Program Operations and Risk Manager

RBM Partnership to End Malaria

The RBM Partnership to End Malaria is the global platform for coordinated action against malaria. It mobilizes for action and resources and forges consensus among partners. The Partnership is comprised of more than 500 partners, including malaria endemic countries, their bilateral and multilateral development partners, the private sector, non governmental and community-based organizations, foundations, and research and academic institutions. For more info check the RBM website: www.endmalaria.org.

Despite these gains, malaria still poses a significant threat to public health and sustainable development. WHO report indicates that in 2019, there were 87 countries and territories that reported a total of 229 million cases of malaria cases and 409 000 deaths. Worldwide, 11 countries – all but one in sub-Saharan Africa – carry 70% of the global malaria burden. At the same time, more countries than ever are within reach of elimination.

RBM’s Vision is of a world free from the burden of malaria. The work of RBM is guided by the 2021-2025 Strategy.

Applicants from Uganda, Tanzania, Cameroon or Nigeria are preferred and are highly encouraged to apply.

Under the leadership of the Head of Program & the Head of Strategy and External Engagement (as needed) the Incumbent will

1. Lead in the operational and administrative program setup of new RBM project Funds
2. Coordinate the end-to-end implementation of new RBM fund project cycles from ideation/design through to impact reporting.
3. Manage overall donor-specific program compliance and risk as part of overall partnership programs
4. Operate as a key senior leader as part of the Strategy and Programming functions of RBM

The responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following;

Project cycle Implementation

• Provide guidance and support to the team to ensure programmes are delivered smoothly, provide maximum impact and continue to develop to best meet the needs of endemic countries.
• As part of the senior strategy team, actively contribute to cross functional working and provide expertise to support the ongoing development of current programmes as well as new initiatives.
• Lead a small team of consultants to help implement interventions as needed to ensure that a range of national programmes are delivered in line with robust project plans, achieve their aims and outcomes and operate within defined budgets.
• Collaborate with programme and resource mobilisation colleagues to ensure campaign strategies build the RBM Partnership to strengthen the RBM mission.
• Collaborate with staff and partners in endemic countries to develop and implement a joint vision for a successful cross-border collaboration.
• Ensure that the programmes in their remit embed ongoing learning and reflection and are contributing to the organisational strategy.
• Support the development, implementation and reporting of the impact framework to track RBM program success.
• Manage and coordinate project monitoring and donor reporting to ensure 100% budget utilisation and Impact achieved.

Programme Coordination

• In coordination with the partnership and resource mobilisation team, provide input to the development of new funding and Partnerships proposals working alongside the Head of Strategy and External Engagement
• Advise and support project design including development of realistic project budgets and workplans, in collaboration with relevant managers
• Manage the operational and administrative set up of new RBM Partnerships funds and programming interventions
• Collaborate with the Secretariat Managers and Partners to design new program directions and/or activities, aligned with RBMs Strategic Objectives
• Develop, maintain, and strengthen key relationships with local and national stakeholders, (including local communities, INGOs, CSOs, private sector and International development partners)
• Act as an administrative and communication bridge between country-based entities and Secretariat teams
• Regularly update Secretariat and Partnership teams on progress of interventions
• Collaborate with the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist and the Advocacy and Communications team to ensure effective project evaluate and communication of success stories

Risk and Compliance

• Provide expert advice on complex issues, program implementation issues and participate directly in negotiations to meet donor requirements, while ensuring compliance with UNOPS policy and in support of UNOPS’ mandate and RBM Strategic Objectives .
• Lead the budget management for new funds, overseeing spending inline with the approved budgets and workplan
• Review and advice on the RBM Secretariat’s risk management framework, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Design and implement a comprehensive project risk management process, including conducting ongoing risk assessments (identification, classification, and review)
• Actively contributed to ongoing update of Standard Operating Procedures, based on identified gaps for streamlined compliance workflows.
• Lead on Capacity Building initiatives for project teams based on identified capacity gaps to ensure compliance to UNOPS policies and RBM standard operating procedures.
• Provide support, capacity building, and mentoring to ensure proper administrative practices, adherence to relevant policies (HR, safeguarding, anti-bribery, anti-corruption, equal opportunities), and effective systems are in place

Organisational Leadership

• Provide coaching and mentorship to team leaders and specialist heads – helping them navigate and respond to strategic and operational challenges and spotting opportunities to be more relevant, inspiring and impactful.
• Represent the Head of Programmes or Head of Strategy and External Engagement on request.
• Ensuring effective integration and liaison in endemic countries for the RBM Partnership.

Education

• Advanced degree or equivalent preferably in International Relations, development studies, business administration, advocacy, communications, political science, public administration, public health, social sciences or another relevant field is required
• A first level University degree, in combination with an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree required

Work Experience

Required

• A minimum of 7 years (or more based on educational credentials) of proven experience in managing the operational and administrative setup of complex programs, including experience in financial management and project management
• Experience in managing program stakeholder relations and ensuring program compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies.
• Experience in managing project risk and project financial management.
• Experience working in developing or malaria-endemic countries.

Desirables:

• Experience working in a global health context.
• Proven ability to work remotely and collaborate and manage with staff located in other geographical locations.
• Understanding of UNOPS policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of best practices in program design, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity building.

Language Requirements:

• Full working knowledge of English is required.
• Working knowledge of French is an asset