Health Manager, P-4, Temporary Appointment - 9 months, Nairobi, Kenya #126927 (Open to Non-Kenyans)

The Health Manager provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable results according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM), organizational Strategic Plans and goals, standards of performance, and accountability framework.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

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For every child, health

Health | UNICEF

How can you make a difference?

The Health Manager reports to the Health Chief (Level 5) for guidance and general supervision. The Health Manager supports the development and preparation of the integrated reproductive maternal newborn child adolescent health (RMNCAH) equity programme and is responsible for managing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting the integrated RMNCAH equity programme progress within the country programme. The Health Manager provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable results according to plans, allocation, results-based-management approaches and methodology (RBM), organizational Strategic Plans and goals, standards of performance, and accountability framework.

1. Integrated RMNCAH equity programme development and planning
2. Integrated RMNCAH equity programme management, monitoring, and delivery of results
3. Technical and operational support to integrated RMNCAH equity programme implementation
4. Networking and partnership building.
5. Innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building

 Integrated RMNCAH equity programme development and planning

• Support and contribute to the preparation, design, and updating of the situation analysis for the Integrated RMNCAH equity programme to establish a strategic plan for the development, design, and management of the Integrated RMNCAH equity programme-related programmes. Keep abreast of development trends to enhance programme management, efficiency, and delivery.
• Participate in strategic integrated RMNCAH equity programme discussions on the planning of programmes. Formulate, design, and prepare the Integrated RMNCAH equity programme work plans, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, the Country Programme.
• Establish the Integrated RMNCAH equity programme goals, objectives, strategies, and implementation plans based on results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM). Prepare required documentation for programme review and approval.
• Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies, and to determine national and supported counties' priorities and competencies to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results.
• Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes to ensure integration, coherence, and harmonization of programmes/projects with other UNICEF sectors and achievement of results as planned and allocated. 

Integrated RMNCAH equity programme management, monitoring, and delivery of results

• Plan and/or collaborate with internal and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators, and other indicators and measurements to assess and strengthen the performance accountability, coherence, and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the assigned sector in the Integrated RMNCAH equity programme.
• Participate in the Integrated RMNCAH equity programme monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews, and annual reviews with the government at the national and county level and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions to achieve results.
• Prepare and assess Integrated RMNCAH equity programme monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths, and/or weaknesses in programme management, identify lessons learned, and use the knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
• Actively monitor the Integrated RMNCAH equity programme through field visits, surveys, and/or exchange of information with partners/stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks, and potential problems and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
• Monitor and verify the optimum and appropriate use of Integrated RMNCAH equity programme resources (financial, administrative, and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations/procedures, donor commitments, standards of accountability, and integrity, ensuring timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
• Prepare regular and mandated Integrated RMNCAH equity programme reports for management, donors, and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.

Technical and operational support to integrated RMNCAH equity programme implementation

• Provide technical guidance and operational support to government at national and sub-national levels (with a focus on the NE ASAL) counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners, and other country office partners/donors on the interpretation, application, and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes, and best practices and approaches on Integrated RMNCAH equity programme related issues to support programme development planning, management, implementation and delivery of results.
• Participate in discussions with national and sub-national level (with a focus on NE ASAL) partners, clients, and stakeholders to promote health and development issues, especially in the areas of the Integrated RMNCAH equity programme.
• Draft Integrated RMNCAH equity programme policy papers, briefs, and other strategic programme materials for management use, information, and consideration.

Networking and partnership building.

• Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with Integrated RMNCAH equity programme government counterparts at national and sub-national levels (with a focus on the NE ASAL), stakeholders, as well as global partners, allies, donors, and academia. Through active networking, advocacy, and effective communication, build capacity and exchange knowledge and expertise to facilitate the achievement of Integrated RMNCAH equity programme goals on child rights, social justice, and equity.
• Prepare Integrated RMNCAH equity programme communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances, and support fundraising for the Integrated RMNCAH equity programme.
• Participate and/or represent UNICEF in appropriate discussions and planning on Integrated RMNCAH equity programme-related issues to collaborate with partners/colleagues on Integrated RMNCAH equity programme planning, monitoring, and implementation, ensuring organizational position, interests, and priorities are fully considered and integrated into development planning and agenda setting.

Innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building

• Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders, and to support the RMNCAH equity programme implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.
• Keep abreast and research to provide evidence for the implementation of best and cutting-edge practices in integrated RMNCAH equity programming.
• Assess, institutionalize, and share best practices and knowledge learned.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable RMNCAH equity programme delivery.
• Organize and implement capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies of stakeholders to promote sustainable results on the RMNCAH equity programme-related programmes.

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

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health, primary health care community health, programme management, epidemiology, child health, reproductive health, maternal and newborn health, or a related field.
• A minimum of eight years of professional experience in one or more of the following programme management areas is required: public health, primary health care, community health, programme management, epidemiology, child health, immunization, reproductive health, maternal and newborn health, or a related field.
• Demonstrated relevant professional work experience in Programme Management; hands-on technical expertise in implementing health and other social sector-related projects and programmes; field experience managing development projects in Public Health and related fields; experience with management of large scope donor-supported projects in the health and related sectors; experience engaging and managing working relationship with donors, implementing partners, and Government authorities; experience managing multi-disciplinary, high-performance teams; and expertise in delivering in complex and highly demanding environments.   
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

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

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others (8) Nurtures, leads and manages people

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

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, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. 
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. 

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also 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 cancelled.

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.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government 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.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.