Family Planning/Reproductive Health Commodity Security (FP/RHCS) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Established in 1969, UNFPA works in over 150 countries to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization focuses on reproductive health, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to end preventable maternal deaths, meet the unmet need for family planning, and eliminate gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA Nigeria is part of this global effort, implementing the 9th Country Programme (2023-2027) with four main outputs: strengthened data systems, enhanced health systems for quality sexual and reproductive health services, improved capacity for humanitarian interventions, and addressing discriminatory gender norms.

Job Overview:
The Family Planning/Reproductive Health Commodity security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (FP/RHCS) Specialist will play a crucial role in leading and guiding UNFPA's family planning strategy and national commitments in Nigeria. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in managing reproductive health commodities and ensuring their availability and accessibility. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and international partners, to enhance the supply chain and logistics for reproductive health commodities. The role involves monitoring and evaluating program implementation, providing technical support, and advocating for integrated approaches to reproductive health. The specialist will also contribute to the development of national policies and plans related to family planning and reproductive health commodity security, ensuring alignment with UNFPA's strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FP/RHCS Specialist will be responsible for providing leadership and technical support to national efforts in family planning and reproductive health commodity security. Key responsibilities include designing health commodity supply logistics in accordance with national health priorities, leading advocacy efforts for integrated sexual and reproductive health approaches, collaborating with UN agencies and development partners, and identifying new funding opportunities. The specialist will also provide capacity development and technical support to strengthen health systems, coordinate logistics planning and management, oversee procurement and supply management, and ensure effective functioning of the FP/RHCS Committee. Additionally, the specialist will contribute to evidence and knowledge development, monitor program implementation, and undertake any other assignments as directed by the UNFPA Representative.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in medical sciences, public health, pharmacy, procurement, logistics, supply chain management, or a related field. Professional qualifications in logistics and procurement are advantageous, and additional training in logistics, essential drugs, and management information systems is a plus. The role requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in sexual and reproductive health, particularly in public sector pharmaceutical supplies management, with at least 3 years focused on health and logistics systems and family planning program management. Candidates should have extensive knowledge of family planning, supply chain management, and public procurement processes, as well as experience working with government and development partners.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as medical sciences, public health, pharmacy, procurement, logistics, or supply chain management is required. Additional qualifications in logistics and procurement, as well as courses in essential drugs and management information systems, are considered beneficial for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience at the national level in sexual and reproductive health, with a focus on public sector pharmaceutical supplies management. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience related to health and logistics systems and management of family planning programs. Experience in public sector pharmaceutical program management, particularly in policy and management, is strongly desired. Candidates should also have significant experience in family planning programming and health sector-specific experience in developing countries, demonstrating the ability to work effectively with governments and stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English is the primary language of communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a fixed-term appointment lasting one year, subject to renewal based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The position is non-rotational and is specifically open to Nigerian nationals. The compensation package includes a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and diversity, and encourages qualified women and persons with disabilities to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process.