Project Coordinator – Pandemic Fund

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the World Health Organization (WHO), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's initiatives include responding to health emergencies, combating diseases, and improving health systems globally.

Job Overview:
The Project Coordinator – Pandemic Fund will play a crucial role in coordinating, implementing, and monitoring activities under the Pandemic Fund portfolio for Sri Lanka. This position is vital for ensuring the effective execution of the grant funds, which amount to USD 18.4 million, aimed at enhancing the country's pandemic preparedness and health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The coordinator will work under the supervision of the WHO Representative to Sri Lanka and will be responsible for day-to-day project management, ensuring that activities outlined in the project workplans are executed efficiently. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government ministries, technical partners, and other relevant entities, to facilitate multisectoral coordination and communication. The coordinator will also be tasked with preparing comprehensive reports and presentations, developing communication products, and organizing events related to the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Coordinator include:

• Coordinating the day-to-day implementation of project activities as outlined in the workplans.
• Collaborating with government counterparts, particularly the Ministry of Health, and liaising with technical partners.
• Designing detailed action plans for project activities and monitoring both physical and financial progress.
• Collecting and organizing project data from various sources to prepare accurate reports, including donor reports and progress updates.
• Facilitating multisectoral coordination and operational planning for project activities.
• Developing communication and visibility products in line with reporting guidelines.
• Organizing events such as launches and publications.
• Preparing briefing notes and talking points for senior management.
• Performing any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Project Coordinator position include:

• Education: A first university degree (bachelor’s degree) in medicine, health, or public health is essential. An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in health, public health, or a related area is desirable.
• Experience: At least one year of relevant experience in health project coordination and management is essential. Experience working with the government sector or other UN/international organizations is desirable, as is experience with multi-stakeholder coordination in development cooperation.
• Language Skills: Expert knowledge of English is mandatory, along with expert knowledge of a local language (Sinhala or Tamil).
• Skills: Advanced skills in office software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and database management are required. Competencies such as teamwork, communication, respect for cultural differences, and producing results are also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first university degree (bachelor’s degree) in a relevant field such as medicine, health, or public health. An advanced degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in health, public health, or a related area is considered desirable and would enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Project Coordinator position is at least one year of relevant experience in health project coordination and management. Candidates with experience in working with government sectors or international organizations, as well as those who have experience in multi-stakeholder coordination, will be preferred. This experience is crucial for effectively managing the complexities of the Pandemic Fund project.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position include expert knowledge of English and a local language, either Sinhala or Tamil. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and coordination with various stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
Additional notes regarding the position include that it is open to Sri Lankan nationals of all genders, with a particular encouragement for qualified female candidates to apply. The position offers a locally competitive salary package, including health insurance through CIGNA, annual leave of 2.5 days per month, and sick leave of 7 days per year. The WHO emphasizes workforce diversity and maintains a smoke-free environment, not recruiting smokers or other tobacco users. The vacancy notice may also be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade/level.