National Advocacy Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading agency in the United Nations system that focuses on reproductive health and rights, maternal health, and population issues. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, 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 promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in advocating for policies that support reproductive health and rights globally. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The National Advocacy Analyst position is a critical role aimed at enhancing investments and policy commitments to improve maternal and newborn health (MNH) in Nigeria. The Analyst will be responsible for coordinating and implementing evidence-based advocacy activities that align with the SMART Advocacy approach, which emphasizes specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. This position is particularly focused on addressing the significant maternal mortality burden in Nigeria, where approximately 75,000 maternal deaths occur annually due to various systemic issues, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure and a severe shortage of skilled birth attendants. The Analyst will work closely with national stakeholders, including government ministries and midwifery associations, to develop and implement advocacy plans that promote midwifery models of care and ensure the availability of essential MNH commodities. The role requires a strategic approach to mobilizing domestic resources and fostering partnerships to achieve sustainable improvements in maternal health outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Advocacy Analyst will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Formulating and implementing integrated advocacy plans for midwifery and MNH commodities, ensuring alignment with national health strategies.
• Engaging key national stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, and midwifery associations, to advocate for policy reforms and increased investments in maternal health.
• Supporting the development of a national midwifery strategy or roadmap and coordinating investment case analyses to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of midwifery models of care.
• Advocating for sustainable financing mechanisms for MNH commodities and affordable healthcare policies within the framework of universal health coverage.
• Conducting policy analysis to identify gaps in national commodity policies and developing advocacy briefs to address these gaps.
• Facilitating multi-stakeholder advocacy dialogues and establishing partnerships with professional associations and civil society organizations to strengthen advocacy efforts.
• Monitoring and reporting on advocacy interventions to track progress and contribute to measurable policy outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the National Advocacy Analyst position must possess a postgraduate degree in public health, international affairs, social sciences, or a related field. Specialized knowledge in advocacy, policy, mass communication, or public relations is essential. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of relevant experience in advocacy work, including policy research, strategy formulation, and public communication. Experience in coordinating evidence-based advocacy campaigns and advocating for sustainable maternal and newborn health financing is highly desirable. Strong drafting and writing skills, along with good organizational and time-management abilities, are also required. Candidates should demonstrate a proactive approach and a passion for issues relevant to UNFPA's mandate.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a postgraduate degree in fields such as public health, international affairs, social sciences, or other relevant disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of advocacy and policy development in the context of maternal and newborn health.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant experience in advocacy work, particularly in areas related to maternal and newborn health. Candidates should have a solid understanding of advocacy strategies, policy analysis, and the ability to engage with high-level stakeholders. Experience in implementing targeted advocacy campaigns and working with UN agencies, government bodies, or civil society organizations is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in advocacy efforts.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time consultancy role with a contract duration of three months. It is specifically open to Nigerian nationals. The consultant will be based in the UNFPA Country Office in Abuja, with field visits to designated project states as required. The role involves minimal travel and will require close collaboration with the SRHR team and other stakeholders. UNFPA will provide logistical support for field missions and national advocacy events, and the consultant will be compensated in accordance with UNFPA's human resource policies. The work environment at UNFPA emphasizes gender equality, teamwork, and diversity, and the organization encourages qualified women and individuals with disabilities to apply.