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 territories, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to SRHR services, and it calls for a collective effort to build forward better while realizing the goals set out in the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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 by integrating them across various sectors, including Technical and Vocational Education Trainings (TVETs), agriculture, and climate change adaptation initiatives. This position requires expertise in areas such as midwifery, digital health, comprehensive abortion care, and the intersection of SRHR with climate change and migration. The specialist will work closely with the SRHR unit to implement innovative health system strengthening programs aimed at improving the quality of care, increasing the uptake of SRHR services, and disseminating knowledge about human rights-based SRHR. The role also involves ensuring that the SRHR agenda is incorporated into national health adaptation plans for climate change and that vulnerable populations, particularly women and young migrants, have access to necessary SRHR services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SRHR Integration and Emerging Trends Specialist will be responsible for a variety of substantive duties, including:

• Supporting innovative SRHR programs, particularly those that involve the digitalization of healthcare and the expansion of Comprehensive Abortion Care (CAC) activities.
• Collaborating with the Ministry of Health to strengthen health systems by revising strategic documents and implementing health system strengthening plans.
• Working with the Health Workforce Development department to revise healthcare provider curricula to include international SRHR competencies.
• Ensuring the implementation of midwifery curricula and supporting faculty development and leadership in midwifery.
• Acting as the migration focal point to ensure access to quality SRHR services for migrants.
• Supporting the integration of SRHR priorities into national climate change adaptation plans.
• Contributing to research and evidence generation activities related to SRHR and producing concept notes for resource mobilization.

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. They should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in SRHR, with demonstrated expertise in at least two of the following areas: clinical midwifery, digital health, comprehensive abortion care, and SRHR integration within various sectors. Proven experience 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 required, along with strong research and analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree in Health Sciences, Midwifery, Public Health, or a related field is required. Specialized knowledge in Sexual and Reproductive Health is essential for this position, ensuring that the candidate has a strong foundation in the relevant areas of expertise.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). This experience should include demonstrated expertise in at least two of the specified areas such as clinical midwifery, digital health, and comprehensive abortion care, as well as experience in integrating SRHR within different sectors, including climate change adaptation initiatives. Proven experience in working with government institutions on health systems strengthening is also necessary.

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 in this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kigali, Rwanda, and is a full-time role within UNFPA’s Country Office. The organization promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request.