Planning Officer – NOB

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank. This partnership aims to implement the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Project (HEPRR-MPA) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The organization focuses on addressing public health emergencies and improving health systems, particularly in the context of high cervical cancer prevalence and mortality rates in the country. The WHO's global strategy launched in 2020 aims to eliminate cervical cancer through evidence-based interventions, including HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment. The organization emphasizes intersectoral collaboration among stakeholders, including various ministries and communities, to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare. The project aligns with WHO's recommendations for secondary prevention and aims to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with cervical cancer while adhering to standards for preventing exploitation and abuse.

Job Overview:
The Planning Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation of the HEPRR-MPA project, focusing on monitoring and evaluation. The position requires the development of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan to track project activities and expenditures. The officer will coordinate with technical leads to provide updates to donors on field results, which will serve as advocacy tools. The role involves managing daily project activities, monitoring financial expenditures in line with donor eligibility criteria, and ensuring compliance with legal and financial requirements. The officer will also engage with donors and stakeholders to identify funding opportunities and maintain regular communication regarding project implementation requirements. The position demands strong analytical skills to report on expected results and activities, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with various partners to enhance project visibility and resource mobilization efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities of the Planning Officer include: developing a monitoring and evaluation plan for the HEPRR-MPA project; coordinating with technical leads to prepare donor updates on field results; managing daily project activities in close collaboration with the project coordinator; monitoring financial expenditures in accordance with donor eligibility criteria; communicating with the ERO in Kinshasa regarding legal and financial authorizations; proactively seeking donor interests and funding requirements in the targeted provinces; providing technical advice to the project coordinator and ERO on funding opportunities; maintaining regular contact with donors and sub-offices to ensure compliance with implementation agreements; liaising with technical leads and budget staff to ensure proper fund allocation; drafting reports on expected results and activities; collaborating with the UGPDSS representatives to ensure accurate reporting of WHO updates; utilizing communication products effectively for advocacy; and performing any other related tasks as requested by management.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a bachelor's degree in epidemiology, social sciences, public health, health information, or a related field from a recognized university. Additionally, specific training in donor reporting, report writing, and project management is desirable. Candidates should possess at least two years of relevant experience in donor reporting for emergency programs, with documented achievements in project management and support for humanitarian activities. Experience working with WHO, UN partners, or recognized international NGOs is essential. Desirable qualifications include experience in engaging with high-level government officials and influencing decision-makers within public and international organizations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as epidemiology, social sciences, public health, or health information from an accredited institution. Additional training in donor reporting and project management is preferred, enhancing the candidate's ability to fulfill the role effectively.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of relevant experience in donor reporting and project implementation is required. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing projects in emergency contexts, particularly in health interventions. Experience with WHO or UN agencies, as well as international NGOs, is highly valued. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in writing reports under tight deadlines and managing project activities effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in French is essential, along with practical knowledge of English. Knowledge of local languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning that only applications from nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo will be accepted. The remuneration will be based on the NOB grade according to the United Nations salary scale applicable in the DRC. The vacancy notice may also be used to identify candidates for similar consultancies at the same level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be part of the screening process. Applicants selected for an interview will need to provide scanned copies of their required educational qualifications. WHO is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women and nationals of underrepresented member states. The organization maintains a smoke-free environment and has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse.