SRHR Integration and Emerging Trends Specialist

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

Job Overview:
The SRHR Integration and Emerging Trends Specialist will play a crucial role in providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and other relevant ministries to enhance SRHR services. This position involves integrating SRHR across various sectors, including Technical and Vocational Education Trainings (TVETs), agriculture, and climate change adaptation initiatives. The specialist will leverage expertise in midwifery, digital health, comprehensive abortion care, and the needs of youth and migrants. The role requires collaboration with the SRHR unit to implement innovative health system strengthening programs that improve the quality of care and increase the uptake of SRHR services. The specialist will also ensure that the SRHR agenda is incorporated into national climate adaptation plans and that information about SRHR is disseminated widely. Additionally, the role includes supporting capacity-building activities for healthcare workers to enhance the quality of care provided.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SRHR Integration and Emerging Trends Specialist will be responsible for a variety of substantive duties, including: A. Supporting SRHR innovations by managing programs related to digital healthcare and Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC), collaborating with partners such as the Ministry of Health and the Rwanda TVET Board. B. Working closely with the Ministry of Health to strengthen health systems by revising strategic documents and healthcare provider curricula to include international SRHR competencies. C. Ensuring the implementation of the Midwifery Curricula and supporting the Global Midwifery Acceleration Roadmap. D. Acting as the migration focal point to ensure access to SRHR services for women and young people affected by migration. E. Supporting the integration of SRHR priorities into national climate change adaptation plans. F. Contributing to evidence generation activities and resource mobilization efforts by producing concept notes and providing technical support for SRHR programs targeting marginalized populations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in Health Sciences, Midwifery, Public Health, or a related field with specialized knowledge in Sexual and Reproductive Health. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in SRHR is required, with demonstrated expertise in at least two areas such as clinical midwifery, digital health, or SRHR integration within various sectors. Proven experience in working with government institutions on health systems strengthening, particularly in policy development and program implementation related to SRHR, is essential. Familiarity with the national health system and policy landscape in Rwanda or similar contexts is necessary, along with an understanding of the impact of climate change on SRHR.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s Degree in Health Sciences, Midwifery, Public Health, or a related field. Specialized knowledge in Sexual and Reproductive Health is essential, as the role demands a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding SRHR and its integration into various sectors.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in at least two relevant areas, such as clinical midwifery, digital health, or comprehensive abortion care. Experience working with government institutions on health systems strengthening, particularly in policy development and program implementation, is crucial. Familiarity with the national health system and policy landscape in Rwanda or similar developing country contexts is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other UN working languages is considered an asset. The ability to write clearly and concisely is essential for effective communication and documentation.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kigali, Rwanda, and is part of UNFPA's commitment to gender equality and diversity in the workplace. UNFPA encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. The organization promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics.