SRH Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a humanitarian organization that responds to the world’s worst crises, helping people survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC has a mission to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The organization operates in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, providing lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees and displaced individuals. In Somalia, the IRC has been active since 2006, delivering essential services to communities affected by conflict and disaster, reaching over 200,000 individuals in need across various regions including Mudug, Galgadud, and Banadir. The IRC focuses on multiple sectors such as livelihood, WASH, governance, peacebuilding, gender-based violence (GBV), nutrition, education, and health, ensuring comprehensive support to those affected by crises.

Job Overview:
The SRH Project Officer will play a crucial role in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) interventions funded by UNFPA in Puntland and North East State. This position requires the officer to provide technical leadership for SRH programs, ensuring quality service delivery in health facilities and outreach services. The officer will also be responsible for strengthening coordination with government entities and partners, as well as supporting the capacity building of health workers in alignment with national guidelines, UNFPA standards, WHO recommendations, and IRC policies. The role demands a proactive approach to ensure that SRH services are effectively integrated within primary healthcare and nutrition programs, and that community outreach activities are conducted to promote the utilization of these services. The SRH Project Officer will also document success stories and best practices to enhance program visibility and effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SRH Project Officer will lead the implementation of UNFPA-funded SRH projects, ensuring timely delivery of activities in compliance with donor requirements. Responsibilities include developing work plans in collaboration with the Senior Health and Nutrition Officer, ensuring quality delivery of SRH services such as antenatal care, postnatal care, family planning, and clinical management of rape. The officer will monitor project activities, support health facility staff in improving care quality, and conduct field visits to assess service delivery. Technical support and mentorship for health workers will be a key responsibility, including organizing training and ensuring adherence to quality standards. The officer will also monitor project performance against indicators, prepare reports, and represent IRC in relevant technical working groups and meetings. Additionally, the officer will manage supply chain logistics for SRH commodities and supervise project staff, ensuring compliance with IRC policies and safeguarding standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing, or a relevant health-related field. A Master's degree in Public Health, Reproductive Health, or a related field is preferred. A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in Sexual and Reproductive Health programming within humanitarian and development settings is required. Experience managing donor-funded health projects, particularly those funded by UNFPA, is highly valued. Candidates should have experience working with government health systems and community-based health interventions, along with fluency in English, both oral and written. Strong computer management skills and proven analytical, communication, and negotiation skills are essential, as well as the ability to think strategically.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant health-related field such as Medicine, Midwifery, or Nursing. A Master's degree in Public Health or Reproductive Health is considered an advantage, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the field of sexual and reproductive health.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in Sexual and Reproductive Health programming, particularly in humanitarian and development contexts. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing donor-funded health projects, with a preference for those who have worked on UNFPA-funded programs. Experience in collaborating with government health systems and implementing community-based health interventions is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both in oral and written communication. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to communicate with diverse populations and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time, with a focus on project management and implementation in a humanitarian context. The role may involve international recruitment, and candidates should be prepared for the challenges associated with working in conflict-affected areas. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with IRC policies and may include provisions for health, safety, and professional development opportunities.