Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme Specialists, NOC at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) - 4 Openings

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the leading UN organization in Reproductive Health and Population and Development.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme Specialist, NOC

Position Numbers: Abuja (00220609), Yola (00220610), Ilorin (00220611) and Sokoto (0022612)
Locations: Abuja, Yola - Adamawa, Ilorin - Kwara and Sokoto
Level: NOC
Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment
Duration: 1 year (renewable based on availability of funds and satisfactory performance).
Rotational / Non Rotational: Non Rotational

The Position

• UNFPA Nigeria Country Office (CO) works to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH), promote reproductive rights, and reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. 
• The Programme Specialist SRH will support coordination of the CO SRH programme, ensure adequate and timely implementation of the CO SRH programme in the assigned location, provide programmatic and technical support to partners in coordination and collaboration with relevant stakeholders across the UN, CSOs, Federal and State Governments, LGA and Communities. 
• The Programme Specialist SRH will report to the SRH Programme Coordinator. 

How you can make a difference

• UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. UNFPA 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. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
• UNFPA Nigeria commenced the implementation of the 9th Country Programme (CP) (2023-2027) of which the four main outputs are : (a) strengthened data systems; (b) strengthened capacities of national and subnational health systems to deliver quality sexual and reproductive health information and services; (c) strengthened capacity of critical actors and systems the provision of life and dignity-saving interventions in humanitarian settings; (d) strengthened capacities and knowledge of critical actors to address discriminatory gender and social norms. 
• In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
• UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire, and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose

• Under the supervision of the SRH Programme Coordinator, the Programme Specialist SRH will be responsible for supporting the CO SRH portfolio comprising of Maternal Health, Family Planning and Health System Strengthening in the assigned locations, track and document program progress. 
• In this pursuit, she/he will provide overall technical support, coordination and implementation of the various initiatives under the UNFPA SRH Programme and projects to ensure quality implementation along with high visibility.
• She/he will lead in the assessment, planning, conceptualization, implementation, monitoring & reporting, and documentation of various initiatives under the UNFPA SRH programme.
• The Programme Specialist will work closely with the thematic leads at the country office, provide technical support to ongoing projects and interventions on SRH.
• She/he will support internal and external coordination with actors involved in the CO SRH Programme and projects implementation.

Responsibilities
You would be responsible for:
Coordination and Leadership:

• Contribute to the develop and implement the SRH strategy and work plans in alignment with UNFPA's global and regional strategies and Nigeria's national SRH policies.
• Coordinate programme implementation at Stale, LGA and Community levels: Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of UNFPA-supported programmes in the State, ensuring alignment with the CO strategic plan & specific projects and national & state priorities.
• Contribute to establishing partnerships with executing agencies, experts, government counterparts and other UN agencies to facilitate timely and efficient delivery of project inputs.
• Support UNFPA's participation in technical networks at global, regional, national and local levels, including maintaining communication and feedback loops on all substantive work related to SRH.
• Support efforts for identifying and analyzing trends, threats,  risks, and emerging needs as well as opportunities and possible partnerships, to timely inform and contribute to the CO SRH strategies and programming.
• Contribute to the development of proposals for resource mobilization and the management of donor relationships.

Program Management:

• Oversee the management of SRH projects, including budgeting, financial management, and reporting.
• Ensure the timely and effective implementation and monitoring of SRH programs and projects, achieving planned results.
• Oversee IP budgets management, ensuring effective utilization of resources in line with agreed priorities and in compliance with UNFPA's financial rules and regulations.
• Support the forecasting, procurement and distribution of SRH supplies and commodities, and make the necessary follow-up to facilitate timely and efficient delivery.
• Ensure all logistical arrangements for the implementation of activities are carried out smoothly.
• Support the coordination of the National partners in implementing project activities; 
• Follow up on issues arising from field work and suggest and follow up on course corrections where necessary;

Technical Guidance and Oversight:

• Provide and facilitate technical guidance and support as required in implementing in UNFPA programme areas such as reproductive health, gender, and population development to UNFPA staff, government counterparts, and partners.
• Provide technical inputs during the development of new or updated policies, positioning frameworks, guidance, standards, instruments, and tools.  
• Provide technical expertise and oversight for the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of SRH programs.
• Ensure quality assurance and adherence to international standards in SRH service delivery.
• Strengthen the capacity of national partners and UNFPA staff in SRH through training, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to research and innovation in SRH.

