Organization: UN Children’s Fund
Country: Panama
Closing date: 19 Sep 2017
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Title: Programme Assistant of the Zika Virus (ZIKV) team in Latin America
Reports to: Emergency Specialist (ZikV Coordinator)
Job Level: GS-5*
Type of Contract: Temporary
Duration: 6 months (with possibility of extension)
Location: Panama City, Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office (LACRO)
BACKGROUND
On 3 March 2014, Chile notified PAHO/WHO that it had confirmed a case of indigenous transmission of Zika virus on Easter Island, where the virus continued to be detected until June 2014. In May 2015, the public health authorities of Brazil confirmed the transmission of Zika virus in the northeast of the country. Since October 2015, other countries have reported the presence of the virus. Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) is the most ZIKV- affected region in the world. More than 780,000 suspected and confirmed ZIKV cases have been reported by 46 countries and territories in the region, and more than 3,300 cases of Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome (CZS) have been reported in 19 countries and territories. Furthermore, three LAC countries have reported evidence of person-to-person ZIKV transmission, most likely via sexual transmission (WHO, 2 Feb. 2017). While many countries have reported a decrease in new cases, the number of infections and the number of new-borns with CZS continues to rise, with pregnant women and women of childbearing age remaining the highest-risk groups.
In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the inter-agency ZIKV Strategic Response Plan (SRP) to guide the ZIKV response. As part of UNICEF commitment to promote and guarantee the rights of children in emergencies, the UNICEF global response plan for 2016 included five strategic objectives: 1) detection; 2) prevention; 3) care and support; 4) research; and 5) coordination. Drawing on its expertise in communication for development and using multi-sectoral approaches for children with disabilities, UNICEF in Latin America and the Caribbean designed and implemented a Zika virus infection (ZIKV) response strategy focused on supporting national governments, partners and communities to control the spread, manage the complications and mitigate the consequences of ZIKV in children and their families.
Since February 2016 and up to date, UNICEF acted in more than 30 countries and territories in Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) to protect women and children from ZIKV and mitigate its impact.
PURPOSE
Under the close supervision of the LACRO ZikV Team Coordinator, the Programme Assistant supports the LACRO ZIKV team through providing a range of procedural, administrative, operational support in developing, implementing, executing and monitoring the team work plan, ensuring timely and effective delivery, in accordance with UNICEF rules and regulations.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
1. Support to programme development, planning and execution.
• Compiles data and information on subject matters relevant to the work of the section to facilitate preparation of reports, working papers, and presentations.
• Prepares and maintains records pertaining to programme planning and development for his/her respective section.
• Carries out transactions in VISION ensuring programme results, activities and programme coding are as per annual work plans (AWPs), and makes amendments and alterations as per section revisions when necessary.
• Arranges meetings, workshops and training courses pertaining to programme development, and provides support in making the necessary logistical arrangements.
• Following up both internally with the Supply section and externally with counterparts to ensure supplies for programme implementation are delivered in a timely and accurate manner.
2. Support to monitoring and reporting of programme results
• Provides support on budget revision/preparation, implementation status, determination position of funding utilization, operational, and financial closure.
• Monitors budgets and financial expenditures of section, ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations, keeping supervisor informed and advised on actions for decision/follow up.
• Prepares and maintains records, documents and control plans for the monitoring of project/programme implementation.
3. Support in resource mobilization
• Compiles and organizes information and data pertaining to donors (both current and potential).
• Compiles and organizes data and information to assist in the preparation of periodic or ad-hoc financial reports relating to country office and donors to support the office in optimizing use of programme funds.
• Carries out transactions in VISION pertaining to grants for his/her section such as registering grant allotments and tracking expiring programme grants.
• Supports the processing of contracts for consultants and external partners pertaining to the section.
4. Support in Knowledge Management and capacity building
• Gathers and shares information as needed in support of improving the processes and daily operations of the section.
Supports capacity development activities related to performance monitoring, programme development, and related internal UNICEF systems/tools by drafting necessary correspondence, compiling data reports and maintaining relevant records.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES
Completion of secondary education, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization. A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible administrative or clerical work experience is required. Experience in ZIKV Response will be an asset. Experience in programme support in multi-country system. Capable of multitasking, prioritizing, and managing time efficiently. Fluency in English and Spanish.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Post is office based in the LAC Regional Office, LACRO, in Panama City, Panama.
SUPERVISION
The incumbent will work under the supervision of the LACRO ZikV Team Coordinator, as part of the LACRO ZIKV team, and under the guidance of ZIKV Regional Advisor.
*General Service Staff are recruited locally, but can be of any nationality. Candidates must be in possession of a valid work permit or be a citizen of Panama to be considered eligible for this post. Please note that General Service (GS) staff are locally recruited staff and therefore, candidates are personally responsible for any travel and accommodation arrangements.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion with in its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from different religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.
How to apply:
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=506962
