The Position:

The Programme Analyst analyses and assesses relevant political, social and economic trends, guiding and facilitating the delivery of UNFPA’s programmes relating to Sexual and Reproductive Health with a focus on Midwifery and Maternal Health in the Somalia Country Office.

The Programme Analyst, Midwifery,  will report to the Reproductive Health Commodities Security Specialist (RHCS) specialist.

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:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young persons 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 to accelerating progress toward 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 climate changes and crisis 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.

We are looking for a Midwifery Analyst to join our team and support the critical work of strengthening midwifery professional development across the country.

You would be responsible for:

Under the overall supervision of UNFPA Representative, deputy Representative and direct supervision of the RHCS specialist, the Midwifery Analyst  will provide support to the planning, implementation, and monitoring and focusing on aspects of health systems strengthening for midwifery improvement.

• Strengthen midwifery institutions at national and sub-national levels including Somaliland to enhance education, training, policy development, and professional regulations.
• Promote a positive image of midwifery and career development while enhancing the visibility and performance of midwifery councils and associations.
• Analyze political, policy, and social trends affecting midwifery and provide substantive inputs into program design and evaluation.
• Support the planning, coordination, and monitoring of midwifery-related projects to ensure effective implementation.
• Facilitate the development and execution of annual and quarterly work plans, ensuring timely delivery of quality UNFPA midwifery programs.
• Collaborate with the Ministry of Health and technical staff to oversee the work of consultants, advisors, and experts.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with government agencies, donor organizations, private sector stakeholders, and civil society, including midwifery associations.
• Provide technical guidance on midwifery workforce development and service delivery, ensuring alignment with national and global health strategies.
• Support the Ministry of Health and midwifery associations in strengthening regulatory frameworks, accreditation systems, and professional standards.
• Lead the development and implementation of midwifery education programs, curricula, and training initiatives that adhere to international standards.
• Contribute to policy analysis, workforce planning, and midwifery deployment strategies to address gaps in maternal and newborn healthcare services.
• Design and implement training programs for midwives, focusing on clinical skills, leadership, and emergency obstetric and neonatal care.
• Develop and oversee continuous professional development (CPD) initiatives, including e-learning platforms for maternal health professionals.
• Provide mentorship and technical assistance to midwifery schools, ensuring the quality and sustainability of training programs.

Technical Support for the Implementation of the Somalia Midwifery Strategy 2024-2028

• Provide expert guidance and technical support to the Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders in the effective implementation of the Somalia Midwifery Strategy 2024- 2028.
• Ensure alignment of midwifery programs with national health priorities and global best practices.
• Collaborate with government institutions, midwifery associations, and other partners to integrate the strategy into existing health systems, ensuring its sustainability and long-term impact.
• Support capacity-building initiatives for midwifery professionals and institutions, ensuring the strategy’s components are effectively rolled out across various regions.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of the strategy’s implementation, providing data- driven recommendations for improvements and adjustments as needed.

Program Implementation and Advocacy

• Lead and implement midwifery-led initiatives aimed at improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in Somalia.
• Advocate for midwifery integration into national healthcare systems, engaging with policymakers, donors, and development partners.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to mobilize resources and ensure sustainable funding for midwifery programs.
• Support the Somali Midwives Association in strengthening midwifery leadership, governance, and professional development.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Establish mechanisms for tracking midwifery workforce distribution, deployment, and retention.
• Conduct program assessments, data analysis, and reporting to measure the impact of midwifery interventions.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations to improve midwifery education, regulation, and practice.

Qualifications and Experience: 
Education:  

Advanced degree with two years of professional experience in public health, medicine (including medical doctor), social science, development and/or other related social science disciplines.
Knowledge and Experience: 

● Two years professional experience in the field of public health, with experience in programme/ project management

● Work experience in the field of sexual and reproductive health programme is desirable

● Knowledge of the country’s context and a good understanding of the government systems, particularly in sexual and reproductive health areas

● Practical experience in design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects

● Experience using office software packages and web-based management systems

● Work experience in the UN system and development partners will be an added advantage

Languages: 

Solid command of spoken and written English and Somali 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,

Functional Competencies:

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

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

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.