UN Volunteer - Midwifery Mentor

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, established with the mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA has been operational in Bangladesh since 1974, focusing on three transformative results: ending unmet need for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization is currently implementing its 10th Country Programme (2022-2026) in Bangladesh, with its main office located in Dhaka and a sub-office in Cox’s Bazar to coordinate humanitarian efforts in response to the Rohingya refugee crisis. UNFPA aims to provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services and support to the Rohingya population, particularly women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer position focuses on mentoring national midwives, midwife coordinators, and supervisors, as well as collaborating with doctors and facility managers to enhance the quality of midwifery-led care within an interdisciplinary team. The role is crucial in building capacity for evidence-based, respectful midwifery practices, particularly in the context of providing high-quality health services to refugee and host community women and girls, with a strong emphasis on maternal health. The volunteer will be responsible for training midwives in emergency care, routine maternity services, and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, ensuring that they are equipped to handle various health challenges faced by the population they serve. This position is vital for improving health outcomes and ensuring that midwives can deliver safe and effective care during antenatal, delivery, and postpartum periods.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Capacity Development: Provide training and mentorship to midwives and clinical coordinators, focusing on emergency stabilization, routine maternity care, and comprehensive SRH services.
• Advocacy and Partnership: Advocate for respectful adolescent-friendly midwifery-led SRH services and coordinate with partners to enhance service provision.
• Project/Programme Management Support: Assist in implementing SRH programs, conducting assessments of SRH needs, and contributing to maternal and perinatal death reviews.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Conduct field visits to support health facility managers and ensure quality service delivery.
• Documentation and Reporting: Support the development of guidelines, situational reports, and communication products related to SRH care.
• Collaboration: Work with national midwifery teams to align programming across humanitarian and development contexts.
• Additional Duties: Carry out any other responsibilities as required by the SRHR Program Specialist and SRH Team Leader.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability. They should demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and respect for diversity. The ability to work effectively in teams and manage performance is essential, along with a strong ethical foundation and integrity in all actions. Candidates should also have a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to share knowledge effectively.

Educational Background:
A degree in midwifery, nursing, or a related field is required. Additional qualifications in public health, maternal and child health, or sexual and reproductive health will be considered an asset. Continuous professional development in midwifery practices is highly encouraged.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in midwifery or maternal health services, preferably in humanitarian settings. Experience in training and mentoring midwives or healthcare providers is highly desirable. Familiarity with the challenges faced by refugee populations and the ability to work in a culturally diverse environment will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of Bengali or Rohingya languages is considered a strong asset, as it will facilitate communication with the local population and enhance service delivery.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a family duty station, and UN International staff are expected to reside in areas approved by the United Nations Department of Safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (UNDSS). The living conditions in Cox's Bazar are generally safe, but the area is currently experiencing a humanitarian crisis due to the influx of Rohingya refugees. The office provides a paid shuttle service for staff commuting, and housing options typically include 1-2 bedroom flats, with rental costs ranging from 50,000 to 150,000 BDT (approximately 400 to 1,300 USD) per month. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for the challenges and rewards of working in a humanitarian context.