Regional Adviser - Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, which is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. 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 the importance of human rights and gender equality in its work, particularly in the context of health and reproductive rights. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to address critical issues such as preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, aligning its goals with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda. UNFPA is committed to building forward better in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring that women and girls have access to necessary health services and rights.

Job Overview:
The Regional Adviser for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is a pivotal role within the Asia and the Pacific Regional Office of UNFPA, located in Bangkok. This position is responsible for providing strategic policy, technical, and advocacy advice on health, SRHR, and HIV across the UN system. The adviser will work closely with technical and program staff to support the implementation of the SDGs and the ICPD agenda. The role requires a strong focus on promoting the rights of women, young people, and marginalized groups, ensuring that their health needs are met and that they have access to essential services. The adviser will engage in high-level policy dialogue, represent UNFPA in regional forums, and provide evidence-based insights to inform policy and advocacy priorities. This position demands a collaborative approach, working within an interdisciplinary team to deliver integrated program and technical support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Adviser include:

• Leading strategic policy, technical, and advocacy engagement on health, SRHR, and HIV to promote the rights of women and marginalized groups.
• Providing strategic guidance and technical leadership on health-related issues, including emergency preparedness and humanitarian assistance.
• Analyzing regional and national trends in health and SRHR to inform policy and advocacy efforts.
• Developing and coordinating the implementation of new policies and frameworks related to health and SRHR.
• Engaging with intergovernmental delegations to advocate for health commitments at international and regional levels.
• Ensuring quality control of technical support provided to country offices and facilitating capacity development.
• Leading the development of high-level policy briefs and reports on health and SRHR issues.
• Coordinating partnerships with other UN agencies and civil society organizations to enhance advocacy efforts.
• Representing UNFPA in policy dialogues and technical meetings, advocating for health and SRHR priorities. 1
• Managing and mentoring junior staff and consultants, ensuring effective teamwork and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree or equivalent, preferably a Ph.D., in public health, social sciences, medicine, health systems/economics, or a related field. They should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in health, SRHR, and HIV policy and advocacy, with a minimum of seven years at the international level. Proven experience in policy-making and advocacy for health and reproductive rights is essential, along with a strong understanding of human rights and gender equality dimensions in health. Candidates should also have experience in health systems and reform, knowledge of quality of care, and familiarity with humanitarian settings. Strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities in English, and established networks within the academic and development community are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree or equivalent in fields such as public health, social sciences, medicine, health systems/economics, or other relevant areas directly related to the responsibilities of the role. A Ph.D. is preferred, indicating a high level of expertise and knowledge in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in health, SRHR, and HIV, with at least seven years of that experience at the international level. This experience should include substantive roles in policy-making and advocacy, demonstrating a strong track record of leadership and the ability to produce impactful results. Familiarity with the Asia and Pacific region is considered an asset, as is experience in humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of an additional UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in diverse international settings and communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Bangkok, Thailand, and is likely to be a full-time role. The job may involve travel within the region and internationally to engage with various stakeholders and represent UNFPA in different forums. The role is expected to be senior in nature, reflecting the level of responsibility and expertise required. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with UNFPA's policies and standards, ensuring that the successful candidate is adequately supported in their role.