Technical Expert for SRHR Financing

Job Posting Organization:
The 2gether 4 SRHR is a joint United Nations Regional Programme that combines the efforts of UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO. Its mission is to enhance the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of individuals in Eastern and Southern Africa. The program aims to provide timely and quality-assured technical assistance to various stakeholders, including regional economic communities, parliamentary forums, and participating UN agencies. The organization operates across multiple countries in the Eastern and Southern African region, focusing on improving health outcomes and ensuring that SRHR remains a priority in health agendas.

Job Overview:
The position of Technical Expert for SRHR Financing is designed to identify and engage professionals who can provide critical technical assistance in developing sustainable health financing policies and programs. The role involves informing cross-regional analyses of social sector financing and accountability mechanisms, as well as brokering strategic partnerships to mobilize sustainable financing for SRHR initiatives. The selected experts will be part of a Technical Assistance Hub, which will allow them to access consulting opportunities aimed at improving SRHR outcomes for women and young people in the region. This role is pivotal in advocating for increased investments in SRHR and ensuring that these issues remain at the forefront of health priorities, especially in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Expert will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Conducting comprehensive analyses and assessments of financing landscapes and policies impacting SRHR outcomes.
• Guiding the co-creation of financing strategies to increase domestic investments in SRHR.
• Contributing to policy advocacy efforts with key stakeholders, including the African Union and national Ministries of Health and Finance.
• Leading capacity development initiatives for UN staff and national governments to enhance sustainable financing for SRHR.
• Developing documentation and reports related to sustainable financing of SRHR.
• Collaborating with partners to influence the political economy in favor of sustainable financing.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of financing policies and strategies.
• Undertaking additional tasks related to SRHR financing as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in health finance and economics, particularly with a focus on SRHR. They should have a deep technical understanding of health and gender equality, as well as experience in providing strategic advice to governments and civil society on health financing. A proven track record in fiscal and health financing analysis, public finance reviews, and the development of sustainable health financing policies is essential. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in health economics, development financing, business administration, public health, or a related field is preferred. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health financing and the socio-economic factors that influence SRHR outcomes.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of relevant experience, which includes working at global, continental, regional, or country levels in health finance and economics. Experience in providing technical assistance and developing health financing policies is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the UN sustainable development system and SDG financing strategies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in French or Portuguese is considered an asset. This linguistic capability is important for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders across the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy assignments will vary in duration and working schedule, depending on the specific technical assignments identified by the participating UN agencies and regional partners. The technical experts will be contracted by one of the UN agencies involved in the 2gether 4 SRHR initiative, and inclusion in the Technical Assistance Hub does not guarantee a contractual obligation. The work environment at UNFPA promotes gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.