UNFPA-SRH Programming Specialist Full-Time

Job Description

Background information/reason for request/extension:

Cyclone IDAI landed on the Mozambican coast on March 14, 2019, bringing heavy torrential rains and winds to the provinces of Sofala, Manica, Zambezia, Tete and Inhambane, with Sofala being the hardest hit. Heavy rains continue in the region and are expected to continue in the next few days. There is a risk of further flooding as rivers are expected to overflow and dams may collapse. While the official death toll from Cyclone Idai is reported at 202 as of 19 March, it is expected to increase in the days ahead. Up to 1000 deaths have been reported in the media. Updates from the field indicate that up to 2 million people may be affected. Many public facilities, including hospitals, were damaged: the major provincial hospital suspended emergency surgeries due to the damage to the hospital building and 30 clinics were damaged, thus are not functioning. A plan is needed for all clusters to respond to the needs of those IDPs in order to support the government. Health challenges due to waterborne diseases are one of the major concerns.

The United Nations and humanitarian partners in Mozambique have thus far appealed for US$40.8 million to assist those affected by the tropical cyclone IDAI. UNFPA is leading the Protection Cluster and Co-leading the Health Cluster, with special attention is given to Sexual and Reproductive Health and protection interventions to ensure prevention of maternal morbidity and mortality and GBV. The government has mobilized health care providers to provide services to the affected population, including in transit centers and mobile clinics, however, there is a lack of essential equipment, supplies, kits and tents to provide good quality services, including safe delivery as well as health personnel. Distribution of 1000 pre-positioned dignity kits has been initiated and procurement of RH kits and more dignity kits is underway. The CO is in dire need of additional staffing capacity as quickly as possible. Timely support is critical due to meteorological forecasts indicating that more rain is expected in the coming days in the central provinces, which will significantly worsen the already dire situation.

Role Description:

Major duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct/Lead rapid assessment/s of SRH needs of the affected population, working closely together with the Health and Protection cluster;
• Provide technical and strategic guidance in support of UNFPA’s role as co-lead of the Health Cluster in close collaboration with the lead agency WHO ensuring SRH and ASRH needs are prioritized in the cluster response;
• Oversee (in collaboration with relevant staff) procurement of emergency RH kits, equipment and medical supplies as well as dignity kits; develop a distribution plan to meet the needs of implementing partners other identified NGOs for RH services, monitor distribution and ensure utilization reporting as well as challenges and document successes;
• Based on MISP projection and rapid assessment findings, implement the MISP (Minimum Initial Service Package) with relevant partners;
• Oversee (with relevant M&E officers) the monitoring of MISP implementation;
• Explore other opportunities and entry points to deliver SRH services for specifically for at-risk and vulnerable groups affected by the crisis, e.g.: youth, young women, sex workers, persons with disabilities, etc;
• Initiate and coordinate training sessions on SRH in emergencies (for health care providers, community services officers, security personnel, refugee/IDP population, youth host population, etc.);
• Assist in developing/adapting protocols for selected areas in programme coordination (such as syndromic case management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), referral for emergency obstetric care, midwifery, fistula repair, medical response to survivors of rape, counseling and family planning services, etc.);
• Coach and support COs to strengthen the implementation of MISP – sexual and reproductive health priorities and to assess progress towards achievement with technical tools and approaches, and to accelerate implementation of activities funded through CERF and UNFPA Emergency Response Fund;
• Provide inputs for SitReps and other communication products, as required;
• Ensure an effective response that integrates SRH (including ASRH), GBV and data interventions;
• Develop an exit strategy, which includes the transition to evidence-based, comprehensive SRH programmes.

Partnership:

• Ensure SRH needs are addressed within the Health cluster and within OCHA Situation Reports;
• Maintain a working relationship and share relevant information with UN Health Cluster, Logistics and Protection Clusters;
• Liaise with relevant partners to provide SRH services and commodities for IDPs;
• Establish strong linkages between existing SRH and GBV programmes with regard to the health sector response for survivors of sexual violence;
• Perform other duties as required by supervisor or representative.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Monitor SRH assistance provided by UNFPA through implementing partners to crisis-affected populations, in particular, IDPs/returnees, and ensure adequate SRH requirements are being met;
• Conduct monitoring visits, and ensure a systematic approach for tracking coverage of the targeted population by UNFPA assistance in humanitarian settings;
• Work closely with the UN partners, national counterparts (MOH), operations team and logisticians regarding SRH commodities and supplies, and dignity kits;
• Prepare regular progress reports and document lessons learned and challenges and share with UNFPA regional office, UNFPA Humanitarian Office, SROs, and other units as may be necessary.

Capacity Development:

• Provide coaching to newly recruited staff and consultants, where appropriate on SRH in emergencies;
• Coach and build the capacity of staff members and staff of implementing partners responding to the emergency/humanitarian crisis, as needed.

Qualifications and Skills required:

• Advanced university degree in Midwifery, Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, or relevant Social Sciences;
• 5 to 10 years of relevant experience in SRH program development and management, preferably in an emergency context, particularly implementing the MISP;
• Field experience in humanitarian emergency response;
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience within a multinational and multicultural environment;
• Ability to develop and coordinate SRH programs that target refugees, IDPs/returnees and their host communities;
• Proficiency in English required. Proficiency in Portuguese, Spanish or Italian desirable.