Project Coordination Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is part of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), which was established to promote economic and social development in African countries. UNECA aims to foster regional integration and enhance the capacity of African countries to achieve sustainable development. The organization operates in multiple countries across the African continent and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the continent's challenges and opportunities. UNECA engages in various projects and initiatives, including health financing, to support member states in achieving their development goals.

Job Overview:
The Project Coordination Officer will play a crucial role in the Health Financing Project, which focuses on unlocking fiscal space and driving innovation to transform integrated sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and primary health care (PHC) financing in Africa. This project is funded by a donor and is set to be officially launched during the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Morocco in 202

• The officer will be responsible for ensuring that the project is efficiently managed, with timely delivery of activities, organized project-related events, and high-quality narrative and financial reporting that aligns with UNECA regulations and the Grant Agreement. The role requires a proactive approach to project planning, implementation, and monitoring, as well as effective communication and coordination with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Coordination Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Project Planning and Implementation Support: Operationalizing the Grant Agreement and approved Project Document and Budget, preparing and monitoring the Annual Work Plan and Budget, coordinating with relevant ECA divisions and support units to ensure timely implementation of project activities, and organizing project activities, workshops, technical meetings, and the official project launch side event.
• Monitoring, Reporting, and Donor Liaison: Maintaining activity and budget tracking tools, contributing to the preparation of annual and final narrative and financial progress reports, and supporting the organization of quarterly review meetings with donors.
• Operational Coordination and Compliance: Liaising with internal units on procurement, travel, contracts, and recruitment, ensuring compliance with UN regulations, and supporting arrangements with implementing partners.
• Knowledge Management and Communication: Coordinating the preparation of knowledge products and communication materials, supporting strategic communication related to the project, and maintaining organized project documentation.
• Cross-Cutting Programme and Institutional Support: Contributing to internal briefings and updates on the project status, identifying implementation risks and proposing corrective actions, and performing any other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Project Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, International Relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) in the above fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, preferably within an international or regional organization. Experience in coordinating high-level conferences or intergovernmental meetings, as well as experience with donor-funded projects, is desirable. Knowledge of health financing, public financial management, or social sector financing in Africa is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Project Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or International Relations. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s) may be accepted if combined with sufficient professional experience, specifically two additional years of qualifying experience in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management. This experience should preferably be within an international or regional organization, demonstrating the ability to manage complex projects effectively. Candidates with experience in coordinating high-level conferences or intergovernmental meetings will have an advantage. Additionally, familiarity with donor-funded projects, including work planning, budgeting, and results-based reporting, is highly desirable. Experience in health financing, public financial management, or social sector financing in Africa is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English (oral and written) is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Candidates should possess strong communication skills to effectively liaise with diverse stakeholders and partners in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the project is five months, and the position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. It is important for applicants to be aware that the UN does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.