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For every child, a champion.

The current Country Programme of UNICEF focuses on the reduction of maternal, neonatal and under-five mortality and morbidity through health system strengthening. UNICEF provides support for Primary Health Care services and Immunization to the Rohingya and as well to Health Systems Strengthening to the Government of Bangladesh through support through additional Human Resources, Planning, Capacity building, DHIS-2 management, and support for the SCANUs and NSUs. Jointly with Government of Bangladesh, UNICEF has demonstrated novel strategies in establishing integrated health to enrich the DHIS2 through development and / or integration of different components of the MIS for various programme like IMCI, EmONC, Newborn health, EPI. However, there is an inherent weakness within the existing HMIS as population-based coverage data of key MNCH indicators are not collected. The reports generated by HMIS lack completeness to track progress on key MNCH indicators. The current MIS doesn’t capture all the project MIS data that reflects a nationally representative integrated MIS on MNCH. There are also various challenges with regards to Quality-of-Care improvement, and the results-based monitoring and planning of programs.

Health system strengthening components cutting across health financing, service delivery, medicines and supplies, health workforce and governance, embedded in the current health program are yet to be aligned across all existing programs and projects with the national level. Focus should be given to capacity building of health managers at district and sub-district level on data analysis, evidence-based health planning and monitoring. Facility based health management information system is in place, but focus is needed on utilization and data quality aspects. Establishing a strong e-HMIS and e-EPI which are the building blocks of Health system strengthening, will contribute to the sustainability of health system. Support to managers of various health financing functions, supply planning, service delivery and mapping and technical support for capacity building will form key areas of intervention in this role.

How can you make a difference?

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

The Health Officer will report to the Health Specialist Team Lead. The Health Officer-HSS will provide professional technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the programming process for the Health Programme goals on objectives within the Country Programme on all the pillars of Health System Strengthening.

The Health Officer will play an important role in establishing and maintaining information and data from development planning to delivery of results, by preparing, executing, managing, and implementing a variety of technical and administrative programme tasks to facilitate programme development, implementation, programme progress monitoring, and evaluating and reporting of results. This will include using various tools for planning, guidance on health financing, human resources for health and supply chain management. Focus will be on transformation of digital health and digitalization of the electronic Expanded Programme on Immunization (e-EPI), more importantly supporting programme with data generation, data integration, data visualization and establishing electronic Health Management Information Systems (eHMIS). This will include:

1. Support to programme development and planning for Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) core functions of service delivery, financing, medicines, HIS, health workforce and governance.

2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results, data management and preparation of reports, including introduction of newer technologies – e-HMIS, e-EPI, digital health platforms.

3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation, support to program planning and management of health supplies and partners.

4. Networking and partnership building with health stakeholders, government, and health sector.

5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building, of stakeholders.

1. Support to programme development and planning for Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) core functions of service delivery, financing, medicines, health information systems, health workforce and governance

• Conduct and update the situation analysis for the development, design, and management of health-related programmes covering core functions of the Health Systems Strengthening (HSS)

• Contribute to the development and establishment of sectoral programme goals, objectives, strategies, and results-based planning. Coordination on annual work planning, its approval, HAC and JRP etc.
• Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing and administering a variety of technical programme transactions, preparing materials and documentations, and complying with organizational processes and management systems, to support programme planning, results-based planning, and monitoring and evaluation of results.
• Prepare required documentations and materials to facilitate the programme review and approval process.

2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results, data management and preparation of reports, inclusive of the use of newer technologies

• Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to discuss operational and implementation issues, provide solutions, recommendations, and/or to alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level intervention and decisions.
• Coordinate the donor reporting (writing and editing) for the health section and liaison with other relevant sections towards it’s timely submission. Keep record of reports and assessments for easy reference and to capture and institutionalize lessons learned.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with government and other counterparts to assess programmes and to report on required action/interventions at the higher level of programme management. Collaborate with relevant sections for internal and external reporting like RAM, CRAVE, Sitreps etc.
• Monitor and report on the use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative, and other assets), and verify compliance with approved allocation and goals, organizational rules, regulations, procedures, as well as donor commitments, standards of accountability, and integrity. Report on issues identified to ensure timely resolution by management and stakeholders. Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution.
• Provide technical support to the roll out of newer technologies such as e-HMIS, e-EPI, digital health platforms, and e-tracker roll out for EPI and maternal health. Apply newer technologies and innovative approaches and promote good practices to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.
• Maintain database and information management for the section through the use and update of regular dashboard and UNICEF reporting mechanisms for HAC and JRP, highlighting progress and achievements.

