Chief Midwifery Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, aligning its strategic plan with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 focuses on three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, fulfilling unmet needs for family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization is committed to addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to health services and rights, advocating for principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The Chief Midwifery Officer will serve as the primary focal point for the midwifery profession within the Rwanda Ministry of Health (MoH). This role is crucial for elevating the quality, leadership, and sustainability of midwifery in Rwanda. The Officer will ensure that midwifery priorities are integrated into national health strategies and policies, focusing on governance, regulatory frameworks, and the establishment of a regional Midwifery Hub. The position requires strategic leadership to advance midwifery education, innovation, and evidence generation, ultimately aiming to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in the region. The Officer will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including government officials, educational institutions, and international organizations, to strengthen midwifery practices and policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief Midwifery Officer will be responsible for several key areas:

• Policy, Leadership and Governance: Provide strategic leadership for midwifery within the government, ensuring that midwifery priorities are addressed in national health policies. Lead high-level policy dialogues and efforts to recognize midwifery as an autonomous profession. Facilitate the update of legal frameworks and scopes of practice to allow for professional autonomy.
• Education, Innovation and Digital Learning: Ensure the implementation and evaluation of a harmonized Competency-based National Midwifery Curriculum. Support faculty development and promote knowledge sharing among universities. Integrate innovative maternal and newborn health initiatives into national health strategies.
• Strategic Financing and Evidence: Collaborate with midwifery associations and universities to conduct research related to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Advocate for dedicated budget lines for midwifery through evidence-based investment cases. Partner with stakeholders to ensure the financial sustainability of the Midwifery Hub.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or PhD in Midwifery, with specialized knowledge and experience in advocacy, policy, or education. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in midwifery advocacy and training is required, including at least 2 years in clinical services as a midwife and 2 years in a regional or international coordination role. Candidates should have a solid understanding of advocacy and policy engagement, including policy research and strategic planning. Proven experience working with the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) standards is essential, along with strong drafting, analytical, and report-writing skills. Candidates should demonstrate experience in managing programs and strategic initiatives, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital collaboration tools.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or PhD in Midwifery is required for this position. The educational background should include specialized knowledge in advocacy, policy, or education related to midwifery. Candidates should have a strong foundation in midwifery practices and principles, as well as an understanding of the regulatory and governance frameworks that impact the profession.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in midwifery advocacy and training. This includes a minimum of 2 years of clinical experience as a midwife and at least 2 years in a regional or international coordination role. Experience in policy engagement, advocacy initiatives, and managing partnerships with government institutions, UN agencies, and civil society organizations is essential. Candidates should also have experience in budget planning and implementation, as well as concept note and proposal development.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, and proficiency in French is highly recommended due to the diversity of the Eastern and Southern Africa region. Knowledge of other UN working languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with various stakeholders across the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kigali, Rwanda, and is a full-time role. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects gender equality, diversity, and integrity. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.