Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Office/Unit/Project Description 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. The work of UNDP in HIV and Health is guided by the UNDP’s Strategic Plan (2022-2025) and the HIV and Health Strategy (2022-2025).

UNDP is a founding co-sponsor of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Under the UNAIDS division of labour, UNDP convenes work on law and policy reform support, support to key populations most at risk of HIV: men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people, people who use drugs, and people in prisons and other closed settings. UNDP works closely with Member States, communities, and other UNAIDS co-sponsors to advance the rights of key populations and ensure that HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support services, as well as access to justice and human rights, are delivered in ways that leave no one behind. UNDP is an implementing partner of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB, and malaria and a principal recipient of Global Fund grant in over 20 countries, collaborating closely with all stakeholders on HIV services to key populations. UNDP co-convenes the Interagency Working Group on Key Populations, supports the work of the Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate All Forms of HIV Stigma and Discrimination, the Global Prevention Coalition and supports the UN’s Human Rights Reference Group in the context of law and policy reform and key populations.

The Access and Delivery Partnership project

The majority of deaths caused by infectious disease are of poor people living in LMICs with many occurring in children under five. HIV, malaria, tuberculosis (TB) and other epidemics continue to devastate communities throughout the developing world. The prevalence of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), endemic in 149 countries, also remains high. As part of its work on accelerating progress on the SDGs, UNDP is committed to working with partners to achieve the health-related SDGs specifically aimed to address the sector gap in research and development (R&D) funding for new global health technologies through our partnership with the Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund.

The introduction of new health technologies (broadly defined as medicines, vaccines and diagnostic tools) can place a weighty burden on existing health systems. These burdens may include new requirements within the regulatory system, for supply and distribution, as well as for health personnel training. The Access and Delivery Partnership (ADP) supports LMICs enhance their capacity to access, introduce and deliver new health technologies for TB, malaria and NTDs.

ADP focuses on strengthening the capacity of stakeholders in LMICs to facilitate the development of the systems and processes required to effectively access new health technologies and introduce them to the patients in need. Led and coordinated by UNDP, ADP is a unique collaboration among UNDP, WHO, the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases at the World Health Organization (TDR) and PATH. Working together, the ADP partners leverage the expertise within each organization to provide the full range of technical skills necessary to strengthen capacity in LMICs.

Scope of Work

Under the overall guidance and supervision of Programme Specialist, HIV and Health Group, UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub, the incumbent will support M&E, research and programme planning to facilitate effective implementation of the ADP project. The incumbent is expected to produce the following deliverables:

1.Research and knowledge management

• Lead the identification and prioritization of relevant research questions related to ADP’s key programmatic priorities, including those focused on health system strengthening, UHC, affordable access to health technologies, communicable diseases, digital health and other areas that align with emerging country and regional priorities.
• Contribute to the conceptualization, design and data analysis of a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods that include Health technology assessment, Implementation research, Programme evaluation, Economic evaluation and Health policy and systems research.
• Work with ADP partners on coordinating and managing research studies to ensure effective implementation of activities and timely delivery of outputs.
• Document and disseminate key research findings, methodologies and good practices on critical policy and technical issues, and facilitate knowledge sharing through the development of technical reports, guidelines and other knowledge products.
• Compile, analyse and visualize data across multiple health and development dimensions to identify trends and generate technical insights that can improve programme planning.

2.Monitoring and reporting 

• Lead the development of the Theory of Change and M&E framework for the next phase of ADP, including the development of measurable performance indicators and targets, data collection tools, and analytical methodologies, for accurate monitoring of programme delivery and to strengthen performance accountability of ADP.
• Work with ADP project team and implementing partners to conduct accurate data collection and analysis of project implementation, to inform improvements in efficiency and quality of programme delivery.
• Lead the preparation of substantive reporting for senior management, project board, partners, donors and other stakeholders, and synthesize this information into progress reports, presentations, briefing notes and other communication materials products as required.

3.Technical and programmatic support

• Provide technical and advisory support to ADP on key thematic areas, including communicable diseases, health system strengthening, nexus of climate-environment-health, and digital health.
• Guide the strategic and work planning process of the ADP project, to ensure effectiveness, relevance and sustainability of interventions.
• Provide technical and mentoring support to country offices, project focal points and implementing partners on implementing and managing research activities and the M&E process for ADP, and to identify and address necessary programme adjustment.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

The position will be home-based. The Research and M&E Specialist will report to the Programme Specialist, HIV & Health Team (P3) based in Bangkok Regional Hub.

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results:  LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively:  LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously:  LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility:  LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands  

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner:  LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion  LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Required Education, Experience, Skills and Competencies

Minimum Education requirements

• Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Public Health, Health Sciences, Health Policy, Health Economics, Development Studies or related fields is required, or
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.

Minimum years of relevant work experience

• Minimum 5 years (with Master’s Degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s Degree) of professional experience in conducting health-related research and programme monitoring and evaluation, preferably with expertise in one of the following technical fields: Health technology assessment, Implementation research, Programme evaluation, Economic evaluation, and/or Health policy and systems research.

Required skills 

• Extensive experience in conducting research, document review, data analysis, report and manuscripts development, and communicating key findings.
• Excellent project coordination skills.
• Excellent organizational and communications skills.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• At least 5 years of practical experience in conducting research, including the prioritization of research questions, data and analysis, development of reports and manuscripts, and communicating key findings to different audiences.
• At least 5 years of practical experience in knowledge of project cycle management (situation/context analysis, conceptual models, theories of change, monitoring and evaluation and exit).
• At least 5 years of practical experience in designing or using the M&E system that includes hierarchical indicators, reporting and analytical skills.

Required Language (s): 

• Fluency in English required.

Disclaimer

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements