UN Volunteer - Maternal and Newborn Health Services

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) Office in the occupied Palestinian territory serves as the principal technical adviser to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Established to provide guidance and support in strengthening health services, addressing public health issues, and promoting health research, WHO plays a pivotal role in the humanitarian Health and Nutrition Cluster. This organization coordinates assistance from international and local partners to the health sector, employing approximately 45 staff members across its offices in the West Bank and Gaza. The team comprises both international and local professionals with expertise in various fields, including medicine and public health nursing. WHO collaborates with numerous partners, including United Nations agencies, donors, NGOs, universities, and the private sector, to support the Palestinian Authority in achieving its national health development goals and ensuring coordinated efforts among all involved organizations.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer position focuses on enhancing maternal and newborn health services within the context of the significant challenges faced by the health system in Gaza, which include prolonged conflict, resource constraints, and disruptions in health service delivery. The role is crucial in addressing the critical priority of maternal and newborn health services, aiming to reduce preventable maternal and neonatal deaths and complications. The volunteer will work under the supervision of the Head of Sub-Office Gaza and in close collaboration with WHO technical teams and relevant partners. The primary functions include providing technical support to health authorities and facilities, improving the quality of care, and coordinating interventions with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and other UN agencies. The volunteer will also engage in activities that strengthen health system capacity and improve service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will undertake a variety of tasks aimed at supporting maternal and newborn health services, including:

• Drafting situation analyses on health system capacity and response for maternal and newborn care services, including nutrition services.
• Providing professional input for the development and updating of national strategies and action plans to enhance maternal and newborn health services.
• Collaborating with the Ministry of Health and relevant authorities to review and finalize policies, guidelines, and standards related to maternal and newborn care.
• Offering technical support to strengthen health facility teams through clinical coaching, supervision, and promoting self-assessment mechanisms.
• Preparing quality improvement initiatives for maternal and newborn care services at both hospital and primary health care levels.
• Collecting health data and preparing reporting materials related to capacity-building activities.
• Supporting coordination with UN agencies and partners to strengthen maternal and newborn health interventions.
• Participating in MNCH committees and technical working groups to provide technical support and collect feedback.
• Guiding health facilities on data collection, analysis, and reporting related to maternal and newborn health indicators. 1
• Assessing procurement needs to support activities and developing distribution plans for maternal and newborn health programmes. 1
• Monitoring and reporting on programme implementation and results. Additionally, the volunteer is encouraged to engage with communities and promote voluntary action through various activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position should possess a strong background in public health, particularly in maternal and newborn health. They should demonstrate a commitment to improving health services and have the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have excellent analytical and communication skills, as well as the capacity to engage effectively with health authorities and partners. A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances are essential. Furthermore, candidates should exhibit cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness in their interactions.

Educational Background:
A degree in public health, medicine, nursing, or a related field is required for this position. Advanced degrees or specialized training in maternal and newborn health or public health management would be advantageous. Candidates should have a solid understanding of health systems and policies, particularly in the context of humanitarian settings.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in public health, particularly in maternal and newborn health services. Experience working in humanitarian contexts or with international organizations is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully implementing health programmes and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations. Familiarity with data management and reporting in health services is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local health authorities and communities. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they relate to the local context.

Additional Notes:
This is a remote national UN Volunteer position, meaning the volunteer will be responsible for securing their own housing and covering related living expenses. The initial contract duration is six months, with potential extensions based on funding availability, operational requirements, and satisfactory performance. A monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) will be provided to assist with housing and living expenses. The volunteer will also receive life, health, and permanent disability insurance coverage, including health insurance for up to three eligible dependents, as well as an exit allowance upon satisfactory completion of service.