3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation, support to program planning and management of health supplies and partners

• Conduct regular programme field visits and surveys, and share information with partners and stakeholders to assess progress and provide technical support and/or refer to relevant officials for resolution. Report on critical issues, bottlenecks, and potential problems for timely action to achieve results.
• Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners, and other country office partners/donors on the application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes, and best practices on health-related issues to support programme implementation, operations, and delivery of results.
• Provide regular monitoring and management of health supplies, working with partners to ensure that timely utilization of resources and prepositioning for emergencies.
• Provide support to program implementation through management of partners and ensuring timely processes are maintained for HACT, liquidations and reporting.

4. Networking and partnership building with health stakeholders, government and health sector

• Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with health sector, government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to enhance programme implementation and build capacity of stakeholders to deliver concrete and sustainable results.
• Draft communication and information materials for programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances, and support fund raising for health programmes. Provide donor support visits.
• Participate in appropriate inter-agency partners/colleagues on health programmes/projects, and to integrate and harmonize UNICEF’s position and strategies.

5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building, of stakeholders

• Identify, capture, synthesize, and share lessons learned for knowledge development and to build the capacity of stakeholders.
• Engage with colleagues across the country and office of Cox’ Bazar as well as with partners, for the production, sharing, utilization and management of knowledge products, and creating space for learning and knowledge sharing through various forums.
• Research and report on development trends (e.g., political social, economic, health) for higher management use to enhance programme management, efficiency, and delivery of results
• Manage internal webinars and meetings, and it’s related logistics, for exchange of knowledge on the health programme
• Design and rollout of internal management and reporting tools that track programme activities.
• Coordinate and manage the video newsletters, draft/proofread scripts/ stories, and other communication products that feature from the health programme. Promote content publishing via internal channels, including ICON, Yammer, external channels, UNICEF websites and other social media.
• Collaborate with the Communications, Advocacy and Partnerships (CAP) team to improve visibility and presence online.
• Assist with oversight of research and ensure results are available for use in knowledge products.
• Participate as a resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients and stakeholders.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  JD Health Officer – NOB TA.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: A University degree in one of the following fields is required: public health, pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, biostatistics, epidemiology, ICT, or another relevant technical field.
• Work Experience: A minimum of two years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: public health planning and management, health management information systems, maternal and neonatal health care, health emergency/humanitarian preparedness or knowledge management.

Good knowledge and understanding of the health sector, including national-level policies, programs, and best practices.

Experience in working collaboratively with internal teams and partners

Experience in analyzing complex data, identifying trends and drawing sound conclusions.

Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Bengali is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Desirables:

Experience working with DHIS-2, HMIS, e-tracker, digital health or relevant health monitoring tools.

Experience in developing and managing Knowledge Management products and newsletters

Ability to communicate complex technical information to stakeholders through clear and accurate narratives and data visualization.

Proficiency in technology platforms for knowledge-sharing specific to UNICEF (i.e. including Office 365 – specifically MS Sharepoint, Excel, PowerBI, Drupal, and Power Automate)

Relevant experience in Bangladesh with UN system agency or organizations.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (1)

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (1)

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact (1)

(4) Innovates and embraces change (1)

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

(6) Thinks and acts strategically (1)

(7) Works collaboratively with others (1)

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes[KR5] , and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information. The genuine and complete vacancy announcements are published on UNICEF Careers website at https://jobs.unicef.org/en-us/listing/

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

UNICEF is an equal-opportunity employer, we actively encourage applications from female candidates, gender-diverse individuals and people with disabilities.

UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/

The VA is open to all (internal and external candidates)

Internal candidates may be given preference over external candidates. The term “Internal” refers to all staff members with fixed term, continuing or permanent appointments. Internal candidates who are legally permitted to work for UNICEF in Bangladesh, independently of UNICEF appointment, will also be considered.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their candidate profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in the Applicant system in order to be considered.  The information submitted will be used for administrative purposes, salary/step determination and conditions of employment. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be accepted for applications that have already been submitted for this position.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.