Sexual, Reproductive, and HIV Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and HIV. 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 is committed to achieving transformative results in ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to SRHR and reproductive rights, while also striving to recover lost gains and realize its goals. UNFPA seeks principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards and are committed to delivering excellence in program results.

Job Overview:
The Sexual, Reproductive, and HIV Specialist will play a crucial role in developing, monitoring, and evaluating projects and initiatives related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and HIV in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This position requires collaboration with country offices, the Regional Office, and Headquarters to ensure effective implementation of UNFPA's SRHR and HIV programs. The Specialist will provide technical assistance and oversee the work of consultants and implementing partners, while also establishing collaborative relationships with government counterparts, donor agencies, and civil society. The role involves ensuring the effective implementation of regional programs and initiatives, contributing to the reduction of maternal mortality and adolescent pregnancy, and advocating for UNFPA's mandate and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordination and follow-up of Country Offices (COs) SRH Workplan Implementation: Collaborate with COs to accelerate the reduction of maternal mortality and adolescent pregnancy through SRH project development and implementation.
• Provide Technical Assistance: Offer oversight and technical support to COs on SRHR and HIV/AIDS programming, including policy development, capacity building, and service delivery.
• Ensure Fund Accountability: Review the timely execution and implementation of projects in the region, including funds from MHTH, UBRAF, and others.
• Participate in Inter-agency Groups: Collaborate with groups like UNAIDS, GTR, and GCTH-SM to align strategies and interventions for transformative results.
• Report to UNFPA Headquarters: Provide detailed reports and updates on project progress and fund utilization.
• Represent UNFPA: Attend regional and global meetings and events related to SRHR and HIV/AIDS.
• Facilitate Knowledge Management: Capture lessons learned and best practices for future planning and CO training.
• Support Advocacy and Resource Mobilization: Prepare documentation (e.g., project summaries, speeches) and participate in related meetings and events.
• Carry out any other duties as may be required by UNFPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: A Master's degree in Gender, SRH, public policy, social work, international development, or a related field is required.
• Knowledge and Experience: At least 5 years of experience in SRHR and HIV/AIDS programming, including project development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, with at least 3 years at the international level. Substantive knowledge and practical experience in SRHR, Gender, and HIV/AIDS issues in LAC. Proven experience in providing technical assistance to government and civil society partners. Excellent communication and writing skills. Experience in program/project management, including expertise in large multi-sector projects and inter-agency initiatives. Field experience is an asset, especially with governmental institutions at the country level and/or UN agencies. Prior experience in UNFPA is an asset.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health, public policy, social work, international development, or a related field is essential for this position. This educational background ensures that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively address the complexities of sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV/AIDS programming.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and HIV/AIDS programming. This experience should include project development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, with at least 3 years of this experience being at the international level. The candidate should have substantive knowledge and practical experience in SRHR, Gender, and HIV/AIDS issues specifically within the Latin America and Caribbean region. Proven experience in providing technical assistance to government and civil society partners is also required, along with excellent communication and writing skills.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken Spanish and English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages, particularly Portuguese, is desirable and can enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package that includes a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and encourages 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.