VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO. UNDP/SC/2009/026: Resource Person – Maternal and Child

[Guest guest]

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO. UNDP/SC/2009/026

Date of Issue: 01st May, 2009

Closing

Date: 15th May, 2009

Post Title : Resource Person – Maternal and Child Health Community

Organization : Solution Exchange, United Nations in india

Duty Station : New Delhi

Duration : One Year

Type of Contract : Service Contract (Taxable)

Band : Eight

UNDP strives to have a workforce which reflects diversity and gender balance,

and applies an equal opportunities approach. UNDP does not solicit or screen for

information in respect of HIV or AIDS status. All selection is on merit.

Background:

Solution Exchange is a unique initiative of the United Nations in India, which

builds communities of development practitioners working in a common area of

interest and passion. In these communities, people working in development learn

about each other's successes and mistakes in an atmosphere of trust and

collaboration, thereby saving time and resources by not reinventing the

development wheel.

The eleven communities running now comprise of a wide variety of practitioners,

such as NGOs' staff and activists, staff of multilateral and bilateral agencies,

Government officials, scientists, donors, and private sector. Discussions are

informed from these multiple perspectives and result in improved effectiveness

of development interventions in field as well as policy.

Methods for knowledge sharing include email-based discussions on specific

queries, documents, and issues. Occasional face-to face meetings are also done,

as are collaborative projects by members called " Action Groups " .

The Maternal & Child Health Community of Solution Exchange has been in operation

for over four years now, and focuses on the following issues:

Maternal mortality

Skilled birth attendance

Emergency obstetric care

Referrals

Reproductive Health and Family Planning

Newborn mortality

Infant and neonatal care

Immunization

Nutrition

Adolescent health

Community participation

Health systems

Public-private partnerships in healthcare delivery

e-Health

The Resource Person and Moderator would work under the joint supervision of WHO,

UNFPA and UNICEF (Facilitating Agencies) Officers facilitating the Maternal and

Child Health Community (Facilitators) and the Solution Exchange Coordinator.

S/he will be responsible for managing and motivating the Maternal and Child

Health Community comprised of development practitioners focusing on maternal and

child health issues and related fields; drawn from government, NGOs, CBOs,

academic and research institutions, UN, other multilateral and bilateral

agencies, and the private sector.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Resource Person is expected to carry out the following tasks:

• Anchors membership growth and diversification of the Maternal and Child Health

" Community of Practice " . Makes efforts to include grassroots practitioners in

knowledge sharing. Manages workshops to strengthen Community identity;

represents Solution Exchange in Community events.

• Facilitates knowledge sharing among members. Enables and encourages

practitioners to raise problems and share experiences. Moderates messages;

facilitates electronic discussions. Ensures the quality of material posted on

the Maternal and Child Health Community mail groups and websites (Consolidated

Replies, e-discussion summaries, Updates, etc.). Supervises the Research

Associate's work; consults with relevant Facilitating Agency staff; finalizes

and issues material.

• Promotes collaboration amongst members. Facilitates Action Groups'

(collaborative efforts amongst members) development, progress and results'

dissemination. Manages collaborations with other India based networks on

Maternal and Child Health issues.

• Works with UN Agencies' staff on Maternal and Child Health related programming

issues.

• Supports the development of new Solution Exchange activities, and

methodologies. Participates in Solution Exchange collective activities and

collaborative initiatives; promotes team-building.

Educational Qualifications:

• MBBS, MD, MPH, or advanced university degree (post-graduate degree or

equivalent) in relevant disciplines related to maternal and child health is

preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of experience as a substantive practitioner in Maternal

and Child Health issues. Prior experience in a research or academic capacity

would be helpful.

• Substantive experience in the area would be a definite asset.

• Experience in information technology tools

Knowledge and Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of the key concerns and challenges facing development

practitioners in the area of maternal and child health.

• Good understanding of the key concerns and challenges in public health.

• Highly effective at networking and at facilitating professional collaboration

• Motivated, energetic, thorough, and responsive to the needs and interests of

peers

• Excellent drafting and analytical skills; able to communicate clearly through

e-mail

• Computer literate and willing to learn new applications

Languages:

• Fluency in English. Knowledge of regional language would be an asset.

Please apply online by visiting www.undp.org.in (Quick link, work with us).