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, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is committed to advancing gender equality, reproductive health, and rights, and works closely with various partners, including governments and civil society organizations, to implement programs that improve health systems and service delivery.

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 under the direct supervision of the Head of Family Health and the overall coordination of the Permanent Secretary. The officer will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating programs, providing clinical and non-clinical training, and ensuring that all activities align with national health strategies and UNFPA's objectives. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to develop a National Strategic Plan and to facilitate the management of donor funds, ensuring compliance with financial guidelines. The officer will also be tasked with designing innovative programs and providing secretarial support to the Maternal Reproductive Health Team, contributing to the overall corporate functions of the Ministry.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Coordinating the development of a National Strategic Plan for Adolescent Reproductive Health, including policies and guidelines in consultation with stakeholders.
• Monitoring and evaluating all related programs to ensure compliance with policies and legislation.
• Designing, conducting, and evaluating training programs for adolescent reproductive health.
• Managing donor funds and ensuring timely submission of reports and acquittals.
• Submitting regular reports on program activities to the Head of the Family Health Unit.
• Designing new programs in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Providing secretarial support to the Maternal Reproductive Health Team.
• Engaging community leaders and stakeholders to ensure their involvement in SRHR activities.
• Collaborating with government counterparts and NGOs to align with national priorities. 1
• Facilitating training for community stakeholders and health workers to enhance their skills in implementing SRHR interventions. 1
• Preparing quarterly and annual reports on program milestones and results, documenting achievements and challenges.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a secondary school qualification, with a graduate 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 fields 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 and relevant legislation. Experience working with adolescents and youths, as well as knowledge of monitoring and evaluation processes, is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate skills in program management, proposal writing, and understanding public finance regulations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a secondary school qualification, along with a graduate certificate, diploma, or degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Counselling, Psychosocial Management, Health Promotion, Reproductive Health, or Project Management. Additional qualifications in social work or other health-related disciplines are considered an advantage. Candidates should have a solid understanding of health service delivery systems and policies in Fiji, particularly those related to sexual and reproductive health.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience in a sexual and reproductive health department, either in the government or private sector. Candidates should have a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare service delivery system in Fiji, particularly the Ministry of Health and Medical Services' SRHR service delivery framework. Experience in maternal health programs, family planning, and community health promotion, especially targeting youths and young adults, is essential. Familiarity with project planning, implementation, and community mobilization is also required, along with knowledge of monitoring and evaluation practices.

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 local context or the communities served by the programs.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role, and payment will be made on a monthly basis upon satisfactory delivery of associated deliverables. The successful candidate will be required to submit a Certificate of Payment and a Monthly Accomplishment Report. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection.