Liaison Officer at UNOPS

Liaison Officer

Employer: UNOPS

Employment: Full-Time | Permanent

Place of Work: Addis Ababa - Ethiopia

Posted date: 1 week ago

Deadline: February, 06/2025 (2 days left)

Background Information - Job-specific

The Stop TB Partnership (STBP) is a UNOPS hosted agency which has its secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland. Established in 2001 the vision of the STBP is to realize the goal of elimination of tuberculosis (TB) as a public health problem and, ultimately, to obtain a world free of TB by ensuring that every TB patient has access to effective diagnosis, treatment and prevention; stopping transmission of TB; reducing the inequitable social and economic toll of TB; and developing and implementing new preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic tools and strategies. The STBP is uniquely positioned to support the development and further implementation by partners of the Global Plan to End TB, acting as a coordinator and catalyst for the broad range of partners engaged in the fight against TB.

The African Union (AU), established as a unique Pan African continental body, is mandated with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among its and African States as well as developing a new partnership worldwide. The AU aims to end tuberculosis (TB), AIDS, and malaria by 2030 as part of its bold health agenda. The AU Commission has led advocacy, accountability, and resource mobilization efforts, working closely with international partners.

In 2018, AU Member States endorsed the Common African Position on TB during the UN General Assembly, reinforced by the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) Declaration on TB. Notably, several African leaders also joined the Coalition of Leaders to End TB, launched by Stop TB Partnership at the UNHLM in September 2023. In 2018, African Heads of State and Government endorsed the African Continental End TB Accountability Framework for Action and the End TB Scorecard Initiative at the Nouakchott summit. The AU Commission, supported by WHO and the Stop TB Partnership, now produces annual TB scorecards to monitor progress under this framework.

The STPB and the African Union Commission work collaboratively to support Member States to meet TB commitments and targets made at the 2023 United Nations High-Level Meeting on TB. The two agencies also work together to ensure that high-burden countries are championing TB response, raising awareness and influencing other countries to join in the TB Movement. This collaborative effort significantly strengthens the TB response in Africa by fostering leadership, accountability, resource mobilization, and innovative partnerships.

Functional Responsibilities

The incumbent will work with the Africa Union in Addis Ababa under the day-to-day supervision of Senior Technical and Partnerships Specialist under the Health, Diseases and Nutrition Division - Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development Department, and will also report to the Team Leader of Advocacy and Communication of Stop TB Partnership.

Duties and responsibilities include:

a) Coordinate the submissions of progress reports from Member States on the implementation of the TB score card, highlighting ownership and accountability measures. Review for quality, and ensure they are submitted in a timely manner to the relevant Policy Organs for endorsement.

b) Contribute to strengthening advocacy efforts for increased political commitment and funding for TB.

c) Support the AU in organizing World TB Day and other events in collaboration with the Stop TB Partnership.

d) Contribute to organizing Technical Consultative Meetings to promote innovations in TB and explore financing options to support TB programs in Member States.

e) Facilitate and support activities that will promote skills transfers and capacity building through South-to-South collaboration

f) Assist in organizing monthly calls with Stop TB Partnership and submit quarterly reports, to ensure that Stop TB Partnership is kept informed of progress and opportunities.

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.Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.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.Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• A first level University Degree in development studies, public health, global health policy, epidemiology, social sciences or related disciplines is required

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in TB, such as coordinating/implementing TB programmes, strategic planning, management and control initiatives, research or related areas is required.
• Experience in training/capacity building is required.
• At least 2 years’ experience working in Africa is required
• Experience in advocacy preferably in supporting high-level policy dialogue especially towards domestic resource mobilization, sustained political commitment and accountability, is preferred
• Some understanding of the health systems on the continent and fair knowledge of operations of the Ministry of Health in Member States is preferred.
• Experience in the preparation of, and technical proposals and reporting for advancing public health initiatives and programmes, and related goals and objectives towards controlling and ending Tuberculosis is desired.
• Demonstrable experience in report writing, drafting scientific and technical documentation for executive level consumption and/or peer review is desired.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English Language is required.
• Familiarity or fluency in French will be considered as an advantage

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)Contract level: IICA-1Contract duration: 1 year (With the possibility of extension subject to performance and funding availability)

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.