SRH Technical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) operates in Syria under the 8th Country Programme Document, which was initially set for 2016-2017 and extended to 201

• The organization aims to achieve three long-term strategic goals: zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices. UNFPA invests in enhancing the capacity of health and social systems and NGOs to provide reproductive health, maternal health, and GBV services. The organization collaborates with local communities and academia to promote women's empowerment and gender equality, reduce child marriage, and advocate for youth education and civic participation. UNFPA leads the GBV Sub-sector coordination in Syria and contributes to the Health Sector, providing various programmatic services including mobile clinics, safe spaces for women and girls, and community centers. The organization is focused on rehabilitating basic social infrastructure and expanding quality services with social inclusion objectives, working closely with all UN agencies present in Syria.

Job Overview:
The SRH Technical Officer position is crucial for providing direct technical oversight to implementing partners in the Aleppo Sub-office. This role is designed to ensure adherence to international sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery standards and to strengthen the quality assurance of healthcare interventions in a high-demand context. The position has become increasingly important due to the dramatic shift in the humanitarian landscape in Syria, which has seen rising needs among vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls. The officer will be responsible for managing medical teams, assessing the quality of healthcare services, and serving as a clinical advisor to ensure high standards of SRH care. The role also involves supporting project development, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as coordinating RH programme implementation and ensuring compliance with procedures. The SRH Technical Officer will report to the Head of Aleppo Sub Office and work closely with the Aleppo team and the SRH unit in the Syria Country Office.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SRH Technical Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: collaborating with government counterparts, NGOs, and other partners to formulate and design Annual Work Plans (AWPs) at the governorate level; ensuring the quality of programme/project design by incorporating lessons learned and best practices; coordinating project implementation and establishing collaborative relationships with implementing partners; assisting the Programme team in project activities; participating in RH needs assessments; supporting coordination of sub-national partners; following up on fieldwork issues and suggesting course corrections; organizing technical and logistical arrangements for workshops and trainings; reviewing and coordinating the production of knowledge materials; assisting in preparation of annual workplans and budget revisions; facilitating timely preparation and submission of technical reports; identifying support and advice needed for management and planning of the SRH programme; conducting field visits and participating in review meetings; analyzing factors affecting results and recommending corrective actions; ensuring gender and youth mainstreaming in all SRH activities; maintaining professional relationships with government stakeholders and community organizations; and reporting regularly to the Programme unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the SRH Technical Officer position should possess a strong background in sexual and reproductive health, public health, or a related field. They should demonstrate a commitment to the mission and values of UNFPA and have experience working in humanitarian settings. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, and a strong understanding of gender issues and the challenges faced by women and girls in crisis situations. Additionally, candidates should be adaptable, culturally sensitive, and capable of working in a challenging environment.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position, typically requiring a degree in public health, sexual and reproductive health, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in these areas will be considered an asset, as they provide a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in delivering SRH services in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of several years of experience in sexual and reproductive health programming, particularly in humanitarian or emergency settings. Experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and working with implementing partners is highly desirable. Familiarity with the specific challenges and needs of the Syrian context will be an advantage, as will experience in coordinating with government and non-governmental organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of UNFPA. Proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable, given the local context and the need to communicate effectively with stakeholders and beneficiaries. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the populations served.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in Aleppo, Syria. The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The role is part of the malicious insurance plan for national UN Volunteers, who are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to local traditions. The benefits package includes a monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of USD 919, a well-being differential of USD 275.7, annual and learning leaves, medical and life insurance, and free access to various learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits and entitlements, candidates can visit the UNV website.