Programme Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees in more than 150 countries, WHO works in various areas including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response. The organization operates in multiple countries, collaborating with governments and partners to improve health outcomes globally.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer plays a crucial role in the effective implementation of WHO collaborative programmes. This position involves delivering strategic and results-based operational planning, programme budgeting, resource distribution, technical monitoring, evaluation, and reporting functions. The officer ensures adherence to organizational guidelines and standards while supporting technical strategic dialogue between the country office and regional office. The overarching objective is to establish a strong WHO country presence that aligns with Member State health and development agendas, harmonizing efforts with the United Nations country team. The officer will be responsible for coordinating the overall results-based management of the country office, ensuring effective execution of public health programmes, and facilitating strategic planning processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support and promote technical dialogue between the WHO country office and WHO regional office during strategic and operational planning, including the country cooperation strategy.
• Coordinate and provide support to the head of the WHO country office and senior staff on the implementation of the one-planning and monitoring approach anchored in the country cooperation agreement at the country level.
• Coordinate the overall results-based management of the country office, including grants management, budget, work planning, and allocation to ensure the effective execution of the WHO country office public health programmes.
• Collaborate with resources mobilization focal point on resources mobilization activities.
• Ensure appropriate use of funds, especially the thematic funding and specified voluntary contributions (VCS) to achieve results.
• Administer the planning, inclusion of critical programme performance measures, monitoring, analysis, and reporting of programme initiatives for the country office for quality results and strategic decision making including in emergency settings.
• Prepare related elements for briefings, proposals, reports, communications, and advocacy documents required for strategic decision-making.
• Organize various programme management meetings, capacity-building programmes, and relevant activities, supporting and ensuring follow-up on agreed action points with relevant stakeholders.
• Administer the implementation of flexible and creative solutions to deficiencies in WHO country office management processes, towards enhanced results-based management, in line with the standard operating procedures (SOPs). Propose revisions to corporately generated SOPs. 1
• Work closely with the health policy adviser or specialist to promote integrated approaches and cross-programme collaboration throughout the results-based management cycle. 1
• Administer the capacity-building programme or initiatives of the country office for all results-based management processes and tools. 1
• Apply the WHO Emergency Response Framework (ERF) to analyse and document WHO performance while ensuring the implementation of remedial programme management actions for effective emergency-response, health interventions.

Required Qualifications:
Essential: A university degree (bachelor’s) in a relevant field such as public health, public administration, management, or administration. For those without a degree in public administration or similar, an accredited academic course, training, or certification in programme planning, development implementation, or monitoring and evaluation is required. Desirable: An advanced university degree (master’s level or above) in public health, public administration, management, or related field.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a relevant field. A bachelor's degree is essential, while a master's degree is desirable. Additional certifications in programme planning or development implementation are also considered valuable, especially for those without a direct degree in public administration or management.

Experience:
Essential: A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in providing programme or project management services in the public sector, international development, or public health programmes. Desirable: Experience in programme management, familiarity with WHO processes and policies, and international-level experience are advantageous.

Languages:
Essential: Expert knowledge of English is required. A working knowledge of another official language would be an asset. Desirable: Proficiency in additional languages can enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position offers an annual base salary starting at USD 41,349, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates may be required to provide proof of vaccination as per WHO's health policies. The organization also emphasizes a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users. Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration.