Programme Adviser, Humanitarian Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN 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 has a mission to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly in humanitarian settings. The organization focuses on four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet need for family planning, ending preventable maternal deaths, ending gender-based violence and harmful practices, and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies. UNFPA is committed to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, and aims to create a work environment that reflects these values.

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 in Nairobi, Kenya. This position is crucial for 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 as part of Universal Health Coverage. The role involves contributing to the UNFPA Supplies Partnership and the Maternal and Newborn Health Fund, addressing priorities, and working with countries to strengthen policy frameworks and improve access to quality sexual and reproductive health services, especially in fragile and crisis-affected settings. The incumbent will also be responsible for building institutional capacity for risk-informed planning and supporting effective implementation of sexual and reproductive health interventions before, during, and after crises.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for leading and monitoring the integration of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) continuum in line with UNFPA’s Strategic Plan 2026-2

• Key responsibilities include:
• Strategic Leadership and Policy Guidance: Providing strategic direction for the integration of quality comprehensive SRHR interventions, advocating for UNFPA’s positioning as the lead agency for SRHR in emergencies, and developing policy briefs and programming guidance.
• Technical and Programme Support: Leading the development and implementation of the humanitarian strategy and action plan, ensuring effective monitoring of MISP readiness assessments, and collaborating with various stakeholders to strengthen data systems for SRH.
• Partnership, Advocacy, and Resource Mobilization: Engaging in advocacy and resource mobilization activities, representing UNFPA in high-level fora, and cultivating partnerships with UN agencies and civil society organizations.
• Knowledge Management and Innovation: Leading the generation and dissemination of evidence and best practices on humanitarian SRHR programming, fostering a culture of innovation, and identifying new approaches to improve access to SRHR services in volatile contexts.
• Performing any other duties as directed by the Family Planning team lead or the Maternal and Newborn Health team lead.

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 and family planning services, and comprehensive abortion care is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in managing health teams, training, and capacity strengthening, as well as the ability to communicate effectively within 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 discipline. Candidates with clinical experience will have an advantage, as this role requires a strong understanding of health systems and service delivery in both development and humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressive professional experience in managing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) programmes in both development and humanitarian contexts. Candidates should have extensive experience in ensuring quality SRHR programming and service delivery, particularly in maternal and newborn health, contraceptive and family planning services, and comprehensive abortion care. Experience in managing health teams, training, and capacity strengthening is also essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines efficiently.

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

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 the 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, regardless of personal characteristics.