Midwifery Senior Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency dedicated to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and young people can reach their full potential. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in multiple countries worldwide, focusing on reproductive health, gender equality, and youth empowerment. The organization aims to expand opportunities for women and young people to lead healthy, productive lives by supporting access to reproductive health services and youth-friendly HIV prevention services. UNFPA champions high-quality, disaggregated data to inform policy and planning, and its programs strengthen responses to gender-based violence, particularly empowering women in rural areas. Since its founding, UNFPA has made significant strides in reducing maternal mortality rates and improving the health and empowerment of families and young people.

Job Overview:
The Midwifery Senior Expert will serve as the principal focal point for the midwifery profession within the Ministry of Health in Rwanda. This position is crucial for ensuring that midwifery-specific priorities are integrated into national health strategies and policies. The expert will focus on strengthening midwifery governance, harmonizing regulatory frameworks, and establishing and coordinating the Eastern and Southern African region Midwifery Hub. This hub aims to enhance the quality, leadership, and sustainability of the midwifery profession across the region. The role involves coordinating and implementing targeted, evidence-based activities using the SMART Advocacy approach to achieve tangible policy and advocacy outcomes. The expert will also lead high-level policy dialogues, facilitate the update of legal frameworks, and ensure the implementation of a harmonized competency-based national midwifery curriculum aligned with international standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Midwifery Senior Expert will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing strategic leadership for midwifery within the government, ensuring the profession’s priorities are addressed in national health policies and strategies.
• Leading high-level policy dialogues and regulatory harmonization efforts to recognize midwifery as an autonomous profession.
• Leading the Midwifery Sub Technical Working group and reviewing Midwifery Models of Care (MMoC) to ensure they are operationally viable in the Rwandan context.
• Expanding and mobilizing national and regional advocacy coalitions, uniting influential midwives and high-level policymakers through structured engagement.
• Facilitating the update of legal frameworks and scopes of practice to allow for professional autonomy and cross-border mobility.
• Implementing SMART advocacy objectives, ensuring consistent progress and strategic alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitoring and evaluating the new harmonized Competency-based National Midwifery Curriculum and facilitating its national adoption and revisions.
• Supporting faculty development material and training in line with the new curriculum.
• Spearheading efforts to integrate innovative maternal and newborn health priorities into national health strategies. 1
• Developing a comprehensive retention strategy and clear career paths for midwives in various sectors. 1
• Identifying practical entry points to scale up simulation training across national and regional platforms. 1
• Fostering innovations in midwifery education and practices and monitoring their utilization. 1
• Designing and facilitating South-South knowledge exchange platforms for sharing advocacy strategies and best practices. 1
• Conducting and disseminating research related to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and midwifery practice impacts. 1
• Coordinating the development of evidence-based "Midwifery Investment Cases" to advocate for dedicated domestic budget lines. 1
• Shaping advocacy messages informed by cost-effectiveness and political economy analysis to support regulatory change. 1
• Partnering with stakeholders to ensure the financial sustainability of the Midwifery hub.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in midwifery, public health, or a related field, with a deep understanding of the midwifery profession and its governance. They should have experience in policy development, advocacy, and program implementation within the health sector. Strong leadership skills and the ability to engage with high-level policymakers and stakeholders are essential. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and young people. Proficiency in strategic planning and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are also required.

Educational Background:
A relevant advanced degree in midwifery, public health, or a related field is required. Candidates should have formal training in midwifery education and practice, with a strong understanding of international midwifery standards and guidelines. Additional certifications or training in health policy, advocacy, or program management would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5-7 years of experience in midwifery practice, education, or health program management. Experience working with government health systems, particularly in policy development and advocacy for midwifery, is highly desirable. Familiarity with regional health initiatives and the ability to work in a multicultural environment are also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and the region. Proficiency in French or Kinyarwanda would be considered an asset, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance engagement in the community.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kigali, Rwanda, and may involve travel within the region. The role is full-time and may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate meetings and engagements with stakeholders. The UNV Programme offers a monthly living allowance that covers basic needs such as housing, utilities, transportation, and communication, ensuring a secure standard of living in line with United Nations standards. It is important to note that the allowances provided are not considered compensation or salary for the UN Volunteer’s service.