Programme Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a prominent organization within the UN Development System, dedicated to sustainable development. Established to integrate collective action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNDP operates through a network of Regional Hubs and Country Offices, leveraging local knowledge and global perspectives. The organization focuses on policy development, technical advice, and advocacy, ensuring that issues of risk are integrated into development programs. UNDP's Global Policy Network (GPN) supports its mission by providing technical expertise across various domains, emphasizing innovative partnerships and financing to address health and development challenges. UNDP has been a key partner in global health initiatives, working closely with organizations like the Global Fund and Gavi to enhance health outcomes worldwide. The organization is committed to leaving no one behind, as reflected in its strategic plans and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist will play a crucial role within the Global Fund Partnership/Health Implementation Support Team (GFPHST) at UNDP, focusing on strategic partnerships with the Global Fund and other health initiatives. This position involves providing substantive program and policy advisory services to Country Offices, particularly in their capacity as interim Principal Recipients of Global Fund grants. The Programme Specialist will represent UNDP in key health policy forums, ensuring effective collaboration and maximizing the benefits of health projects. The role requires a collaborative, client-oriented approach, aligning with UNDP's rules and regulations while contributing to capacity-building activities. The Programme Specialist will work across multidisciplinary teams to enhance horizontal collaboration and achieve strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain strong technical and strategic partnerships with the Global Fund and other health partners, ensuring UNDP's effective engagement as a key technical health partner. This includes managing day-to-day technical relationships and representing UNDP in relevant meetings to inform policies and support resource mobilization efforts.
• Provide technical advisory and support services to Country Offices in managing Global Fund projects, leading a Country Team to offer guidance and advocacy throughout the grant lifecycle. This involves conducting feasibility and risk analyses, ensuring compliance with UNDP policies, and facilitating linkages between Global Fund projects and other health initiatives.
• Monitor grant management of Global Fund grants and other health projects, ensuring quality and delivery in line with corporate agreements. This includes overseeing donor reporting, financial performance, and contributing to global tracking tools for performance maximization.
• Ensure capacity development initiatives are effectively implemented, providing technical support to Country Offices in developing strategies for national counterparts to assume the Principal Recipient role. This includes managing audit cycles and implementing recommendations.
• Promote knowledge sharing and development of systems for effective management of Global Fund grants, institutionalizing best practices and contributing to UNDP's knowledge networks.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Public Health, Public/Business Administration, International Development studies, or a relevant field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience will be considered. Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience in managing complex health and development programs, with at least 9 years required for those with a bachelor’s degree. Experience in HIV, TB, or Malaria programs is advantageous, as is familiarity with UNDP and Global Fund policies and procedures. Proven experience in developing partnerships with government and civil society organizations in health and development is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Public Health, Public/Business Administration, or International Development studies. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) is acceptable if accompanied by two additional years of relevant experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health and development programs and for providing effective advisory services.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in managing health and development programs for candidates with a master’s degree, or 9 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. Experience in working with HIV, TB, or Malaria programs is considered an asset, as is demonstrated experience in developing and managing partnerships with various stakeholders in the health sector. Familiarity with UNDP and Global Fund policies is also beneficial, as is experience in representing international development organizations in relevant technical working groups.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French, both written and oral, is required for this position. A working knowledge of Spanish is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners in the health sector.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term appointment with a probationary period for new UNDP staff. UNDP values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions. The recruitment process does not involve any fees.