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

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, which is the UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes gender equality and women's empowerment, addressing issues such as gender-based violence and reproductive health commodity security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to end preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence.

Job Overview:
The Family Planning/Reproductive Health Commodity Security (FP/RHCS) Specialist is responsible for leading and providing normative and programmatic guidance for UNFPA's family planning strategy in Nigeria. This role involves coordinating the management of the UNFPA program related to family planning and reproductive health commodity security, ensuring the availability and choice of reproductive health commodities, and strengthening supply chains. The specialist will work closely with various government levels and partners to enhance the security of reproductive health commodities and will be involved in project formulation, evaluation, and monitoring of results. The position requires a strong focus on advocacy, partnership building, and resource mobilization to support national efforts in family planning and reproductive health.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specialist will provide leadership and technical support to national efforts in family planning and reproductive health commodity security. Key responsibilities include leading advocacy efforts, facilitating partnerships, and mobilizing resources for the program. The specialist will also provide technical support to strengthen health systems, improve access to reproductive health commodities, and coordinate logistics planning and management. Additional duties include overseeing the procurement and supply management of health commodities, ensuring compliance with national standards, and contributing to policy development. The role also involves monitoring program implementation, analyzing data, and disseminating findings to stakeholders.

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. A course in logistics, essential drugs, and management information systems is a plus. Candidates should have 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 programs.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master's degree in relevant fields such as medical sciences, public health, pharmacy, procurement, logistics, or supply chain management. Additional qualifications in logistics and procurement are beneficial, and courses in logistics and management information systems are considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience at the national level in sexual and reproductive health, with a strong emphasis on public sector pharmaceutical supplies management. Candidates should have significant experience in family planning programming, health logistics systems, and public procurement related to the health sector. Experience in developing countries and demonstrated ability to work with government and development partners is essential.

Languages:
Proficiency in both written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position 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 role offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary and health insurance benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality and diversity, encouraging qualified women and persons with disabilities to apply.