Midwife

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their plight. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members. UNRWA is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donations. The organization is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the world's most vulnerable communities, and it encourages individuals seeking a rewarding opportunity to join its mission.

Job Overview:
The position of Midwife at UNRWA involves providing comprehensive maternal health care services to Palestine refugees. The incumbent will be responsible for delivering a range of services including pre-conception care, antenatal and post-natal care, family planning, mental health support, and dental service referrals. The role requires adherence to technical instructions and participation in cross-cutting issues such as gender-based violence and disability. The Midwife will maintain high standards of infection control, manage medical waste, and ensure a safe working environment. Additionally, the incumbent will engage in training activities, manage electronic medical records, and assist in home visits to monitor patient health. This position is crucial in ensuring that health services are delivered effectively within the Family Health Team Approach context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Midwife will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide comprehensive maternal health care services including pre-conception care, antenatal, post-natal, family planning, mental health, and dental services referral, as well as education and counseling activities.
• Perform periodic IUD insertions and follow-up checkups in accordance with local regulations.
• Participate in activities addressing cross-cutting issues such as gender-based violence and disability, ensuring health services are provided within the Family Health Team Approach.
• Maintain high standards of infection control and manage medical waste, ensuring proper cleaning and sterilization of instruments in the Family Planning and treatment rooms.
• Facilitate training activities and on-the-job training for staff.
• Provide services and ensure accurate data entry and reporting in the electronic medical records system.
• Keep records of supplies used in nursing activities and follow up with patients who have defaulted on care, including facilitating home visits.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree from an accredited institution or a public midwifery institute, with at least three years of studies in midwifery. A valid license to practice midwifery in the duty station is required where applicable. Additionally, candidates should have proficiency in using computers and understanding health applications. Experience in maternal and child health care is essential, with at least three years of progressively responsible work experience in a maternity unit or hospital setting. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to use computers effectively in health applications.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in midwifery from an accredited educational institution or a public midwifery institute, which should encompass at least three years of study. Professional qualifications include a valid license to practice midwifery in the country of duty station, where applicable. Desirable qualifications include familiarity with computer usage and health applications.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have a minimum of three years of progressively responsible and relevant work experience in maternal and child health care, specifically in a maternity unit or hospital environment. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to provide comprehensive maternal health services and manage patient care effectively. Additionally, candidates should indicate any involvement in outside activities that relate to their professional experience, including freelance work, teaching, or voluntary activities.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, but for this specific job opening, candidates must demonstrate a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both English and Arabic. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is a "Daily Paid" contract modality for up to three months, with the possibility of extension based on need, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The position is graded at H02, with a daily rate of 24.56 USD. Employees will receive one day of annual leave and one day of sick leave for each completed month of service. This vacancy is open to external candidates, but only those residing in Syria and within commuting distance of the duty station in Damascus are eligible to apply. Candidates must provide accurate information in their applications, as any misrepresentation may lead to disqualification. The UNRWA does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining a non-smoking work environment. The agency encourages applications from under-represented groups and is dedicated to achieving gender parity in staffing.