Operational Planning Officer – 1 Position at LICA 9 – UNOPS Contractual Modality At World Health Organization

Purpose of the Position:

To support the Program Management Unit (PMU) in developing and monitoring operational plans for WHO Somalia’s health programs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and enhancing the delivery of health interventions. Additionally, to support the availability and management of critical information, data, and managerial tools and ensure timely backstopping of technical units in applying Results-Based Management approaches.

Program Objectives and Immediate Strategic Objective:

The WHO Somalia Programme Management Unit (PMU) facilitates and supports the development of the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) and associated operational plans, including biennial Programme Budget development and management through Operational Planning, performance monitoring and assessment and reporting. The PMU ensures effective operational planning, performance monitoring and assessment, and reporting, utilizing a results-based management framework and planning tools to optimize resource distribution, coordination, and efficient program implementation.

Organizational Context:

The Operational Planning Officer (LICA 9) will provide technical expertise and support to the Program Management Unit (PMU) in developing, implementing, and monitoring operational plans for WHO Somalia’s health programs. This position reports directly to the Program Management Specialist and operates under the guidance of the WHO Country Office Representative. The role aims to ensure alignment with WHO’s strategic objectives and contribute to the efficient and effective delivery of health interventions.

Summary of Assigned Duties:

• The incumbent will undertake all or part of the following duties, as required by the needs of the program:
• Determine the necessary activities and resources (staff, equipment) to support the development of the Office’s work plans and associated budgets.
• If needed, initiate planning analyses in collaboration with relevant teams to provide estimates and forecasts.
• Contributes to developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks for operational plans and projects.
• Collaborate with the BOS team to support budget development in relation to the project’s planned activities and donor constraints.
• Monitor the implementation of operational plans, identify potential challenges, and recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare regular and ad-hoc reports on operational planning and project implementation.
• Contribute to the identification and assessment of operational risks.
• Support the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies.
• Review and provide technical comments on documents and budget revisions to ensure alignment with objectives regarding risks while emphasizing measuring results.
• Assist in resource mobilization efforts through comprehensive needs analyses and contribute technically to developing project proposals and identifying needs.
• Facilitate planning workshops and meetings with WHO staff and partners.
• Perform any other related tasks assigned by the supervisor.
• Assume additional related responsibilities, including covering other managers when necessary.

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential: University degree in Public Health, Health Science, Project Management, Business Administration, Development Studies, Economics Or a related social science field.

Desirable: Master’s degree in public health, Management, business administration, or public administration.

Experience:

Essential: At least two years of relevant experience in strategic and operational planning, project planning, monitoring technical and financial execution, and performance management of programs, and related operations in a public health or humanitarian context. Proven experience in coordinating the activities of different teams and financial resources at the international level and preparing related reports

Desirable: Previous professional experience with WHO/UN, health sector partners, recognized international humanitarian organizations, and international non-governmental organizations direct experience in responding to emergencies.

WHO Competencies:

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Producing results

Functional Knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge of Programme planning, budgeting, and implementation in a results-based management framework.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely; analyze results and budget and recommend appropriate actions.
• Ability to apply IT technology to result-based management issues.
• Good working knowledge of budget and programme management areas.

Language Skills:

Essential: Fluency in Somali language and Expert of English.

Monthly Salary:

The monthly salary for this position is USD 3,197.80.