Strategic Coordination Consultant: Sexual and Reproductive Justice (SRJ)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the leading UN agency dedicated to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, UNFPA operates globally with a mission to promote the health and rights of individuals, particularly women and youth. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, focusing on four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, ensuring effective external relations and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development landscape.

Job Overview:
The Strategic Coordination Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the national Sexual and Reproductive Justice (SRJ) Strategy in South Africa. This position involves strengthening knowledge and coordination on sexual and reproductive health and rights, which includes supporting government strategies, building networks, and championing evidence-based knowledge. The consultant will work closely with the Department of Social Development (DSD) to provide technical and operational support, ensuring that the SRJ Strategy is effectively executed. The consultant will also lead the establishment of a knowledge hub for sexual and reproductive health and rights, consolidating data and information to inform decision-making and policy advocacy. This role requires a deep understanding of the SRJ framework and its application in South Africa, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders to drive collaboration and coordination.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical and operational support to the Department of Social Development in the planning and execution of the National Sexual and Reproductive Justice Strategy, including regular alignment meetings, input on implementation plans, and participation in technical committee meetings.
• Co-develop and co-convene a 'SRJ Webinar Series' to position DSD and UNFPA priorities at the forefront of policy dialogue.
• Lead the establishment of the SRHR/SRJ knowledge hub, including stakeholder prioritization, governance structure design, and development of a Programme Charter.
• Clean and organize the existing UNFPA stakeholder database into a usable coordination tool.
• Deliverables include technical assistance plans, implementation progress reports, multimedia packs for webinars, and a functional stakeholder database, all with specified deadlines and amounts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Human Rights, Gender Studies, Demography, or a closely related field. A minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience in program management, policy development, or strategic implementation within the public health, human rights, or social development sectors is required. Candidates should demonstrate technical knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and familiarity with the SRJ framework in South Africa. Proven experience in managing relationships with government stakeholders, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and academic institutions is essential. Additionally, experience in establishing knowledge management systems and governance frameworks is required.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Human Rights, Gender Studies, or Demography is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as the socio-political context in which these issues are situated.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience in program management, policy development, or strategic implementation within the public health, human rights, or social development sectors. Candidates should have a demonstrated track record of working with high-level government stakeholders and managing relationships with various organizations, showcasing their ability to navigate complex environments and drive impactful results.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and for documentation. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in the SRJ initiatives.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to involve domestic travel as required. The consultant will work closely with the National Population Unit at the Department of Social Development, under the supervision of the UNFPA Assistant Representative/Head of Programmes. The work environment at UNFPA reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. UNFPA encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics.