Maternal and Reproductive Health (MRH) Midwifery Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights, with a strategic plan that emphasizes ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA is committed to addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to health services, and it seeks principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The Maternal and Reproductive Health (MRH) Midwifery Specialist will play a crucial role in implementing and enhancing midwifery interventions within the Family Health House (FHH) setting. This position requires a candidate who can transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact results in the field of maternal health. The specialist will be responsible for capacity-building initiatives, supervising training for implementing partners, and ensuring the rational use of medicines in FHHs. The role also involves improving data quality and providing technical support for work plans and budgets, contributing to innovations in reproductive health service delivery, and raising awareness of UNFPA's work in midwifery. The specialist will regularly update midwives on evidence-based practices and participate in advocacy events to promote the role of midwives in the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the MRH Midwifery Specialist include:

• Supporting capacity-building by supervising and cascading MRH-related training to implementing partners' field supervisors and FHH midwives.
• Strengthening the capacity of implementing partners through training and mentorship of reproductive health supervisors and community midwives.
• Supervising the consumption of medicines in FHHs at the provincial level to ensure rational use.
• Improving data quality by cross-checking monthly data and providing feedback to implementing partners while building the capacity of field staff on quality data collection.
• Providing technical support in the development of work plans and budgets, revising them as needed.
• Contributing to UNFPA's efforts in enhancing reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) service delivery, particularly focusing on midwifery and maternal health.
• Raising visibility of UNFPA's work around midwifery by writing articles, reports, and presentations.
• Ensuring that UNFPA-supported midwives are regularly updated on evidence-based practices.
• Designing quality project proposals, including logical frameworks, budgets, and narrative concept notes. 1
• Conducting frequent supervisory visits to remote FHHs in underserved areas. 1
• Participating in provincial RMNCH committees and providing technical input as required. 1
• Supporting the monitoring of midwifery services in facilities operated directly by UNFPA. 1
• Undertaking any other tasks required by the supervisor/office.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the MRH Midwifery Specialist position include:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in Midwifery, Nursing, or Public Health. A Bachelor’s degree with additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in midwifery practice from a recognized health facility providing Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (BEmONC).
• Registration as a midwife or nurse with a valid license to practice from a regulatory body.
• Completion of the Helping Mothers Survive and Helping Baby Survive training programs is an added value.
• Field-based research experience is also considered an asset.
• Excellent English speaking and writing skills are mandatory.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in Midwifery, Nursing, or Public Health. In cases where a candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree, additional years of relevant experience may be considered as a substitute for the Master’s degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of experience in midwifery practice, or 4 years if the candidate holds only a Bachelor’s degree. This experience should be gained from a recognized public or private health facility that provides Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (BEmONC). Candidates must also be registered midwives or nurses with a valid license to practice, ensuring they are qualified to deliver maternal health services.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is required for this position. Strong speaking and writing skills in English are essential for effective communication and reporting. While English is the mandatory language, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in a diverse working environment like Afghanistan.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role, and the consultant is expected to provide all necessary equipment to complete the assignment, including a computer, software, and phone. UNFPA will provide relevant background information and documentation regarding the regional and country contexts. The work environment at UNFPA reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics.