The ACT-Accelerator (ACT-A) was launched on 24 April 2020, with the vision of creating a global solution to expedite the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ACT-A combines public and private sector expertise and institutions from around the world to accelerate the development, regulatory approval, scale-up, delivery and equitable allocation of COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines.The Vaccines pillar of the ACT (also known as Covax), co-led by CEPI, Gavi and WHO, is speeding up the search for effective vaccines for all countries. The aim is to deliver 2 billion doses for HICs, UMICs and LMICs by the end of 2021 to end the acute phase of the pandemic by focusing on priority groups around the world. COVAX will achieve this by acting as a platform that supports and accelerates research, development and manufacturing of a wide range of COVID-19 vaccine candidates, and the rapid scale-up and deployment of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine(s). All participating economies, regardless of income levels, will have equal access to these vaccines.
Working closely with the Chief Scientist of WHO, as well as CEOs of Gavi and Cepi, the Programme Manager will:
1. Provide leadership and coordination to the Strategic Coordination Office (SCO) working with the co-Chairs of the Covax Coordination Meeting (CCM), CEOs of Gavi and CEPI and high-level WHO counterparts.
2. Identify key issues for decision, those with critical interdependencies across the three organizations; distill the key questions, conduct original analysis to assist problem solving and establish processes and roadmaps for resolution.
3. Work seamlessly across and within the three organizations and with fellow members of the Strategic Coordination Office as a central team.
4. Oversee convening of key meetings (e.g. CCM, senior management, Workstream Convener calls, etc., and preparation of materials to aid in high-level decision making (including presentations, Chair's notes, minutes and action points), ensure collection of inputs from different organizations/stakeholders and provide guidance on escalation and resolution processes.
5. Drive high priority workstreams on behalf of all three organizations for resolution of key issues.
6. Manage team working arrangements (e.g. team charter, clear roles and responsibilities, governance, communication, working norms and behaviors).
7. Build on existing work to further refine and obtain alignment from all Covax partners (Gavi, Cepi, WHO) on an integrated strategic roadmap for Covax, that will be used as to guide all actions in Covax within and across the partners.
8. Establish and drive sessions on improving ways of working, identify and apply innovations for effectiveness, efficiency and speed.
9. Work with WHO, Gavi and Cepi to build or strengthen existing partnerships in other UN Agencies, partner agencies, research institutions and other stakeholders to position the technical area of work Covax pillar of the ACT-Accelerator.
10. Provide direction and oversight to more junior staff as appropriate in the daily operations and support to the Covax Pillar.
11. Perform all other related duties as assigned.
Essential: An advanced university degree (Masters level or above) in Public Health, Management, Administration or related field.
Desirable:
Essential: A minimum of ten years' experience in programme and project management at international level providing strategic guidance to senior managers in the public and/or private sectors on health/social/economic issues. Experience in strategic planning and leading and managing diverse teams. Demonstrated experience at the international level.
Desirable: Experience working in an international organization.
- Strong expertise, knowledge and skills in the area of programme and project management.
- Strong expertise in strategic approaches to planning and problem-solving.
- Strong skills in building partnerships.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills to drive teams to solutions.
- Strong skills in addressing key issues in global public health using solutions-oriented and innovation approaches.
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Driving the Organization to a Successful Future
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of another official UN language.
WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 89,837 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 6161 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.