Project Support Officer at UNOPS

Vacancy code: VA/2016/B5316/11263
Department/office: AFR, GHOH, Nigeria
Contract level: LICA-3
Contract type: Local ICA Support
Duration: 1 year

Background Information - Job Specific

• The National Product Supply Chain Management Program (NPSCMP) domiciled in the Food & Drug Services Department of Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) commenced the process towards an effective and efficient supply management system in the country in 2012.
• The main objective was to collaborate with other programmes and projects within the FMOH especially HIV/AIDs, TB, Malaria, Reproductive Health and Vaccines and immunization (ATMRHV) to ensure effective and coordinated management of their supply chains.
• 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 its termination in 2017.
• The goal of NSCIP is to effectively and efficiently integrate Health Programmes Supply Chain Management activities for Procurement and Supply Chain Management (PSM) services that would prevent stock outs in store/facilities, minimize wastage and effectively operationalize the entire system. After extensive discussions, planning and resource mobilization, GON and Donors agreed that this intervention would be deployed to 14 prioritized high disease burden states with subsequent scale up to other states of the country.
• The overall vision of the NSCIP is captured in 4 work stream which are as follows:
  • Strengthen the Federal and State Government coordination.
  • Establish a network of Zonal Hubs (Warehouses) operated under a Public Private sector Partnership (PPP) covering all HIV, Malaria, TB, Reproductive Health and Vaccines where possible.
  • Integrate Logistics and Transportation including Last Mile Delivery.
  • Establish Logistics Management Coordination Units (LMCU) at State level and deploy Logistics Management Information System (LMIS).
• The NSCIP which is the Project Management Office (PMO) for the Nigeria Integration Project is rapidly scaling up its activities towards actualizing its set goal and as a result would require the expertise of Project Support Officer.

Functional Responsibilities

• The main objective is to support the Project Manager/s and PMO in the co-ordination, planning and control of the project work streams.
• S/he works under the supervision of the Project Manager/s to ensure the agreed project management methods and standards are implemented throughout the project cycle.

Responsibilities:

• Define and document procedures in accordance with agreed methodology.
• Ensure seamless coordination and management of various Project support services
• Ensure effective and efficient workflow process for each project implementation cycle up to GFA review process
• Ensure smooth initiation of various work stream implementation and ensure they are properly retired in line with GF requirements when completed.
• Ensure effective liaison between PMO and other external stakeholders
• Ensure the agreed project management methods, standards and processes are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assist the Project Manager/s and Team Managers in the development and maintenance of project plans.
• Develop and maintain the project library, filing, recording and reporting systems.
• Develop and implement appropriate configuration management procedures
• Co-ordinate the production of all reports and produce project summary reports.
• Set up and maintain systems for recording project costs
• Align and document procedures in accordance with agreed methodology
• Advise and assist project team members in the application of project procedures disciplines and recording and reporting standards.
• Maintain risk and issue logs and change control records.
• Develop and support effective communication mechanisms between the project teams.
• Support the project technical team and Project Manager/s in preparation of project’s procurement plan and ensure the timely implementation of the project Procurement Plan in-conjunction with UNOPS desk.
• Support in the identification of suitable suppliers that could provide required goods and services for the project.
• Ensure appropriate Fleet management procedure in line with the project manual
• Support the coordination and preparation of reports: monthly and quarterly reports, semi-annual and annual programme reports, and any other required programme/indicator reports.
• In conjunction with Planning /M&E team track and analyse programme monitoring indicator data quality issues and implement agreed strategies designed to improve the situation
• Undertake any other administrative tasks as may be assigned by the Project Manager/s.

Competencies
Technical Competencies:

• Organization & Planning: Ability to plan, organize and coordinate services; Ability to handle multiple tasks and recognize priorities, working within tight deadlines;
• Computer skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook; Word and Excel with knowledge of Power Point desirable, Internet research; 
• Project coordination experience, and the ability to work well with all levels of internal management and staff, as well as outside clients and vendors;
• Sensitivity to confidential matters is required.
• knowledge/sensitivity on local social, political, economic realities and dynamics in order to use appropriate influencing and dialogue strategies; Ability to share this information with others, generating a common interest and team working dynamics around this issue; tailor management strategy accordingly and adjust the management response to challenges and problems arising.

Core Competencies:

• Personal Effectiveness: Proactively find innovative and creative solutions, be efficient and reliable, adapt to change and uncertainty, be decisive and act with integrity;
• Working with Others: Build effective internal and external relationships, involve others to solve problems and treat others with consideration and respect;
• Core Expertise: Passion for building and developing core skills for the role and contribute knowledge outside of their immediate role;
• People Leadership: Effectively motivate, influence and develop others, drive high performance, inspire people to follow them and act as a role model;

Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management, Public Health, Science, Social science, Management or any related discipline. 

Experience:

• 5 years relevant work experience in any of these disease programs; Reproductive Health, TB, Malaria, and HIV/AIDS preferred.
• At least three years in Project Support in Logistics and Supply Chain Management in the health sector.
• Experience working with Government will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of health commodity procurement and/or supply chain management environment is strongly preferred.
• Exceptional management, interpersonal and cross-cultural sensitivity to effectively relate to all levels of staff and members of the donor/partner organisations.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills to think and plan strategically with ability to translate this into practical operational system.
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office applications.
• Project planning ability.

Languages:

Fluency in spoken and written English is required.