The Position:

The Senior Policy Expert will be based in the African Union Commission (AUC) and will work under the overall supervision of AUC Head of Division for Health Systems, Diseases and Nutrition.

How you can make a difference:

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), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

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:

The UNFPA Addis Ababa Representation Office (AARO) to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) plays a critical role in advancing the organization’s mandate, particularly the three transformative goals: ending the unmet need for family planning, reducing preventable maternal deaths, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. To achieve these objectives across the African continent, the AARO has forged strong collaborations with various African Union Commission (AUC) departments, including the Department of Health and Humanitarian Affairs and the Women, Gender and Youth Directorate.

To effectively support these efforts, the Office wishes to provide the AUC with capacity support in the form of a Senior Policy Expert for Reproductive Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and Population program who will provide technical expertise on maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health as well as population issues. The Senior Policy Expert will collaborate with stakeholders to identify ways to integrate and promote these issues at the regional and continental levels in line with Agenda 2063

You would be responsible for:

Specifically, the consultant will do the following:

• Technical Assistance and Guidance:

The Senior Policy Expert for RMNCAH and Population programs provides technical assistance and guidance to governments and other stakeholders on policies, guidelines, strategies, and programs related to reproductive health, maternal health, newborn and child health, and adolescent health. The Expert shall also guide the population agenda of the commission overseeing the implementation of the Addis Ababa Declaration on Population and Development and the Common Africa Position on Population and Development, in addition to the demographic dividend.

• Programme Design and Implementation

The Senior Policy Expert is responsible for undertaking the design and implementation of effective and evidence-based initiatives/programs that are aimed at improving reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health as well as addressing population concerns.

• Resource Mobilization

One of the major duties of the staff is to mobilize resources to support RMNCAH and population programs. This includes identifying potential sources of funding from international and local funders, developing proposals, and negotiating partnerships.

• Research and Advocacy

The staff conducts research and advocates for policies and programs aimed at improving reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and reducing maternal mortality rates in Africa.

• Capacity Building

The staff is responsible for strengthening the capacity of governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders in RMNCAH and Population activities through the provision of technical assistance, training, and skill transfer.

• Reporting and Monitoring

The staff develops an effective performance monitoring system for RMNCAH and population programs and provides progress reports to relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

A minimum of a master’s degree in public health, Health Policy, Population Studies or a related field is required. A degree in reproductive or maternal health is also desirable.

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health programs, population programs, or related fields.
• Proven experience in providing technical guidance within a complex developmental context, including government, international organizations, multilateral or bilateral agencies, civil society, or academia.
• Experience in leading advocacy efforts and developing networks and partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated expertise in program proposal development, monitoring, and evaluation.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and family planning policies, guidelines, and best practices.
• Proficiency in data analysis software, including STATA, SPSS, Excel and other applications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to draft and communicate technical information.
• Good knowledge of project management principles and experience in managing budgets.

Other requirements

• Knowledge and familiarity with AU structures and policies is an advantage.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a multicultural setting.
• Ability to travel within and outside Africa.
• Have good interpersonal skills, project management skills, and the ability to communicate effectively in a complex setting.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team, adapt quickly to new situations, and attention to detail is also essential.

Languages:

Fluency in English language

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,

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.