The Technical Specialist for Reproductive Health Commodity Systems is located in the
Commodity Security Branch (CSB) of the Technical Division, and reports to the Technical Adviser, RH Commodities with overall supervision from the Chief of CSB.
The Technical Specialist applies an integrated coordinated, and systems strengthening approach which is fundamental to the Division's and UNFPA's overall strategy. S/he will work closely with PSB, the Regional Advisors and Country Offices
Job Requirements
UNFPA Supplies – a multilateral, multi-donor, UNFPA-managed thematic trust fund –is the world’s largest provider of donated contraceptives. The programme provides over 40 percent of all contraceptives donated to developing countries and helps strengthen health systems to deliver them. Since its inception in 2007, the programme has mobilized over US$1 billion to support national action to expand access to family planning for millions of the world’s poorest women and girls. UNFPA Supplies is uniquely positioned to support countries in their efforts to ensure universal health coverage (UHC), helping to build stronger, integrated health systems that will ensure access to and use of rights-based family planning services, contraceptives, and maternal health medicines.
UNFPA Supplies is governed through a tiered committee structure made up of key programme stakeholders and donors that provides strategic direction and management oversight. A Steering Committee approves programme strategy and key documents based on recommendations from three targeted sub-committees with deeper engagement and subject-matter expertise on finance & risk, strategy & planning, and human resources. Broader stakeholder input and engagement is achieved through annual Partner Assembly meetings.
The Technical Specialist provides strategic technical and programmatic support to ensure that UNFPA commitments specified in the UNFPA Supplies Programme are fulfilled and universal access to reproductive health commodities is firmly placed within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Responsibilities of the Technical Specialist include:
This post will provide advice and support to ensure all member states have access to a broader mix of modern contraceptive methods and essential, lifesaving maternal health commodities. S/he will provide technical and programmatic support to ensure quality, timeliness and impact in the delivery of results, in all programmes in the areas of Reproductive Health Commodity Security (RHCS). In the broadest definition, this post is multi- sectoral and crosscutting, engaging in all issues affecting commodity security, system strengthening, supply management, quality, availability, accessibility and sustainability of RH commodities.
This post will provide advice and support in the development of country plans building on existing and on-going national planning exercises. In all activities, s/he fosters collaboration within TD, with the Programme Division, including Humanitarian Response, with PSB, with Regional offices, and with the UNFPA Technical network, ensuring the timeliness, adequacy and relevance and quality of substantive outputs.
The primary roles of the Technical Specialist for Reproductive Health Commodity Systems are:
• Strategic technical support and monitoring
• Capacity development
• Evidence and knowledge development and dissemination
• Technical representation
Education: Advanced degree in public health, pharmacy, medicine, sociology, demography, economics, international relations, international development, public administration, management or other related fields
Knowledge and Experience:
● 7 years of relevant progressively responsible professional experience, including experience at the international level;
● Substantive experience in RH commodity quantification, forecasting, supply management, warehousing, distribution, logistics information systems;
● Knowledge of UNFPA mandates, policies, and guidelines
● Field experience, at country or regional level working on RHCS related programme is an asset;
● Familiarity with UNFPA core issues – and, more specifically, with Family Planning;
● General knowledge of the principles and operational aspects of integrated reproductive health care
● Proven ability to produce demonstrable results;
● Extensive network within the development community;
● Demonstrated expertise in the area of RHCS
● Strong professional oral and writing skills including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization;
● Ability to synthesize ideas and messages into digestible presentations/documents by non-technical readers;
Other Desirable Skills:
● Initiative, strong conceptual abilities, sound judgment, strong interest in development work, especially the mission of the United Nations Population Fund and dedication to the principles of the United Nations.
Languages: Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.