Technical Expert for 2gether 4 SRHR

Job Posting Organization:
The 2gether 4 SRHR is a collaborative initiative involving UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO, aimed at enhancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across Eastern and Southern Africa. This joint United Nations Regional Programme focuses on providing quality technical assistance to various stakeholders, including regional economic communities and national governments. The organization operates with a mission to improve SRHR for all individuals in the region, emphasizing the importance of timely and effective support. The program has established a Technical Assistance Hub, which serves as a roster of qualified experts and organizations dedicated to SRHR, facilitating access to consulting opportunities for enhancing health outcomes in the region.

Job Overview:
The position of Technical Expert for the 2gether 4 SRHR initiative is designed to identify and engage qualified professionals who can contribute to the implementation of humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) Nexus approaches in programming and planning. The role is crucial in addressing the increasing fragility and crises faced by populations, particularly women, adolescents, and youth. The selected experts will provide strategic guidance and support to countries in operationalizing HDP approaches, ensuring that humanitarian actions, development initiatives, and peacebuilding efforts are integrated and mutually reinforcing. This role requires a deep understanding of SRHR and the ability to develop policies and interventions that align with the HDP framework, ultimately contributing to sustainable peace and resilience in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Technical experts will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: conducting operational and programmatic research related to HDP and SRHR to generate evidence that informs country responses; providing policy support to develop national HDP Nexus frameworks; designing SRHR and HDP interventions that align with national priorities; and creating capacity-building programs for policymakers and implementers. They will also be expected to engage in regular check-ins with relevant UN agencies and partners, monitor progress, and report on the outcomes of their work. The experts will need to adapt their approaches based on the specific technical assignments identified by the participating agencies and regional partners, ensuring that their contributions are impactful and aligned with the overarching goals of the 2gether 4 SRHR initiative.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in fields such as Development Studies, International Relations, Political Science, or Humanitarian Action. Additionally, they should have a minimum of 7-10 years of professional experience in research, policy, and program implementation within humanitarian, development, and peace-building contexts. Expertise in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, particularly in relation to the HDP Nexus, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a strong ability to generate evidence, develop policies, and design interventions that effectively integrate SRHR into HDP programming. Experience working with UN agencies and regional economic communities is highly desirable, along with strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Development Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Action, or a related discipline is required for this position. This educational background is crucial as it provides the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of humanitarian, development, and peace-building contexts, particularly in relation to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7-10 years in relevant fields. This experience should encompass research, policy development, and program implementation within humanitarian, development, and peace-building frameworks. Candidates should have demonstrable technical expertise in supporting countries to generate evidence, develop or update relevant policies, and design, implement, monitor, and evaluate interventions that align with the HDP-SRHR nexus. Previous experience working with the United Nations and regional economic communities is also a significant asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the UN system. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly French or Portuguese, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role, given the diverse linguistic landscape of the regions served by the 2gether 4 SRHR initiative.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy assignments will be determined based on specific technical needs identified by the participating UN agencies and regional partners. Candidates interested in being considered for future assignments are encouraged to submit their CV, cover letter, and three relevant examples of previous work. The nature of the assignments may vary, and selected experts will be contracted by one of the participating UN agencies or partners, following their internal policies and procedures. It is important to note that inclusion in the Technical Assistance Hub does not create a contractual obligation for any party involved. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.