Position summary:

In general, the position is expected to be part of a programme of engagement with the political and technical arms of intergovernmental sub-regional and regional organizations as well as with relevant sub-regional and regional NGOs, professional associations, regional economic commissions (RECs) and regional banks (Africa Development Bank, etc) and international development agencies to get contraceptive/family planning programmes and RHCS, ICPD beyond 2014 agenda and relevant ICPD SDG goals into their focus, decisions and programmes, creating visibility for UNFPA’s leadership. The functions of the position in regard to family planning/contraceptive and fertility management and RHCS issues will also extend to country programmes, in the context of the enhanced but supportive role that PSRO is expected to assume.

Within the context of UNFPA efforts aimed at alleviating poverty and improving people’s lives, and meeting the SDG target of “ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes by 2030”, the RHCS specialist will provide policy, programmatic and technical guidance, advice and oversight, as well as ensuring quality and the delivery of results, in all programmes in the areas of Reproductive Health Commodity Security (RHCS) including Contraceptive Social Marketing. In the broadest definition, this post is multi-sectoral and cross-cutting, engaging in all issues affecting commodity security, policy, system strengthening, supply management, demand generation, quality, availability, accessibility and sustainability of RH commodities.

Requirements:

Qualifications and Experience 

Education:   

Advanced University degree in public health, medicine, sociology, demography, gender, economics, international relations, international development, public administration, management or other related field. Post-graduate degree is desirable. A course in logistics, essential drugs and Health Management Information System (HMIS) is an asset. LMIS management and One Health Tool skills are a plus.

Knowledge and Experience:

• 7 years of increasing responsibilities at the national level in reproductive health (RH) or health programmes, ideally with direct experience relating to logistics systems.

• At least four years regional international experience advising other countries on RH commodities.

• Sound knowledge of supply management: forecasting, warehousing, distribution, transportation and logistics information systems.

• General knowledge of the principles and operational aspects of integrated reproductive health care.

• Familiarity with UN development programmes and working procedures, especially UNFPA policies and programming procedures, is an asset.

Languages:

• Strong written and spoken skills in English. Knowledge of a second UN language is an asset.