in Guyana; in Suriname, the level increased from 84 to 87 percent. Access to water is high with 98 percent (Suriname) and 94 (Guyana); meanwhile access to clean drinking water remains only at 57 percent (Suriname). 89 percent of households (Suriname) and 87 (Guyana) use improved sanitation facilities.

Both countries are suffering from a severe economic crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a high level of debt (2020). The impact of climate change has also considerably affected social indicators in both countries.

The current program of cooperation (CPD 2017 – 2021) is coming to an end. The Situation Analysis of children and women is currently ongoing in both countries and will serve as the basis for the design of the new Country Program Document and will feed into the UN Common Country Assessment. These Terms of Reference (ToR) specifically  relate to the purpose, scope and process for elaborating a new human rights-based, SDG-centered, equity and life-cycle-focused, gender-sensitive and risk-informed Country Programme Document (CPD) between the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the Republic of Suriname and UNICEF.

Major Tasks to be Accomplished
Under the supervision of the Representative and in close coordination with the Deputy Representative and the Programme Manager, the international consultant will work with the M&E Specialists and Programme Staff in both countries.  The key tasks include;
Review of relevant documents on the Situation Analysis of Women and Children in Guyana and Suriname (Current SitAn, 2019 MTR report, UN Common Country Assessment, UN MSDF evaluation report, gender review, conflict analyses, recommendations from human rights treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review and other studies, research and evaluations conducted during the current programme).

• Facilitate and lead the consolidation of the key finding from the “Strategic Moments of Reflection” (SMR) with UNICEF Country staff and key Government stakeholder to validate Strategic Intent Memos.
• Undertake a series of consultations with key relevant stakeholders and partners.
• Support the development of the narrative of the Programme Strategy Notes and Theory of change formulation for each outcome/ priority area/ sector; and produce a concise next Programme Strategic Note.
• Using the standard CPD format and word limits, draft the new CPD that will be aligned to the UNMSDCF, national priorities, sector strategic plans and strategies, and UNICEF Strategic Plan as well as other global agenda for children and women (the document will also include the results and resources matrix and a costed evaluation plan).
• Prepare for, participate in and facilitate the high-level CPD validation workshop with Government and stakeholders.
• Finalize the 2022-2026 Country Programme Document incorporating inputs and comments from the validation workshop.

Qualifications and Experience
The International consultant should meet the minimum following criteria:

• Education: Master’s degree in social sciences, programme management, Demography, Economy or other relevant disciplines, with specialized training in areas such as social statistics, planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A minimum of 12 years of professional relevant experience and proven expertise with planning and development, including strong understanding of UN’s relevant Programming Guidelines on UNDAF/UNMSDF process, Gender Equality, Human Rights Based Programming (HRBP) approach, Capacity Development, Environmental Sustainability and Results Based Management (RBM)).
• Strategic thinking and influencing decision making.
• Strong writing and analytical skills for quality report writing (sample of a recent analytical report will be requested.
• UNICEF experience in CPD Development required, UN Senior management an added advantage.
• Previous experience in facilitating meetings with large number of participants, including experience virtual facilitating of meetings.
• Strong presentation and communication skills in English (fluency required).
• Strong coordination skills and ability to adhere to deadlines.
• Previous work experience with UNICEF in a similar capacity is an advantage.
• Familiarity with integrated programme design is required.
• Previous experience in linking CPD with the new UNDAF/UNMSDF will be a definite asset.

Other competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective relationships with national partners.
• Demonstrated leadership, coordination and facilitation skills.

For every Child, you demonstrate:

• UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

Interested and qualified candidates should:Click here to apply

Click here for  Terms of Reference (ToR) for CPD Consultant UNICEF Guyana and Suriname

 

Application Deadline 16th March, 2021.

 

Note

• All consultants must include a technical and financial proposal in order to considered.
• UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
• UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
• Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.