Programme Analyst, Fistula (National Post)

Please note that this vacancy is open only to nationals of South Sudan.

Position Summary:

Every day, almost 800 women die from pregnancy complications. For every woman who dies, 20 or more are injured or disabled. One of the most serious injuries of childbearing is obstetric fistula, a hole in the birth canal, caused by prolonged, obstructed labour due to lack of timely and adequate medical care. As a result of prolonged, obstructed labour, in most cases, the baby is stillborn or dies within the first week of birth, and the woman suffers a devastating injury – a fistula – that leaves her incontinent. The consequences of this injury more often leave her ashamed, ostracized and marginalized. Many women and girls who suffer from fistula are excluded from daily community life and abandoned by their husbands and families, isolating them socially and emotionally, making it also difficult to maintain a source of income or support, thus deepening their poverty and magnifying their suffering.
For several years now, UNFPA CO has run fistula campaigns in collaboration with MOH and partners to support efforts to eradicate the scourge from South Sudan. So far 539 women with fistulas have been treated in eight (2006-2014) campaigns with support from external consultants. While this support for annual campaigns will continue in the foreseeable future, it imperative is fistula prevention strategies and health systems strengthening is prioritized to lay the platform for routine case management and to strengthen facility based prevention services, and eventually to serve as a training centre for that matter in the long run.
Under the overall supervision of the RHCS Specialist the Fistula Analyst will assists in the coordination, planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of obstetric fistula programmes.

Required Skills and Experience:

Education:

Medical doctor with Bachelor of Surgery and Medicine (MBChB);
Masters degree in obstetrics and gynecology or public health with a bias in Health system strengthening/management will be an added advantage;