JOB DESCRIPTION

General Information

Publication for

Partner

Partner Name

WHO World Health Organization

Position Title

Programme Coordination Assistant

Job Category

Support Services

Duty Station(s)

Dhaka

Seniority Level

Entry Level

ICS Level

ICS 04

Contract Type

ICA – LICA – Support – Regular

Contract Level

LICA 4

Posting Start Date

20-Nov-2025

Posting End Date

27-Nov-2025

Duration

6 Months

Job Highlight

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to significant health sector reforms in Bangladesh, working closely with national and international experts. The role provides valuable experience in project coordination, administrative support, and stakeholder engagement within a dynamic and impactful program.

About the Project Office

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is implementing a range of reform measures to strengthen the resilience, efficiency, and equity of the health system in line with the recommendations of the Health Reform Commission (2025). These reforms aim to align Bangladesh”s health system with the principles of equity, participation, and accountability ensuring that health is realized as both a constitutional right and a public good. In this regard, the Ministry has prepared a comprehensive proposal titled “Health Sector Transformation in Bangladesh”, outlining the strategic priorities, implementation modalities, and expected outcomes of the reform agenda. The proposal emphasizes eight key strategic areas including governance and institutional reform, primary healthcare restructuring, workforce planning, financial sustainability, digital transformation, medicine regulation, documentation of transition strategies, and stakeholder communication. The Ministry seeks the technical and strategic partnership of the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the implementation of these reform initiatives.

Job Specific Context

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is implementing a range of reform measures to strengthen the resilience, efficiency, and equity of the health system in line with the recommendations of the Health Reform Commission (2025). These reforms aim to align Bangladesh”s health system with the principles of equity, participation, and accountability ensuring that health is realized as both a constitutional right and a public good. In this regard, the Ministry has prepared a comprehensive proposal titled “Health Sector Transformation in Bangladesh”, outlining the strategic priorities, implementation modalities, and expected outcomes of the reform agenda. The proposal emphasizes eight key strategic areas including governance and institutional reform, primary healthcare restructuring, workforce planning, financial sustainability, digital transformation, medicine regulation, documentation of transition strategies, and stakeholder communication. The Ministry seeks the technical and strategic partnership of the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the implementation of these reform initiatives. WHO will provide technical assistance, policy advice, and coordination support to ensure that the reform measures are effectively implemented and aligned with global best practices in health system strengthening. The Program Coordination Assistant will provide operational, logistical, and administrative support to the Program Manager and consultants involved in the Health Sector Reform Programme, ensuring the smooth coordination of meetings, workshops, documentation, and communication activities. This role is crucial for maintaining efficient operations within the Coordination and Operations Cell (COC) and supporting the implementation of Bangladesh’s Health Sector Reform Programme under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

Role Purpose

The Programme Coordination Assistant provides operational, logistical, and administrative support to the Program Manager and consultants, ensuring smooth coordination of meetings, workshops, documentation, and communication activities related to the Health Sector Reform Programme.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Operational Support

• Provide operational support to the Program Manager and consultants in the day-to-day activities of the Health Sector Reform Programme.
• Assist in the preparation of meeting agendas, minutes, and other relevant documents.
• Coordinate the logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, and other events, including venue booking, equipment setup, and catering.
• Maintain and update contact lists of relevant stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, and technical experts.

2. Logistical Support

• Assist in the procurement of goods and services required for the Health Sector Reform Programme, in compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations.
• Coordinate travel arrangements for consultants and other personnel, including flight bookings, visa applications, and accommodation.
• Manage the inventory of office supplies and equipment, ensuring adequate stock levels and proper maintenance.
• Provide support in the organization of workshops, seminars, and conferences, including participant registration, material distribution, and venue management.

3. Administrative Support

• Provide administrative support in the preparation of reports, presentations, and other documents.
• Maintain and update files and records, both in hard copy and electronic format.
• Assist in the processing of payments and invoices, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial procedures.
• Respond to routine inquiries from stakeholders, providing accurate and timely information.
• Support the Program Manager in monitoring project progress and identifying potential challenges.

4. Documentation and Communication Support

• Assist in the compilation, maintenance, and dissemination of reform outputs, reports, and communication materials.
• Support the development and implementation of communication strategies to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.
• Assist in the preparation of reform briefs, meeting notes, analytical, and policy documents.
• Any other duties assigned by the Program Manager

Skills

Administration, Communication, Documentation, Logistics Management, Microsoft Office, Project Coordination, Reporting

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma with 4 years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor degree in social sciences, business administration, communications or related field is desired.

Experience Requirements

• 4 years of experience in providing administrative, logistical, and operational support in a project or program setting is required.
• Experience in the health sector or with international organizations is desired.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredBengaliFluentRequired

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.