Perimeter Surveillance and Strategy Manager at the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.  UNOPS provides project management, infrastructure and procurement services with a focus on sustainability and national capacity development.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Perimeter Surveillance and Strategy Manager

Reference Code: VA/2017/B5316/12959
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Job Categories: Project Management
Department/Office AFR, GHOH, Nigeria
Contract Type: Local ICA Specialist
Contract Level: LICA Specialist-9
Duration: 4 months with possibility of extension

Background Information - Job-specific

• The Global Fund is a 21st-century organization designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as epidemics. As a partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and people affected by the diseases, the Global Fund mobilizes and invests nearly US$4 billion a year to support programs run by local experts in more than 140 countries.
• By challenging barriers and embracing innovative approaches, we are working together to better serve people affected by the diseases. In close collaboration with the Federal government of Nigeria (FGoN) through the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health's National Products Supply Chain Management Programme (NPSCMP), we are embarking on an ambitious and innovative approach to the challenges across Nigeria's supply chain.
• To achieve this objective in its continuous efforts collaborating with Donors/Partners, the National Supply Chain Integration Project (NSCIP) was created in 2014 as a transitory mechanism to full Government ownership after a three year implementation
• The goal of NSCIP is to improve on the effectiveness and efficiency of the national supply chain by removing duplications while promoting synergy; strengthening collaboration through mutual participation in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; skill transfer through improved local content participation in project execution which would in turn prevent stock outs of health products in store/facilities, minimise wastages and effectively run the entire system.
• While the Nigeria Supply Chain Integration Project (NSCIP) inception document was being developed in early 2015, one most potent characteristic of the pilot that remained unknown was – its exceptionally high risk disposition. Hence, no sooner than it’s agreed work plan was read out to stakeholders, it was knocked down as key stakeholders (Programs, PRs & some Partners) tactically withdrew largely by passive resistance and apathy.
• Sentinel Surveillance is described by the Project Management Office (PMO) of NSCIP as the - monitoring of her project landscape for risks, and appropriately managing of any risk/issue that could affect its survival/progression or the realization of its objectives.
• The Sentinel Monitoring unit, rather known as Perimeter Surveillance and Strategy - is the biggest lesson of the project’s first year and the “secret” of its resurrection from early “death” in September 2015, survival, sustenance and acclaimed successes.

Functional Responsibilities

• Routinely evaluates key developments, decisions or activities of the NSCIP for risk to the project; formulates strategies for mitigating the risks and exploiting the opportunities as the case may be.
• At the time of its implementation of activities s/he looks at the immediate implications of the activity on the risk groups and advises on possible adjustments so as to avoid problems.
• Provide leadership in the preparation and effective response to crises through managing stakeholders by engagement, collaboration, agreement and consensus so as to maintain core functions when a crisis occurs; and re-organize in response to specific conditions.
• Provide programmatic oversight in screening every activity or decision in order to manage attendant risks before they graduate to issues and prepare to address the se concomitant issues.
• Provide strategic guidance in the review of project work plans and activities to ensure value for money while maintaining the core values of the FMoH system.
• Tailor work plans and activities towards achieving the desired OUTCOMES; manage stakeholders that target OUTPUTS as deliverables to ensure that the outcomes are also realized.
• Participates in internal, national, and interagency technical working groups to ensure adherence to internationally and nationally accepted/directed standards for management of supply chain in-country.
• Act as liaison between NSCIP/NPSCMP and all top Ministry official at the Federal and State levels while maintaining constant link with HMH, all HCH and relevant Directors.
• Guide and advise the STA HMH NWAC and all Senior Advisors to HCHs on State Supply Chains.
• Guide and Advise NSCIP/NPSCMP to align with and promote Ministerial Project/Programme objectives.
• Report to the HMH, HCHs and all Zonal DPSs on Supply Management concerns.
• Carry out additional responsibilities as may be assigned by Supervisor

Key Deliverables

• Risk disposition report of key developments, actions and decisions within and around the Project environment indication risk levels, “what-if” analyses, actions to mitigate or enhance.
• Follow-on Report on previous events highlighting status, effect of actions taken and recommendations for closure or of further actions or references.
• Report on emerging Projects of government and recommendations on how to align project activities to earn increased political will (e.g. NSCIP Year2 involvement in PHC Revitalization that have endeared UNICEF, WHO & FMoH)
• Information on emerging opportunities / threats on the global sphere; actions to be taken to mitigate/enhance.
• Screening report on NSCIP activities undertaken within the given period – highlighting gaps in Work plan assumptions against implementation; possible gaps that arise between output and outcome; measures to mitigate/enhance.
• High level progression report on the project’s critical roadmap and any strategic changes that may be required to gain mileage or mitigate threats.
• Tracking of the fulfilment of the Condition Precedents (CPs) of all programmes and similar obligations that may affect funding of NPSCMP.
• Summary (sentinel extract of all) state & LGA Coordination reports to inform any changes in strategy or review of the reporting tool.

Education/Experience/Language Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy, Public Health, Health Administration and other relevant sciences. A Master's Degree is as added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years experience working in complex supply chain stakeholder environment is required.
• Candidate should have good rapport with top level Ministerial officials at Federal and State levels.
• Must have robust history of achievements in the Nigeria Supply Chain space enough to earn the trust of high ranking stakeholders
• Knowledge of the NSCIP project, Partners and programmes working in Nigeria.
• Familiarity with Nigeria stakeholders
• Experience working at the level of supply chain leadership position i.e experience managing multiple supply chain members and organisation to deliver common objectives.
• Ability to relate with Ministry top level officials and gate-keepers.
• Knowledge of government core values and ability.
• Proven instances of haven pioneered works that involved high level of risks.
• Must have experience in flexible approaches to managing and prioritizing a high workload and multiple tasks in a fast paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions and to remain flexible and calm under pressure.
• Must be proactive in identifying and addressing bottlenecks/issues.
• Experience of establishing strong working relationships with team members and state personnel.
• At least 2 years experience in using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint is required.
• Must have strong communication skills. 

Language:

• Fluency in English Language is required.

Competencies:

• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
• Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Application Closing Date
8th September, 2017.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• This is a local position and only qualified Nigerians are eligible to apply.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Mandatory cover letter: All applicants are requested to support their application by a one-page cover letter explaining the skills, experiences and characteristics that make them especially suited to the advertised position.