National Programme Specialist – Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) Advocacy

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, 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 health services, and it calls for a collaborative effort among member states, organizations, and individuals to build a better future.

Job Overview:
The National Programme Specialist – MNH Advocacy will lead advocacy efforts aimed at reducing maternal and newborn mortality in Tanzania. This role involves designing and implementing evidence-based advocacy strategies to promote midwifery models of care and ensure sustainable access to essential maternal and newborn health (MNH) commodities. The Specialist will work closely with the UNFPA Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) team to align advocacy initiatives with national health frameworks and financing mechanisms. The position requires a proactive approach to engage stakeholders, promote government investment in MNH, and integrate these priorities into national policies and strategies. The Specialist will also be responsible for generating evidence and knowledge sharing to support advocacy efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the National Programme Specialist include:

• Policy Advocacy, Leadership and Strategic Planning: Develop integrated advocacy plans for midwifery and MNH commodities, ensuring alignment with national health strategies; lead the formulation and implementation of advocacy plans; provide technical input into policy documents; advocate for sustainable financing and affordable healthcare policies; track financial and policy goals; shape advocacy messages based on analysis; advocate for inclusion of new MNH commodities; support government efforts to strengthen supply chains.
• Building and Sustaining Partnerships: Engage national stakeholders, including ministries and midwifery associations; support national advocacy coalitions; build relationships with key stakeholders; ensure coordination with ongoing initiatives.
• Evidence Generation and Knowledge Sharing: Coordinate investment case analysis; integrate MNH priorities into national digital health strategies; draft advocacy messages and documents; implement knowledge management strategies.
• Programme Management: Prepare reports on advocacy achievements; seek best practices for programme development; guide innovative programming for effective MNH advocacy implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree in public health, international affairs, social sciences, or a related field, with specialized knowledge in advocacy, policy, or public relations. A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required, demonstrating a solid understanding of advocacy work, including policy research, strategy formulation, and public communication. Experience in coordinating evidence-based advocacy campaigns and advocating for sustainable MNH financing is preferred. Familiarity with legislative processes and public sector financing is essential, along with strong organizational and time-management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital collaboration tools is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The position requires a postgraduate degree in public health, international affairs, social sciences, or a related field. Specialized knowledge and experience in advocacy, policy, mass communication, or public relations are essential for success in this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in advocacy work, including policy research, strategy formulation, and public communication. Experience in coordinating targeted advocacy campaigns and advocating for sustainable MNH financing is highly desirable. Familiarity with working in UN agencies, government institutions, or NGOs is beneficial, along with a proven ability to build and sustain advocacy coalitions and foster collaboration across various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Kiswahili is required for this position. Knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse environment.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA is committed to fostering a work environment that promotes gender equality, diversity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. The selection process may involve background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process.