Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme Specialist, NOC - Fixed Term Appointment

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Position Title: Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme Specialist, NOC - Fixed Term Appointment
Location: Yola, Abuja, Ilorin, Sokoto
Country: Nigeria
Deadline Date: Tuesday, 18 February 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, established to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health, promote reproductive rights, and reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 focuses on transformative results aimed at ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA Nigeria commenced the implementation of its 9th Country Programme (2023-2027), which emphasizes strengthening data systems, health systems, and addressing discriminatory gender norms. UNFPA operates in multiple countries and employs principled staff who embody international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the coordination of the Country Office's Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) programme. This position involves ensuring the timely implementation of the SRH programme in assigned locations, providing programmatic and technical support to partners, and collaborating with various stakeholders including UN agencies, civil society organizations, and government entities. The Programme Specialist will report to the SRH Programme Coordinator and will be responsible for tracking and documenting program progress, as well as leading assessments, planning, and monitoring of initiatives under the UNFPA SRH programme. The role requires a strong commitment to quality implementation and high visibility of the programme's impact.

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

• Coordination and Leadership: Develop and implement the SRH strategy and work plans in alignment with UNFPA's global strategies and Nigeria's national policies. Coordinate programme implementation at various levels, ensuring alignment with strategic plans and priorities. Establish partnerships with executing agencies and government counterparts to facilitate project delivery.
• Program Management: Oversee the management of SRH projects, including budgeting and financial management. Ensure timely implementation and monitoring of SRH programs, achieving planned results. Support procurement and distribution of SRH supplies.
• Technical Guidance and Oversight: Provide technical guidance in reproductive health, gender, and population development. Ensure quality assurance in SRH service delivery and strengthen the capacity of national partners through training and knowledge sharing.
• Advocacy and Partnerships: Assist in advocacy efforts by analyzing the political and social environment relevant to SRH. Foster relationships with government institutions and civil society organizations to enhance UNFPA's programming.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor activities to ensure alignment with project documents and prepare regular programme reports. Oversee the implementation of monitoring frameworks to assess the impact of SRH programs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, Health Economics, Medicine, or a related field. They should have at least five years of professional experience in sexual and reproductive health, including design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Experience in maternal health and family planning in a developing country context is essential, along with demonstrated project management experience. Prior experience with the United Nations or NGOs in maternal health is advantageous. Proficiency in office software applications is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, Health Economics, Medicine, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is critical to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage and implement sexual and reproductive health programs.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of professional experience in sexual and reproductive health, with a focus on program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Candidates should have experience working in maternal health, family planning, and midwifery within a developing country context. Demonstrated project management experience is essential, and prior experience working for the United Nations or national and international NGOs in maternal health is considered an added advantage.

Languages:
Proficiency in both written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a fixed-term appointment lasting one year, subject to renewal based on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The position is non-rotational, and selected applicants should be prepared to work in any of the four duty stations: Abuja, Yola, Ilorin, or Sokoto. The role offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities and encourages women and persons with disabilities to apply.