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,