Advocacy and Partnerships:

• Assist in advocacy efforts of the Country Office by analyzing and interpret the political, social and economic environment relevant to population and development, reproductive health and gender, creating and delivering effective evidence-based advocacy messages to promote UNFPA’s programme goals taking into account political and social sensitivities;
• Liaise with relevant Government institutions and Implementing Partners to assess, identify technical assistance (TA) needs, and facilitate capacity building in close collaboration with UNFPA SRHR Programme Coordinator;
• Foster strong relationships with Federal and State governments, LGA counterparts, Communities Leaders and entities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance UNFPA's programming and influence and ensure effective implementation of UNFPA's programme and projects.
• Advocate for policies and programs that promote SRH and rights, reduce maternal mortality, and enhance access to SRH services in line with the ICPD PoA and UNFPAs mandate. 

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Monitor UNFPA activities in the State, LGA and Communities, ensuring that implementations are aligned with project documents and are in line with the UNFPA 9th CPD, National Strategic Framework and State development policies and plans for the effective and efficient provision of reproductive health services; 
• Prepare regular programme reports, including key interventions, progress against targets, results and analysis of the programme and projects strategies, approaches and best practices as well as areas for improvement. Timely disseminate to relevant team members for donor reporting, advocacy, knowledge sharing and planning future strategies;
• Oversee the implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks at State and LGA levels to assess the impact of SRH programs.

Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, Health Economics, Medicine or related field.

Work Experience:

• At least five (5) years of professional experience in SRH, including program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Experience working in the field of maternal health, family planning and midwifery in a developing country context.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Prior experience working for the United Nations and/or national and international NGO working in the area of Maternal Health would be an added advantage. 
• Proficiency in current office software applications (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and other presentation software). 

Skills and Competencies: 

• Strong technical knowledge of SRH issues, policies, and programs.
• Excellent project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong advocacy, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of local languages is an asset.

Languages:

• Proficiency in both written and spoken English is required. 

Required Competencies:
Values:

• Exemplifying integrity
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing cultural diversity
• Embracing change

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships
• Communicating for impact. 

Functional Competencies:

• Advocacy/ Advancing a policy-oriented agenda
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Delivering results-based programmes
• Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization.

Managerial Competencies:

• Strategically positioning UNFPA programmes.
• Providing conceptual innovation to support programme effectiveness
• Generating, managing and promoting the use of knowledge and information
• Providing a technical support system
• Strengthening the programming capacity of implementing partners
• Facilitating quality programmatic results.

Related Programme Skills 

• Because the nature of work is programme focused, involving other groups and various timelines and activities, related skills of good time management, managing deadlines and good team relationships are essential.
• Knowledge of the UN system is desirable.

UNFPA Work Environment

• UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, Embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life.
• We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.
• UNFPA promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities. 

Compensation and Benefits 

• This position offers an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the post.
• The package includes a competitive net salary plus cost of health insurance and other benefits.

Application Closing Date
18th February, 2025; 12:00 AM (America/New York).

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Positions are available within the confines of the duration of the EU-SARAH project.
• This vacancy announcement is only for Nigerian nationals.
• No expectancy of renewal in accordance with UN staff regulations 4.5.
• All selected applicants should be ready to take up an appointment in any of the 4 duty stations.
• Disclaimer: UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Fraudulent notices, letters or offers may be submitted to the UNFPA fraud hotline http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm.