Project Assistant – SRHR

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) is the lead UN agency for 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 territories, working to improve reproductive health and rights, and to promote gender equality. The organization focuses on three transformative results in its strategic plan for 2023-2027: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet needs for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA collaborates with various partners, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations, to implement programs that strengthen national health systems and service delivery, particularly in the area of sexual and reproductive health.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant – SRHR will play a crucial role in coordinating, implementing, and monitoring Sexual Reproductive Health Program activities and initiatives. This position is aligned with the Family Health Unit Operational Plan and the UNFPA-MHMS Work Plan activities, as well as the Ministry of Health & Medical Services Strategic Plan. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Family Health and will be responsible for ensuring that all health and wellness-related activities are effectively coordinated and facilitated. The role involves engaging with various stakeholders, including community leaders and health workers, to promote and protect the health and well-being of the population, particularly focusing on sexual and reproductive health rights. The Project Assistant will also be tasked with reporting on the progress of these initiatives and ensuring that they align with national health priorities and UNFPA policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Assistant will be responsible for a variety of key tasks, including coordinating and facilitating the implementation of health and wellness initiatives, particularly those related to sexual and reproductive health. This includes facilitating consultations with stakeholders, reporting on the achievement of Ministry targets, and supporting proposal submissions for project funding. The role also involves monitoring and evaluating the implementation of Sexual and Reproductive Health Programs, including HIV and Adolescent Health initiatives. The Project Assistant will oversee capacity-building programs for team members and service providers, collate quarterly reports, and supervise the work of Divisional Project Officers. Additionally, the consultant will engage community gatekeepers to ensure their involvement in SRHR activities and collaborate with government counterparts and NGOs to contribute to the Transformative Agenda implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Secondary School qualification, with a graduate Certificate, Diploma, or Degree in Public Health, Counselling, Psychosocial Management, Health Promotion, Reproductive Health, Project Management, or a related field. A qualification in social work or another health-related field is considered an advantage. Candidates should have at least 6 years of post-qualification experience working in a sexual and reproductive health department, either in the government or private sector. A strong understanding of the healthcare service delivery system in Fiji, particularly the MOHMS SRHR service delivery system, is essential. Experience in working with adolescents and youths, as well as knowledge of health promotion programs, project planning, and community mobilization, is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Secondary School qualification, along with a graduate Certificate, Diploma, or Degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Counselling, Psychosocial Management, Health Promotion, Reproductive Health, or Project Management. Additional qualifications in social work or other health-related fields are advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in a sexual and reproductive health department, either in a government or private sector setting. This experience should include working knowledge of health promotive programs, particularly those focused on adolescents and youths, as well as experience in maternal health programs, family planning, and community health promotion. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation processes, data management, and reporting is also essential, along with administrative and management skills related to program management at various levels.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the communities served by the SRHR programs.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultancy role with a focus on full-time engagement. The consultant will be expected to deliver monthly reports, support financial reporting, and engage with community stakeholders. The work environment at UNFPA promotes gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, and compensation. Selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.