Policy Specialist: HIV and Health Group

Background

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP's policy work carried out at HQ, Regional Hubs and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.

Within the GPN, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) has the responsibility for developing all relevant policy and guidance to support the results of UNDP's Strategic Plan. BPPS's staff provides technical advice to Country Offices, advocates for UNDP corporate messages, represents UNDP at multi-stakeholder fora including public-private dialogues, government and civil society dialogues, and engages in UN inter-agency coordination in specific thematic areas. BPPS works closely with UNDP's Crisis Bureau (CB) to support emergency and crisis response. BPPS ensures that issues of risk are fully integrated into UNDP's development programmes. BPPS assists UNDP and partners to achieve higher quality development results through an integrated approach that links results-based management and performance monitoring with more effective and new ways of working. BPPS supports UNDP and partners to be more innovative, knowledge and data driven including in its programme support efforts.

The 2030 Agenda for SDGs and the pledge to leave no one behind reflect the interconnectedness of health and sustainable development, including widening economic and social inequalities, the climate crisis, rapid urbanization, the continuing burden of HIV and other infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis), the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and the emergence of health threats. The scope and scale of delivering health and well-being for all demands innovative partnerships, judicious use of newer technologies (including digital technologies) and financing. As affirmed in the Political Declaration of the 2019 High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) and others are critical partners for delivering on the health-related goals of the 2030 Agenda. Stronger Collaboration, Better Health: Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-being for All outlines how a dozen multilateral health, development and humanitarian agencies, including UNDP, the Global Fund, Gavi and others will collaborate to be more efficient and effective in supporting countries to deliver UHC and achieve the health-related SDG targets. 

UNDP’s partnership with the Global Fund, in line with UNDP’s HIV and Health Strategy 2022-2025: Connecting the Dots, makes a vital contribution to UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the SDGs and the pledge to leave no one behind. 

The Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) supports the Arab States region to achieve sustainable development by eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development, and building resilience to crises and shocks. Within this work, the Regional Bureau for Arab States responds to needs across development settings including Least Developed Countries, Middle Income Countries, Net Contributor Countries and countries affected by crisis, with a view to support the building of resilience, fight climate change, leverage the promise of innovation, and prioritize the advance of women, youth and vulnerable groups as part of its commitment to the principles of universality, equality and leaving no one behind in an increasing complex regional context.

The Regional Hub for Arab States in Amman focuses on thought leadership, crisis response  and country office support. With a focus on effective, timely and responsive support in line with UNDP’s programme priorities and tailored to the emerging and changing needs and priorities in the region, the offer of support includes strategic policy advice, programme development and implementation, capacity development, policy research and analysis, knowledge services, and operations.

Under the overall supervision of the Manager UNDP Amman Hub and the Director: HIV and Health, the policy specialist, who will be based in xx will lead the HIV and health work and support for the Arab States, including working across key teams in the Amman Regional Hub, leading the HIV and health policy work and strive to expand the portfolio through resource mobilization and programme delivery. The policy specialist will contribute substantive programme and policy advisory services to Country Offices (COs) and the Amman Regional Hub, and non-governmental organizations and regional institutions to advance the equitable access to HIV and Health services in the Arab States. The Policy Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations, contributing to the country team approach and support to the integration of capacity building activities.

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

Reporting to the UNDP Director HIV & Health Group (BPPS) and the UNDP Manager Amman Hub, and based in Riyadh (KSA), the regional HIV and health group team leader for Arab States, will support the UNDP Regional Hub in Amman, and country offices across the region provide:

1. Policy advisory and support services, guidance and advocacy to RBAS Country Offices, in implementation of HIV,  health and development projects. The candidate will manage and oversee UNDP’s HIV and health work in the region (e.g., UNAIDS, Global Fund Grants in both UNDP PR and non-PR countries, climate and health, solar for health, and digitalizing health work, investment cases for non-communicable diseases, social contracting for health, etc.)
2. Partnership development and resource mobilization to expand the UNDP HIV and health portfolio in RBAS. (The candidate will build partnerships and synergies with other teams in the Hub, UN agencies, regional partners and entities, regional civil society organisations, and build linkages and working relationships with various governmental, private and intergovernmental organisations in the region.)
3. Knowledge sharing and development of systems and tools for effective implementation of integrated HIV and Health solutions and capacity development of government, national and regional entities. (The candidate will lead and support resource mobilization for UNDP’s HIV and health interventions in the region.)
4. Management and coordination.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. This is a recognition of the interconnected nature of development risks & crises that the world is facing and that call for assembling of multidisciplinary teams for an integrated & systemic response. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across issues, units, functions, teams and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Policy advisory and support services, guidance and advocacy to RBAS Country Offices, in implementation of HIV and other health and development projects throughout the following key responsibilities:

