UN Volunteer Specialist in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Job Posting Organization:
The UNFPA country office in Djibouti operates in partnership with governments, other institutions, and civil society to implement its mandate. The organization is guided by two frameworks: the Programme of Action adopted at the International Conference on Population and Development in 1994 (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNFPA focuses on three priority areas: sexual and reproductive health, human rights and gender equality, and population and development issues. The organization provides technical and financial support to the country in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating population data to inform effective decision-making and planning.

Job Overview:
The UNFPA Djibouti country program aims to strengthen the national health system to improve access to integrated and quality sexual and reproductive health and rights services. The office's priorities include reducing avoidable maternal deaths, family planning, enhancing the role of midwives, integrating reproductive health services, preventing and addressing gender-based violence, and improving the availability of reproductive health products. The period from September to December 2026 is a critical transition phase to consolidate ongoing interventions, improve coordination, strengthen national capacities, and prepare for continued support in 202

• The UNFPA Djibouti seeks to recruit a UN Volunteer Specialist with extensive experience with UNFPA to provide intensive technical support to the office and national partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strengthening the health system: Conduct a rapid review of sexual and reproductive health interventions supported by UNFPA, identify key barriers related to access, quality, referral, human resources, data, and product availability. Support the integration of SRHR priorities into health sector plans, coordination mechanisms, and monitoring tools. Strengthen links between community services, health structures, and specialized services. Propose realistic measures to improve service continuity and quality beyond December 2026.
• Integration of SR-VBG-MGF services: Support the definition of a minimum package of integrated services in priority health structures. Enhance reception, orientation, confidentiality, initial care, and referral for women and girls. Support the integration of family planning, maternal health, VBG, and management of MGF consequences into a coherent service pathway. Clarify the roles of health structures, social services, integrated care centers, and community organizations. Develop or adapt simple referral and monitoring tools.
• Standardized operational procedures for VBG: Support the finalization and operationalization of procedures related to the prevention, referral, and care of VBG survivors. Ensure their articulation with reproductive health services and national referral mechanisms. Prepare simplified tools and a plan for training providers. Support monitoring of their effective use in targeted structures and services.
• Maternal health, MDSR, and midwives: Support the establishment and functioning of the MDSR committee responsible for monitoring and responding to maternal and perinatal deaths. Improve follow-up on recommendations from death reviews and corrective measures. Strengthen links between review outcomes, quality of care, referral, and availability of essential resources. Support monitoring of midwives' interventions in health structures and at the community level. Enhance their contribution to maternal health, family planning, referral, and identification of risks related to VBG and MGF.
• Family planning: Support the improvement of the quality and availability of voluntary family planning services. Strengthen counseling, informed choice, and continuity of method use. Support the integration of family planning into pre- and post-natal care as well as services for adolescents and youth. Identify key barriers related to unmet needs, method abandonment, and product availability.
• UNFPA Supplies and product security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security: Support monitoring the availability of contraceptives, essential maternal health medicines, and other reproductive health products. Contribute to improving needs estimation, order planning, and stock monitoring. Strengthen the use of logistics data to anticipate shortages and overstock. Support monitoring of product availability down to health structures. Enhance coordination between the program, national supply chain managers, and partners. Support the implementation and monitoring of commitments related to UNFPA Supplies. Contribute to identifying measures to progressively improve national funding for reproductive health products.
• Co-financing and transition: Support dialogue with national partners on co-financing reproductive health products and interventions. Contribute to preparing a transition roadmap outlining commitments from UNFPA, the Government, and other partners. Identify interventions that can be progressively integrated into national budgets and mechanisms. Propose realistic options to strengthen national financing for family planning, maternal health, and essential products. Support the preparation of technical and budgetary priorities for 2027.
• Monitoring, coordination, and knowledge transfer: Support monitoring of priority indicators for the SRHR program. Participate in follow-up visits and technical exchanges with partners. Prepare short technical notes presenting progress, challenges, and required actions. Strengthen the capacities of office colleagues and partners through practical support. Organize and transmit necessary tools, data, and technical documents for the continuity of interventions.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong background in sexual and reproductive health and rights, with a focus on program implementation and evaluation. Candidates should possess excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for effective engagement with partners and the community. Familiarity with UNFPA's mission and objectives, as well as experience in health systems strengthening, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to human rights and gender equality principles.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees (Master's or equivalent) are preferred, particularly in areas related to sexual and reproductive health, public health, or international development. Additional certifications or training in project management, monitoring and evaluation, or health systems strengthening would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in sexual and reproductive health and rights, preferably within the UN system or international organizations. Experience in program management, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement is essential. Familiarity with the health context in Djibouti or similar settings is a plus. Proven track record of successfully implementing health programs and initiatives is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in French and Arabic is mandatory, as these are the official languages of Djibouti. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders. Knowledge of Somali or Afar would be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time UN Volunteer role, with a contract duration until December 2026, subject to renewal based on performance and funding availability. The role is classified as a hardship duty station, and candidates should be prepared for challenging living conditions. The assignment offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant health initiatives in Djibouti, with a focus on improving sexual and reproductive health services. Compensation and benefits will be provided in accordance with UN Volunteer guidelines, and candidates are encouraged to review the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station.