Individual Consultant (IC) - SRHR Programme Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to sexual and reproductive health services, while also striving to meet the goals set forth in the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to support the Kenya Country Office in implementing initiatives under the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Youth portfolio, which encompasses Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH), Family Planning, and Adolescents and Youth in both development and humanitarian contexts. The Individual Consultant (IC) will work under the supervision of the SRHR and Youth Advisor, collaborating closely with other program and technical teams, as well as the operations team. The IC will play a crucial role in engaging with the private sector, advocating for policy changes, and providing program management support to ensure effective implementation of SRHR initiatives. This position requires a proactive approach to building partnerships, developing advocacy materials, and supporting resource mobilization efforts to elevate the SRHR agenda in Kenya.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The IC will be responsible for several key areas, including:

• Private Sector Engagement: Develop and implement a strategic plan for UNFPA's engagement with the private sector on MNH and SRHR issues, conduct due diligence on potential partners, and support private sector stakeholders in making commitments related to MNH.
• Advocacy and Policy Dialogue: Support UNFPA's advocacy efforts on maternal and newborn health, develop knowledge products for evidence-based advocacy, and engage in organizing national forums for advocacy and knowledge sharing.
• Programme Management Support: Provide technical assistance to UNFPA partners in program implementation, prepare work plans, support program integration, and ensure timely submission of program and donor reports.
• Expected Outputs: Deliver progress reports, private sector engagement plans, advocacy materials, technical support documentation, and a final report summarizing activities and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in public health, social sciences, development studies, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in SRHR programming, particularly in Maternal and Newborn Health, Family Planning, and Adolescents and Youth, is required. Demonstrated experience in partnerships and private sector relations, as well as a strong understanding of the Kenyan health system and development context, is essential. Experience in resource mobilization and working with UN agencies is considered an asset. Excellent written and spoken English, along with strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, are mandatory.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in public health, social sciences, development studies, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as the socio-economic factors that influence health outcomes in Kenya.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in sexual and reproductive health and rights programming, with a specific focus on Maternal and Newborn Health, Family Planning, and Adolescents and Youth. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in building partnerships and engaging with the private sector, as well as a strong understanding of the Kenyan health system and development context. Experience in resource mobilization and collaboration with UN agencies is advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Strong written and spoken communication skills in English are essential for developing advocacy materials, engaging with stakeholders, and contributing to program reports and evaluations. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a period of six months, from April 2025 to September 202

• The consultant will be based at the UNFPA Kenya Country Office, and UNFPA will provide necessary support, including office space and relevant documents. The IC may be required to travel to the field for program-related interventions, with travel costs covered by UNFPA. The work environment at UNFPA promotes gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.