SRHR Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency dedicated to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. Established over 30 years ago, UNFPA operates through its Pacific Sub-regional Office (PSRO) in Suva and has a field presence in 9 Pacific Island Countries (PICs). The organization is committed to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and has a regional strategy articulated through its 7th Multi-Country Programme (MCP7) for 2023–2027, which covers 14 Pacific Island Countries including the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, RMI, Micronesia (Federated States of) FSM, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, Nauru, Niue, Tokelau, Tuvalu, and Palau. UNFPA's mission is to assist Member States in achieving transformative results such as ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. The organization emphasizes a partnership-based approach, working closely with national governments to enhance local capacities and ensure sustainable, rights-based responses to SRHR across the Pacific.

Job Overview:
The SRHR Officer will be based in the UNFPA Country Office in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. This role is crucial in providing integrated health system strengthening support and contributing to the coordination and smooth implementation of the Japan-funded project titled 'Strengthening Maternal Health Care Services in FSM.' The officer will ensure effective support to UNFPA-supported interventions, translating political and social trends into programmatic action, and fostering collaborative partnerships to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health services. The position requires a proactive approach to addressing the urgent health trends in FSM, particularly in maternal health, where there is a significant need for focused interventions due to alarming statistics regarding maternal deaths and the prevalence of violence against women and girls. The SRHR Officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including healthcare providers and community organizations, to enhance the quality and accessibility of maternal health services in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SRHR Officer will undertake a variety of tasks aimed at improving maternal health care services in FSM. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the development of Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response tools and training healthcare workers to implement these systems effectively.
• Establishing Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response committees in the five main hospitals across the four states of FSM.
• Coordinating the development of national guidelines and annual reports to track maternal health trends.
• Overseeing the digitization of data-capturing systems for real-time decision-making.
• Supporting training for healthcare providers in Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care, Antenatal Care, Postnatal Care, and respectful maternity care.
• Facilitating workshops on postpartum family planning and HPV screening protocols.
• Developing training packages for managing Gender-Based Violence cases and training health sector responses.
• Ensuring the availability of essential supplies for Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Adolescent Health, and Gender-Based Violence.
• Overseeing the refurbishment of a maternity waiting home in Pohnpei for high-risk mothers. 1
• Supporting community awareness campaigns on birth preparedness, danger signs in pregnancy, cervical cancer, and Gender-Based Violence prevention. 1
• Performing any other duties as assigned by senior management and supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the SRHR Officer position should possess a strong understanding of sexual and reproductive health issues, particularly in the context of Pacific Island Countries. They should demonstrate a commitment to UNFPA's mission and values, including integrity, cultural diversity, and a willingness to embrace change. The ideal candidate will have experience in program development and management, particularly in health systems strengthening, and should be adept at building strategic alliances with national governments and partners. Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills are essential, as well as the ability to communicate effectively for impact.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, typically including a degree in public health, medicine, nursing, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in sexual and reproductive health, maternal health, or public health policy would be advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in the field of sexual and reproductive health, maternal health, or related areas. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in a UN context, is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing health programs, conducting training, and engaging with community stakeholders to improve health outcomes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of UNFPA. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Federated States of Micronesia would be considered an asset, as it would facilitate better communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Pohnpei, the capital of the Federated States of Micronesia, and offers a unique opportunity to work in a tropical environment known for its lush landscapes. The role is full-time and may involve travel within the region. Living conditions in Pohnpei are generally safe and peaceful, with a modest lifestyle. While basic healthcare is available locally, expatriates may need to travel to larger regional hubs for specialized medical care. The cost of living can be high due to the importation of goods, and housing options are available, though they may vary in amenities.