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 mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization operates globally, with a focus on various countries, including Nigeria, where it has been active in implementing programs that align with its strategic plan (2022-2025). UNFPA Nigeria is committed to addressing critical issues related to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and it works collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations, and communities to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the coordination and implementation of the UNFPA Country Office's sexual and reproductive health (SRH) program. This position involves ensuring that the SRH program is executed effectively in the assigned locations, providing technical and programmatic support to partners, and collaborating with relevant stakeholders across the UN, civil society organizations, federal and state governments, local government areas, and communities. The Programme Specialist will report directly to the SRH Programme Coordinator and will be responsible for tracking and documenting program progress, ensuring quality implementation, and leading various initiatives under the UNFPA SRH program. The role requires a strong commitment to advancing reproductive health and rights, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners to achieve impactful results.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Coordination and Leadership: Contributing to the development and implementation of the SRH strategy and work plans in alignment with UNFPA's global and regional strategies and Nigeria's national SRH policies. Coordinating program implementation at state, local government area (LGA), and community levels, overseeing the development, implementation, and monitoring of UNFPA-supported programs. Establishing partnerships with executing agencies, experts, government counterparts, and other UN agencies to facilitate timely and efficient delivery of project inputs. Supporting UNFPA's participation in technical networks at various levels and contributing to the development of proposals for resource mobilization.
• Program Management: Overseeing the management of SRH projects, including budgeting, financial management, and reporting. Ensuring timely and effective implementation and monitoring of SRH programs and projects, achieving planned results. Supporting the forecasting, procurement, and distribution of SRH supplies and commodities.
• Technical Guidance and Oversight: Providing technical guidance and support in implementing UNFPA program areas such as reproductive health, gender, and population development. Ensuring quality assurance and adherence to international standards in SRH service delivery.
• Advocacy and Partnerships: Assisting in advocacy efforts by analyzing the political, social, and economic environment relevant to population and development, reproductive health, and gender. Liaising with government institutions and implementing partners to assess technical assistance needs and facilitate capacity building.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitoring UNFPA activities to ensure alignment with project documents and national strategic frameworks. Preparing regular program reports and overseeing the implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks at state and LGA levels.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, Health Economics, Medicine, or a related field. Additionally, candidates 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, family planning, and midwifery in a developing country context is essential. Demonstrated project management experience and proficiency in current office software applications (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint) are also required. Prior experience working for the United Nations or national and international NGOs in the area of maternal health is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as Public Health, Health Economics, or Medicine. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of sexual and reproductive health issues and for effectively managing programs that address these challenges.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 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, particularly in a developing country context. Demonstrated project management experience is essential, as is familiarity with the UN system and its operational frameworks.

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 position is a full-time role with a fixed-term appointment lasting one year, subject to renewal based on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The positions are available within the framework of the EU-SARAH project, and selected applicants should be prepared to take up an appointment in any of the four duty stations: Abuja, Yola, Ilorin, or Sokoto. The role is non-rotational, and candidates must be Nigerian nationals. The compensation package includes a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects gender equality, teamwork, and diversity, and encourages women and persons with disabilities to apply.