Program Specialist in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and it works to ensure that sexual and reproductive health services are accessible to all, particularly vulnerable populations. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to end preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Program Specialist in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights will play a crucial role in coordinating, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) activities aimed at improving maternal, neonatal, and reproductive health outcomes in vulnerable populations in Zulia State, Venezuela. This position requires a strong commitment to ensuring the protection and guarantee of sexual and reproductive rights for the most vulnerable women and adolescents. The specialist will work closely with the Public Health System, UNFPA implementing partners, and other UN organizations to ensure effective management and implementation of projects that enhance access to SRH services. The role involves leading the development of new interventions and projects in alignment with the UNFPA Country Program, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of project results, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve the program's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Specialist will be responsible for effective technical and financial management of SRH programmatic implementation, including formulating recommendations on critical implementation issues and advising on progress in SRH and SDGs. Key duties include planning, monitoring, and evaluating SRH interventions, conducting strategic dialogues with government counterparts and civil society, coordinating needs assessments, and systematizing data collection on population access to SRH services. The specialist will promote the diffusion of technical knowledge and innovative strategies, supervise the procurement and distribution of SRH supplies, coordinate training for health personnel and communities, assist in developing SRH care protocols, and prepare regular progress reports documenting lessons learned and challenges faced. Additionally, the specialist will be expected to perform any other tasks as required by the representative or supervisor based on emerging needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree, preferably in public health or obstetrics and gynecology. They should have at least 7 years of relevant experience in developing and managing Sexual and Reproductive Health programs, as well as managerial experience within the Public Health System. Strong leadership and management skills in multicultural environments are essential, along with effective communication skills tailored to diverse audiences. Proficiency in designing and reporting on SRH programs is also required, and familiarity with UN System work programs and procedures is desirable.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in public health, obstetrics, gynecology, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of sexual and reproductive health issues and for effectively managing related programs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in the development and management of Sexual and Reproductive Health programs. Candidates should have substantial managerial experience within the Public Health System, demonstrating their ability to lead and manage projects effectively in a complex and multicultural environment.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, along with a working knowledge of English. Proficiency in other official UN languages is considered desirable, as it enhances communication and collaboration within the international context of UNFPA's work.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics. The selection process may involve background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements, and UNFPA does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process.