• Utilize the best possible science and digital technologies to generate the evidence needed to inform and influence HIV and Health policies, through working with Amman Regional Hub teams, Country Offices, ministries of health and other government institutions and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to ensure that policy design and delivery is based on the best available evidence.
• Design and deliver key HIV and health solutions that support the demonstration of policy applications, including collaboration with all stakeholders internally and externally, tailoring the support provided to different development contexts, including crisis and conflict settings.
• Manage and strengthen partnership with UNAIDS, WHO and other partners in the region and other entities by leading UNDP’s work on the governance of the AIDS response in the Arab States, in line with the division of labor. Support and enable active involvement of civil society, community organizations, and people living with HIV in policy and programme responses. 
• Provide timely and quality technical advisory support, guidance and advocacy to Country Offices in pursuing new opportunities in the implementation and technical assistance to Global Fund, Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance, Pandemic Fund programmes and other health projects.
• Actively participate and represent UNDP in regional and country-level events ensuring UNDP’s support to health and HIV work is well-represented in relevant forums, meetings, and events. 
• Provide oversight of  the regional component of UNDP’s project with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) titled “Support SFDA Fourth Strategic Plan Implementation”.

2. Partnership development and resource mobilization to expand the UNDP HIV and health portfolio in RBAS with the following key responsibilities:

• Mobilize, foster and strengthen strategic partnerships, including with UN entities and other relevant bodies, private sector at international and regional level and provide inputs to those partnerships in support of UNDP’s HIV and Health portfolio,
• Build partnerships and synergies across key teams in the Amman Regional Hub, with UN agencies, regional partners and entities, regional civil society organisations, and build linkages and working relationships with various governmental, private and intergovernmental organisations in the region.
• Advocate for UNDP services and delivery capacities with government counterparts, CSOs, donor community, international financial institutions and the UN.
• Support resource mobilization efforts, including by developing concept notes, project proposals resulting in concrete contributions to results and enhanced financing for UNDP, Country Offices and the regional programme in the Arab States, 
• Develop and maintain engagement across the Amman Regional Hub, GPN, Regional Bureaus and Country Offices and other UNDP units (e.g., OAI, Bureau of Management Services, Legal Office), and, 
• Identify and support introduction of innovative integrated solutions and measures to further enhance UNDP delivery capacities, professional management and cost effectiveness.

3. Knowledge sharing and development of systems and tools for effective implementation of HIV and Health projects and capacity development of government, national and regional entities with the following key responsibilities:

• Promote global, regional and local partnering and exchange across the Amman Regional Hub, through the HIV and Health team’s and GPN information and learning networks. 
• Support the communication of UN/UNDP policy positions and practice approaches to external support providers to ensure continuity and coherence in all collaborative efforts.
• Develop region wide lessons learned, good practices and generates knowledge to guide the regional programme and CO programmes.
• Institutionalize or help institutionalize good practice and knowledge sharing among partners, country offices, stakeholders, and actively participate in UNDP and other relevant networks (e.g., SparkBlue, communities of practice, etc.), social media and contribute to briefings for regional review meetings, briefing notes, and knowledge sharing, training events and contribute to revision and enhancement of online Manuals.
• Support South-South cooperation, and talent management initiatives and the development, enhancement and management of expert rosters, and detail assignments. 
• Promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture across country offices with the reporting of lessons learnt, results and impact. 

4. Management and coordination

• Manage HIV and Health work and offer for the region, working closely with key Amman Regional Hub teams on strategy, work planning, resource mobilisation and M&E in the areas of HIV and health. 
• Coordinate. with the HIV & Health teams across regions and HQ. 

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

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results:

• Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact.

Think Innovatively:

• Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.

Learn Continuously:

• Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.

Adapt with Agility.

• Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination:

• Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.

Engage and Partner:

• Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

• Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.

Cross-Functional & Technical:

2030 Agenda: People - Health:

• Promoting Effective and Inclusive Governance for HIV and Health.

2030 Agenda: Peace - Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights:

• Human rights and Leaving No One Behind (LNOB).

Communications - Advocacy strategy & implementation:

• Ability to create and implement advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change.

Partnership management - Resource mobilization:

• Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and establish a plan to meet funding requirements.

Business Management - Partnerships Management:

• Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.

Business Direction & Strategy - System Thinking:

• Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Business Management - Portfolio Management:

• Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity;
• Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment;
• Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Public Health, Public/Business Administration, Law, International Development Studies or other relevant field is required, or 
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum seven (7) years (with master´s degree) or nine (9) years (with bachelor´s degree) of progressive relevant professional experience in health, public health, public policy, or related field in.
• At least three (3) years of experience working in UNDP and/or UN agency is required.
• Strong working knowledge of determinants of health and health systems
• Successful track record experience in resource mobilization for health.
• Willingness to travel on duty to different regional UNDP Country Offices, with an expectation of 30% time away from duty station, including frequent missions to the Amman Regional Hub.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience of developing partnerships with national programmes, national authorities like National AIDS Councils or national regulatory entities, and civil society organizations, an asset.  
• Work experience from in the Arab States highly desirable.
• Proven experience managing staff, consultants and partners working in multiple countries. 
• Proven experience engaging with ministries of health, national AIDS councils and other similar entities across countries in the region
• Experience in managing multi-country projects

Language Requirement:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

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