Head, HRP Secretariat

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent serves as the Head of the HRP Secretariat of the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRH), which includes the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP).

Reporting to the Director, the incumbent develops, coordinates, and provides leadership in the management of international collaborative efforts and partnerships, engaging with WHO Organization-wide management initiatives, and providing senior level management of the finance, governance, advocacy, and knowledge management activities of the Special Programme, contributing to the broader goal of improving sexual and reproductive health and rights globally.

Specifically, the incumbent :

1) Leads HRP's programme of governance activities, including the Policy and Coordination Committee (PCC), HRP's governing body consisting of 34 Member States and other cooperating parties.

Ensures the smooth functioning of HRP's expert advisory bodies that report to PCC, including the Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) and the Gender and Rights Advisory Panel (GAP).

Ensures coordination of work with HRP cosponsors through the organization of twice-yearly meetings of the HRP Standing Committee.

2) Develops and implements policies for programme strategy development, operational planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.

Maintains HRP's Theory of Change and results framework, implementing periodic updates in consultation with stakeholders.

Manages monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the programme, including of key performance indicators and reporting requirements and mechanisms to optimize performance of Programme deliverables.

Leads five-yearly external evaluations, following the guidance of PCC.

3) Liaises and leverages partnerships with other UN Agencies, HRP cosponsors, donors, and research institutions in management and administration to position the technical area of work and implementation into global and / or national policies.

4) Coordinates HRP and SRH resource mobilisation activities, including donor acquisition and retention, negotiation of agreements, and donor relationship management.

Anticipates and resolves significant or delicate problems by dealing proactively and directly with senior and executive-level representatives of donors.

Directs new fundraising initiatives. Negotiates with senior-level national authorities and senior / executive level officials of foundations and other donors.

Collaborates with the resource mobilization office of the institution, including through investment rounds.

5) Oversees HRP and SRH budget and finance matters. Maintains revenue projections and recommends biennial budget levels to the Standing Committee and PCC, recommending adjustment of programme implementation as needed.

Manages the HRP Trust Fund and prepares annual certified reports to HRP Governing Bodies on programme income and expenditure.

6) Oversees the development and implementation of SRH and HRP's advocacy and knowledge management and dissemination strategy leading to global action for the achievement of international development goals related to sexual and reproductive health.

7) Manages human resource planning and implementation for HRP and SRH, working closely with WHO Human Resources and Talent Department.

8) Provides formal and informal briefing on the operations of the HRP Special Programme to : Member States, Cosponsors, PCC participants, HRP advisory body members, staff, and other stakeholders, and in doing so contributes to the efficient administration of the HRP Special Programme.

9) Oversees a Unit of staff specialized within their area of expertise and facilitates the efficient flow of team synergies.

Provides vision and develops, leads, and implements team activities in support of the HRP Special Programme. Promotes an environment of professional inquisitiveness that anticipates new challenges, seeks solutions, and develops and puts into action plans to address them.

10) Perform other related duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential : Advanced level university degree in Business Administration, Management, a health technical area (such as public health) or another field related to the tasks of the position.

Desirable : Advanced University degree in public health or a field relating to sexual and reproductive health.

Experience

Essential :

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in international management and administration, including experience in health policies and strategies.
• Demonstrated experience managing human and financial resources.
• Demonstrated experience at the international level, including working with / in low- and middle-income countries.

Skills

The incumbent will be a visionary and strategic professional with expert knowledge of management and administration and approaches applicable to the UN system.

• Concrete skills in the planning and coordination of multidisciplinary public health programmes, which may include the implementation of a public health or disease control programme.
• Strong skills in strategic planning, developing and establishing administrative polices and strategies.
• Ability to prepare and interpret financial reports, budgets, cash-flow projections, and other financial instruments.
• Excellent skills and ability in managing diverse teams and financial resources.
• Proven skills in mobilizing resources. Ability to engage and communicate effectively and diplomatically with external partners such as ministries of health, donor institutions, civil society, HRP cosponsors, and other stakeholders.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment
• Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential : Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable : Intermediate knowledge of French or other UN official languages.