Capacity Development Specialist

UNDP is a key partner to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) and is the UN agency assuming the role of Principal Recipient of the Round 4, 7 and 8 GFATM grants in Zambia. In its role as Principal Recipient, UNDP is responsible for the financial and programme management of the GFATM grant as well as procurement of pharmaceutical, non-health items and required services. In all areas of implementation, UNDP provides capacity development services to relevant institutions, sub-recipients and implementing partners. A Capacity Development Plan (CDP) is being developed by the Ministry of Health (MoH), to enable the ministry to strengthen its capacities to take over the Global Fund Principal Recipient (PR) role in two years. The MoH CDP is being designed, with UNDP support, in a participatory manner to identify the current capacities and the required capacities to carry out the PR role. The CDP covers the following broad capacity areas identified in the GF guidelines: 1) Program Management; 2) Sub-Recipient Management; 3) Financial Management (FM); 4) Procurement and Supply Chain Management; and 5) Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). The Capacity Development Specialist is expected to facilitate capacity development and institutional strengthening in MoH following the activities and milestones set out in the MoH Capacity Development Plan. Summary of key functions: Capacity development and knowledge management support Provide policy advice and strategic technical guidance and leadership Project planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the GFATM Programme Coordinator, the Capacity Development Specialist ensures coordination, management support and monitors progress on the implementation of capacity development activities, with the following responsibilities: 1. Policy advice and strategic technical guidance and leadership: Initiate strategic engagement, discussions and contribute to the understanding of the approach to capacity development for the MOH. Support the further sensitization, ownership and implementation of the capacity development process by the MoH. On the basis of the Capacity assessment process and reports support and oversee the implementation of the MoH Capacity Development Plan to achieve the milestones identified and address the identified weaknesses. Coordinate with Cooperating Partners and other partners to ensure collective understanding, coordinated progress and avoid overlaps in implementation. Provide authoritative policy advice and technical guidance on CDP implementation and delivery. Submit policy proposals, position papers and/or documents for internal and external strategic discussions, consideration, policy formulation and assessment and/or approval. Advise the Global Fund Coordinator on the direction, strategies and technical issues concerning capacity development and institutional strengthening of the Ministry of Health. 2. Project planning, implementation and monitoring and reporting: Support the design and monitoring of measurable capacity development indicators aligned to GF minimum requirements. Participate and advise in the process to prepare ToRs, identify, select and evaluate candidates and/or companies for the implementation of capacity development activities as required. Provide technical guidance and operational support to the Ministry of Health to enhance performance and quality assurance, share knowledge and build capacity. Support the MoH to supervise the implementation of the Capacity Development Plan and report on the outcomes every quarter, based on CDP milestones. Together with MoH identify corrective action where needed to achieve the CDP milestones. Collaborate with the development partners and other stakeholders to enable a harmonized approach and collaboration with the MoH Capacity Development Plan Submit proposals to UNDP management for resource mobilization to encourage donor interests and increase funding for capacity development activities. Establish dialogue with donors, partners and stakeholders to maintain effective working relationship, sustain interests and cooperation. Support MoH to design and conduct a mid-term review of the MoH CDP and revise the CDP based on the findings. Support the design and implementation of capacity development of Sub-recipients where needed. 3. Capacity development and knowledge management: Provide coaching and mentoring to key MoH partners to support the capacity development process Continually track the GF capacities and minimum requirements for a PR and advise the MoH of these and work with them to reflect this in the MoH CDP. Identify, codify and disseminate best practices and lessons learned to build capacity and knowledge, through case studies, guidance notes and other relevant media. Draft and/or develop policy, briefing papers and other position papers for the approval of the Programme Coordinator. Organize and implement training activities for the MoH and Sub-Recipient(s). Impact of results The key results contribute to the overall successful achievement of the Capacity Development Plan and sustainability of the Global Fund Programme in Zambia.

Competencies

Competencies Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values. Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures. Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability Functional Competencies: 1. Knowledge Management and Learning Shares knowledge and experience Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills. 2. Development and Operational Effectiveness Ability to perform specialized tasks related to Results-Based Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting. Ability to provide inputs to business processes, re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems. Ability to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government required. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential part of the job. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required to influence policy-making, and to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents. 3. Leadership and Self-Management Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education The applicant must possess a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, or Public Administration. A Master’s degree in Management, Human Resources, or Education may be considered. Experience A minimum of 5 years professional experience in project management, which includes at least 2 years of international experience in capacity development aspects preferably in developing countries. Solid experience in the management of people and systems in high-pressure environments. Strong IT skills. Experience working with UNDP is an added advantage. Experience working on a GF project is desirable. English language fluency and strong writing skills required.

Capacity Development Specialist