The Position:
The SRHR Technical Specialist will be responsible for a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (FP/MH/RCHS/SRHR) programme portfolio at the country office. S/he will work under the overall guidance of the UNFPA Representative in PNG and under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative, and s/he will work closely with other program staff in the UNFPA Country office. S/he will also work collaboratively with the National Department of Health, Provincial Health Authorities, NGO partners, bilateral and multilateral donor agencies to enhance family planning, maternal health, and reproductive health commodity security, including managing PNG’s transition to Phase 3 of UNFPA SUPPLIES. S/he will provide technical support and conduct relevant research, analysis and training activities aimed at providing information and knowledge base and methodologies to national counterparts, planners, policy makers, programme managers and service providers.
Job Purpose:
The Government of Papua New Guinea has prioritized population as a national development concern articulated in the Alotau Accord II of August 2017. The high political commitment to the health and wellbeing of the population is well articulated in the National Development Plan, Vision 2050, the Reproductive Health Policy, the National Population Policy 2015-2024 and the family planning policy. The Government envisions reducing the country’s high maternal mortality ratio by more than 50 percent by year 2024 but is currently off-track to achieve this goal – a situation further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Health has prioritized family planning as the most cost-effective intervention and the government aims to ensure availability of quality family planning and maternal health services throughout the country, including in the remotest areas. The Technical Specialist will support the Government’s goal by providing technical guidance, advice, and oversight of a comprehensive SRHR response regarding sexual and reproductive health, family planning and issues affecting commodity security, policy, systems strengthening (including strengthening of the Supply Chain), demand generation, quality, availability, accessibility, and sustainability of RH commodities. The Technical Specialist will work in collaboration with others to strengthen SRHR service availability including the need for health systems strengthening, skill mix of SRH/maternal health service providers including a focus on midwives, upskilling of community health workers and village volunteers, and ensuring availability of quality comprehensive SRHR services including respectful routine and emergency maternal health care.
Qualifications and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree in public health, midwifery, medicine, health management, pharmacy, supply chain management, social sciences of business or another related field. PhD in Public Health would be an advantage.
Knowledge and Experience:
• Minimum 7 years of increasing responsibilities in the area of Sexual and Reproductive Health with direct experience relating to family planning, maternal health and RHCS.
• Health sector specific experience, including experience with Public Health systems in developing countries.
• Previous experience of working in multi-cultural teams and leading national level health programmes
• Past experience with strengthening a midwifery profession/association and networks is an asset.
• Good coaching and mentoring skills required.
Languages:
Fluency in English; knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable.
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
