Health Programme Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, established to advocate for change and connect countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP operates in 170 countries and territories, working closely with governments and communities to address global and national development challenges. The organization is committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasizes the importance of health and sustainable development, particularly in light of issues such as economic and social inequalities, climate change, and public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. UNDP plays a crucial role in implementing complex health projects and mobilizing resources to support countries in achieving SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. In Angola, UNDP provides technical and financial assistance to the government and civil society organizations to tackle various health-related challenges, including resource mobilization efforts for health initiatives. The organization has been involved in significant projects, such as the COVID-19 Health Resilience Project, which aims to enhance the national response to health crises and improve health outcomes for the population.

Job Overview:
The Health Programme Specialist will be responsible for supporting the quantification and justification of needs for project execution within the health sector. This role requires close collaboration with the Ministry of Health's National Public Health Directorate (DNSP) and other health sector support projects, including those funded by the Global Fund and the World Bank. The specialist will ensure that project activities align with the priorities of the Ministry of Health and adhere to the principles agreed upon with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and UNDP. This position demands a proactive approach to project management, ensuring timely and quality submissions of key documents and reports, as well as effective stakeholder engagement to facilitate project implementation. The specialist will also play a critical role in harmonizing the project with national strategic plans and policies, providing technical advice, and supporting the implementation of public health campaigns.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide effective support and advice to project coordination, ensuring compliance with UNDP’s rules and policies, and facilitating the preparation of Project Steering Committee meetings.
• Build and maintain partnerships with the Ministry of Health, EIB, European Union Delegation, and WHO to ensure national ownership and alignment with related projects.
• Provide technical coordination assistance, ensuring integration of the project into national health strategies and supporting planning processes based on evidence from project implementation.
• Lead knowledge building and sharing by documenting lessons learned and representing UNDP in technical meetings.
• Supervise project team members and collaborate with other health sector support projects to achieve planned results.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks and bottlenecks in project execution, ensuring timely delivery of project activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Public Administration, Public Health, International Development, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Medicine, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience at the national or international level in health products quantification, budgets, and public health programmes (9 years with a bachelor’s degree).
• Proficiency in office software packages and experience with web-based management systems.
• Proven ability to manage diversified partnerships and provide technical advice in Public Health.
• Experience in Programme/Project coordination is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Public Administration, Public Health, International Development, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or Medicine. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in these fields, combined with additional qualifying experience, may also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible relevant experience at the national or international level in health products quantification, budgets, and public health programmes. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree must have at least 9 years of relevant experience. Experience in managing partnerships and providing technical advice in public health is crucial, along with a background in Programme/Project coordination.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Portuguese, both written and oral, is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English and Portuguese are mandatory for effective communication within the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Luanda, Angola, and is expected to be full-time. UNDP is committed to equal opportunity and diversity in its workforce, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and is dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace. Selected candidates may undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to UNDP's standards and principles. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.