Programme Adviser, Humanitarian Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, focusing on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues. The organization aims to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, promote gender equality, and empower women and girls. UNFPA's mission is to support countries in achieving their development goals, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Programme Adviser, Humanitarian Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights will be based in the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Branch (SRHRB) of the Programme Division (PD) in Nairobi, Kenya. This role involves providing policy advisory and technical assistance in family planning and maternal and newborn health across the humanitarian-development-peace continuum. The incumbent will support the operationalization and implementation of UNFPA’s strategic plan for 2026-2029, focusing on comprehensive abortion care (CAC) and its integration into broader sexual and reproductive health programming. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including country offices, regional technical advisors, and humanitarian response divisions, to ensure effective implementation of sexual and reproductive health interventions in fragile and crisis-affected settings. The role is critical in addressing priorities related to the UNFPA Supplies Partnership and the Maternal and Newborn Health Fund, which aim to strengthen policy frameworks and improve access to quality sexual and reproductive health services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for several key areas:

• Strategic Leadership and Policy Guidance: Provide strategic direction for integrating comprehensive SRHR interventions across the humanitarian-development-peace continuum, advocate for UNFPA’s positioning as the lead agency for SRHR in emergencies, and develop policy briefs and programming guidance.
• Technical and Programme Support: Lead the development and implementation of the humanitarian strategy and action plan, ensuring effective monitoring of MISP readiness assessments and collaboration with various stakeholders to strengthen data systems for SRH.
• Partnership, Advocacy, and Resource Mobilization: Engage in advocacy and resource mobilization activities, represent UNFPA in high-level inter-agency fora, and cultivate strategic partnerships to promote joint programming and resource mobilization for SRHR in emergencies.
• Knowledge Management and Innovation: Lead the generation and dissemination of evidence and best practices on humanitarian SRHR programming, fostering a culture of innovation to overcome barriers to accessing services.
• Perform any other duties as directed by team leads or the SRHR Branch Chief.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in health with clinical qualifications or a Master’s degree in Public Health or a related discipline. Clinical experience is considered an added advantage. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressive professional experience managing SRHR programmes in both development and humanitarian contexts. Extensive experience in ensuring quality SRHR programming, particularly in maternal and newborn health, contraceptive services, and comprehensive abortion care is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in managing health teams, training, capacity strengthening, and resource mobilization, along with the ability to communicate effectively in diverse cultural and political environments.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in health with clinical qualifications or a Master’s degree in Public Health or a related field. Candidates with clinical experience will have an advantage, as this role involves significant engagement with health systems and service delivery.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressive professional experience in managing sexual and reproductive health and rights programmes within both development and humanitarian contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of ensuring quality programming and service delivery, particularly in areas such as maternal and newborn health, family planning, and comprehensive abortion care. Experience in leading health teams, training staff, and engaging in resource mobilization is also essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in diverse environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.