The programme management specialist works with the senior management /head of the WHO office to guide and manage the delivery of programme management support through effective results-based planning and management, budgeting, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of collaborative programmes. The programme management specialist may introduce new approaches to enhance programme management services, particularly in challenging or emergency settings.

Key Duties

The incumbent will perform all or part of the following, and other related responsibilities as required by the needs of the office.

• Coordinate strategic dialogue as part of the strategic and operational planning for the country office, working closely with the different technical teams.
• Provide advice to the head of the WHO office and senior staff on the implementation of the one-planning and monitoring approach anchored in the Country Cooperation Agreement at the country level.
• Work closely with the Health Policy Adviser or Specialist to promote integrated approaches and cross-programme collaboration in the entire results-based management cycle that is anchored in the country cooperation strategy.
• Manage 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.
• Coordinate the overall results-based management of the country office including grants management, budget, work planning, and resource allocation to ensure the effective execution of the head of the WHO 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.
• Organize various programme management meetings, capacity-building programmes, and relevant activities, guiding and ensuring follow-up on agreed action points with relevant stakeholders.
• Develop flexible and innovative solutions to support WHO’s outbreak and health emergency operations, in line with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the incident management system.
• Manage the implementation of flexible and creative solutions to deficiencies in head of the WHO office management processes, towards enhanced results-based management, in line with the SOPs. Propose revisions to corporately generated SOPs.
• Manage the capacity-building programme or initiatives of the country office on all processes and tools for managing results.

Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing Results
• Ensuring effective use of resources
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Functional Knowledge And Skills

• Delivering public health and health sector programmes and activities in developing countries and/or in the context of emergency response relief or preparedness for epidemic-prone diseases.
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis and reporting methods
• Demonstrated capacity to foster internal (within country teams) and external collaborations with various stakeholders including Member States and partners.
• Facilitating strategic planning processes.
• Results-based management with training in results-based planning and monitoring frameworks, particularly in the area of public health.
• Programme management in the context of emergency situations, in particular the WHO Emergency Response Framework (ERF).
• Excellent oral and written communication, including for reports, presentations and technical documents.
• Ability to propose innovative approaches and solutions to challenging situations.
• Organizational planning frameworks, in particular the WHO Planning, Budgeting and Monitoring framework.
• Ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as helping others to do the same.

Information And Technology (IT) And Other Skills

• Proficiency in computers and office software packages, handling of web-based management systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and Cloud Management Enterprise System such as Workday.

Requirements

Educational Qualifications

• Essential: Advanced university degree (master’s) in a relevant field (such as public health and/or management, accounting, business/public administration or physical or social sciences). Specialized training/certification in health programme management (such as planning, monitoring, evaluation of public health programmes).
• Desirable: Specialized training in planning, results-based management and/or project management.

Experience
Essential:

• A minimum of seven years of work experience relevant to the position (in planning, implementation, monitoring and enhancing of programme management services – including budgets – in international development/public health programmes, programme planning, monitoring and evaluation). Experience in developing countries including in emergency settings. Experience in management of programme budget reporting especially on impact/ results.

Desirable:

• Some of the above-listed experience to have been obtained at an international level.

Use Of Language Skills

• Excellent knowledge of English or French (depending on the country of assignment). Working knowledge of another WHO official language would be an asset.