[EDITED 09.04.24] Revision on Language Requirements section.
The Position:
The Programme Specialist provides technical support and coordination to SRHR policy, programming and advocacy efforts for Maternal and Newborn Health and Contraceptives and Fertility Choices.
The UNFPA Geneva Office will host the Programme Specialist position but will be part of the SRHR Branch in UNFPA’s Nairobi Headquarters. The Programme Specialist will report to the Maternal Health Team Leader.
UNFPA Strategic Direction
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
You would be responsible for:
A. Coordinate Global Health Policy and advocacy efforts
- Support UNFPA’s representation in Geneva-based interagency and intergovernmental meetings on substantive issues related to global health, particularly in relation to WHO, including HRP, PMNCH, as well as UNAIDS, The Global Fund, UNITAD and GAVI Board meetings;
- Facilitate resource mobilization for sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn adolescent health (SRMNAH), especially for the Maternal Health Thematic Fund and
UNFPA Supplies Partnership, including providing technical presentations to Geneva-based Permanent Missions. - Support advocacy efforts for Sexual and Reproductive Health in international, intergovernmental, U.N., and other policy and technical meetings and fora in Geneva;
- Provide technical support to create, validate, and maintain a roster of international experts and institutions in SRMNAH and in human resources for reproductive health.
B. Engage with Global Health partnerships
- Support UNFPA in prioritized technical and research Geneva-based partnerships/collaborations to advance integrated SRHR.
- Support development of UNFPA positions vis a vis Geneva-based global health agencies across strategic/policy, programmatic and monitoring and evaluation levels, in
coordination with SRHR Branch and other UNFPA Branches. - Understand and respond to technical queries about the most up-to-date guidance on WHO norms and standards related to SRHR and technical guidance of global health organizations relevant to SRHR.
- Conduct prospective analyses on guidelines and tools issued by WHO and channel actionable recommendations to be included for programming at the country level.
- Support the positioning of UNFPA in relevant forums and map and explore opportunities for UNFPA to be included in technical working groups/advisory groups.
- In collaboration with the Programme Adviser, Sexual and Reproductive Health, in Geneva, conduct substantive environmental analysis and maintain feedback loops on
technical and global issues related to maternal and newborn health, contraceptive and fertility choices, and SRH commodities.
C. Evidence and knowledge management and dissemination
- Coordinate collection of evidence, technical knowledge, analysis of lessons learned and develop advocacy materials for application in UNFPA Country and Regional Offices.
- Support disseminating knowledge and best practices within the ecosystem, including through training and knowledge-sharing platforms among partners and stakeholders, enhancing their ability to contribute effectively to SRHR, including Maternal and Newborn Health and Family Planning.
D. Liaison with UNFPA HQ in New York and Nairobi
- Ensure coordination with UNFPA Geneva office and the UNFPA headquarters both in New York and Nairobi, ensuring effective communication and coordination of activities;
- Collaborate closely with other units within UNFPA to ensure alignment with organizational goals and strategies;
- Liaise with the Technical Adviser SRHR, and represent UNFPA at Geneva events, meetings, and conferences.
Carry out any other activities as required by the Maternal Health Team Leader.
Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
A postgraduate degree in public health, social sciences, medicine, and other related areas is required.
Knowledge and Experience:
- At least five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in the field of SRHR is required.
- Experience in SRHR, including maternal health and family planning policy and programming.
- Experience in developing materials for advocacy and knowledge dissemination purposes is required.
- Knowledge and understanding of quality of care, specifically client rights issues, human rights-based approach to reproductive health and gender is an asset.
- Field experience is desirable.
Languages:
English required. Fluency in French is an asset.
Required Competencies:
Values:
- Exemplifying integrity,
- Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
- Embracing cultural diversity,
- Embracing change
Core Competencies:
- Achieving results,
- Being accountable,
- Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
- Thinking analytically and strategically,
- Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
- Communicating in impact
Functional Competencies:
- Job knowledge and technical expertise in managing innovative Human Resources for Health (HRH) programmes
- Fostering innovation in HRH programming and marketing of new technology driven approaches
- Effective Coordination Skills
- Managing relationships
- Client Orientation
- Advocacy/Advancing a policy-oriented agenda
- Personal Leadership and Effectiveness
- Results orientation/Commitment to excellence
- Appropriate and transparent decision making
- Demonstrates strong substantive and process knowledge
- Capacity to formulate and test/implement innovative approaches to capacity development
- Knowledge sharing and continuous learning
Compensation and Benefits:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
UNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.
To view the complete job description and apply to this position, click "Apply Now" below.
