UNICEF was created in December 1946 by the United Nations to provide assistance to European children facing famine and disease after the Second World War. The organisation soon started to expand its programme to other continents and in 1952, UNICEF Executive Board approved aid for Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time. In 1953, UNICEF’s mandate was extended to become the UN development agency for children. That same year, in October, the first basic agreement was signed to establish UNICEF presence in Nigeria and subsequently an office was opened in Lagos.
Post Title: Project Officer, United Nations Health 4+ (UNH4+), NOB
Vacancy Number: VN-NGR-08-2011
Contract Type: Temporary Appointment
Duration: 364 days Location:
Abuja Deadline for application: 09 August 2011
The United Nations Health 4+ (UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, World Bank and UNAIDS+) is an inter-agency mechanism aimed at harmonizing and accelerating actions to improve maternal, newborn and child health. It focuses on supporting countries to achieve MDGs 4 and 5 by harmonization for effective and efficient use of partner agency resources, taking advantage of its long standing and unique partnership with government, its ability to involve and collaborate with civil society organizations and comparative advantages of technical capacity of collaborating agencies.
The UNH4+ in Nigeria has used the existing processes and systems to streamline the support for the health sector. This has included the support of the development of the Nigerian Investment Case for children, the roadmap for accelerating the attainment of the MDGs relating to maternal and newborn health in Nigeria, the IMNCH Strategy and the current NHSDP.
The focus for the UNH4+ has been to support the scale-up the implementation of a cost effective, evidence-based interventions, emphasizing equity and sustainability.
UNICEF will be the administrative agent on behalf of the UNH4, and will be responsible for preparing annual consolidated programmes and financial reports and disseminate to relevant stakeholders.
Consequently, UNICEF Nigeria seeks the services of a Project Officer, (UNH4+) who will under the supervision of the Health Specialist, and in collaboration with the UNH4+ technical teams, effectively manage resources and project activities related to work at the state and local levels.
The successful candidate will specifically carry out the following duties:
1. Coordinate technical inputs by all Participating UN Organizations and follow-up with the (sub-) national partner on implementation.
2. Disburse funds and supplies in a timely fashion and be accountable for narrative and financial reporting to the joint programme coordination mechanism.
3. Responsible for all general office administration duties, including set up and maintenance of office filing system; handling correspondence and word processing.
4. Prepare, coordinate and administer consultant assignments and trips for local, regional or international staff by assisting in the preparation of the terms of reference, making appropriate hotel and travel booking and other logistics arrangements.
5. Oversee procurement processes, ensuring that quotes and tenders are received as required; and that procurement policies are followed.
6. Maintain appropriate documentation for all project activities
7. Assist the team in organizing logistics for seminars, workshops, and meetings with local and state constituencies, as necessary.
8. Participate in annual assessments and work planning activities and perform any other tasks that may be assigned from time to time related to the State Health Team-Primary Health Care Development Project.
Minimum Qualification & Competencies:
• A University degree or its equivalent in Business Administration, Management or related technical area. Masters degree in Business Administration or management is preferred.
• At least five years’ experience in general administration and project management. Experience working with donor-funded projects in Nigeria, an asset.
• Computer literacy with database management skills, and the ability to effectively use standard office software tools and other office technology to produce reports, create documentation, exchange and archive e-mail, set up and maintain office filing systems.
• Excellent time management, planning and organising skills.
• Strong drive for result, relating and networking skills.
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with people in an international and multicultural environment is desirable.
• Experience developing and administering contractual agreements, taking minutes and preparing correspondences and reports.
• Very good knowledge of English. Knowledge of one or other UN working languages, an asset.
• Initiative, passion and commitment to UN’s mission and professional values.
Method of Application
If you are interested in the position and meet the requirements, please forward your application in a sealed envelope marked ‘confidential’ quoting the vacancy number and addressed to:
The Human Resources Manager,
UNICEF, UN House,
Plot 617/618, Central Area District,
P.M.B 2851,
Garki Abuja
by close of business on Tuesday, 09 August 2011.
Applications will be considered only if accompanied by a completed UN Personal History Form (which can be downloaded by clicking here); your curriculum vitae with your current detailed contact information to include a telephone number & email address and a one-page summary statement that describes how your experience and qualification relate to the job description above. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
UNICEF, a smoke-free environment, is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly females are strongly encouraged to apply.
