Programme Officer, Adolescent Reproductive Health

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, and population and development. Established in 1969, UNFPA works in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. UNFPA collaborates with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and civil society organizations, to implement programs that strengthen national health systems and improve access to reproductive health services. The organization is committed to upholding human rights and promoting ethical standards in all its operations, ensuring that its staff embody these values in their work.

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer for Adolescent Reproductive Health will play a crucial role in coordinating and implementing programs related to adolescent reproductive health for the Ministry of Health & Medical Services in Fiji. This position involves working closely with the Head of Family Health and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry to ensure that all activities align with the UNFPA-MHMS Work Plan and the Ministry's Strategic Plan. The officer will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these programs, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and legislation. Additionally, the role includes providing both clinical and non-clinical training, conducting audits, and assessing competencies within the health sector. The officer will also engage with various stakeholders to develop a National Strategic Plan and facilitate the management of donor funds, ensuring proper reporting and accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Coordinating the development of a National Strategic Plan for Adolescent Reproductive Health, ensuring stakeholder consultation.
• Monitoring and evaluating all related programs to ensure compliance with policies and timelines.
• Designing and conducting training programs for health workers and community stakeholders.
• Managing donor funds and ensuring timely submission of financial reports.
• Preparing regular reports on program activities, including milestones, challenges, and solutions.
• Engaging community leaders and vulnerable groups to ensure inclusive participation in SRHR activities.
• Collaborating with government counterparts and NGOs to align with national priorities.
• Facilitating capacity building for health workers to enhance the implementation of SRHR interventions.
• Providing quarterly and annual reports on program achievements and challenges.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Secondary School qualification, along with a Certificate, Diploma, or Degree in Public Health, Counselling, Psychosocial Management, Health Promotion, Reproductive Health, Project Management, or a related field. A qualification in social work or other health-related disciplines is advantageous. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of post-qualification experience in a sexual and reproductive health department, with a strong understanding of the healthcare service delivery system in Fiji. Knowledge of MOHMS SRHR service delivery and experience working with adolescents and youths are essential. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation processes, data management, and public finance regulations is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of a Secondary School qualification, complemented by a Certificate, Diploma, or Degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Counselling, Health Promotion, or Project Management. Candidates with qualifications in social work or other health-related areas will be viewed favorably. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of adolescent reproductive health and the associated programs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a sexual and reproductive health department, either in the public or private sector. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the healthcare service delivery system in Fiji, particularly in relation to adolescent reproductive health. Experience working with adolescents, including both in-school and out-of-school youth, is crucial. Additionally, familiarity with maternal health programs, family planning, and community health promotion initiatives is necessary, along with skills in project planning and implementation.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the communities served by the programs.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and involves working closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in Fiji. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be discussed during the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to support applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical standards and integrity in its operations.