Midwifery Research and Advocacy Officer

Lead advocacy and research initiatives to empower midwives in Rwanda.

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Tuesday 8 Apr 2025 at 00:00 UTC

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Overview

Lead advocacy and research initiatives to empower midwives in Rwanda.

You have:

  • Midwifery practice experience from a recognized health facility providing Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care.
  • Valid midwifery practice license from the Rwandan Council of Nurses and Midwives.
  • Active membership in the Rwanda Association of Midwives.
  • Completion of Helping Mother Survive and Helping Baby Survive training programs is an asset.
  • Strong advocacy, communication, and public speaking skills, including experience with radio talks, social media, and community outreach.
  • Strong research and analytical skills with experience in generating and disseminating evidence.
  • Experience in coordinating organizational activities, including strategic initiatives and income-generating projects.
  • Prior experience representing organizations in technical working groups and high-level meetings is an asset.
  • Experience working with volunteer programs, NGOs, or UN agencies is an advantage.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.
  • Ability to navigate and use web-based integrated systems.
  • Experience using virtual collaboration platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The Rwanda Association of Midwives (RAM) was established in 2011 and officially registered as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) on April 25, 2018. RAM joined the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) in 2013 and became a member of the Confederation of African Midwives Association (CONAMA) in 2018. As the professional organization representing midwives and the practice of midwifery in Rwanda, RAM plays a key role in advancing the profession. The UNV Midwifery Research and Advocacy Officer will work in the RAM office, focusing on strengthening the association by supporting research and promoting the midwifery profession at policy level. Before assuming duties, they must present a valid midwifery practice license from the Rwandan Council of Nurses and Midwives.

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist - Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

● Lead advocacy efforts for midwifery at the policy level, driving visibility campaigns, promoting career pathways, generating evidence, and spearheading innovative initiatives led by mid-wives.

● Oversee operational research and evidence-generation initiatives to strengthen midwifery practices and inform policy decisions

● Represent RAM at high-level policy dialogues and technical working groups, ensuring mid-wifery is prioritized in national health agendas.

● Implement strategic communication initiatives to elevate the midwifery profession, including radio campaigns, social media engagement, and school outreach programs.

● Coordinate RAM’s strategic initiatives, including income-generating activities, member mobili-zation, organizational development, and fostering knowledge exchange with Ghana through South-South cooperation

● Oversee operational processes to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of RAM’s pro-grams.

☒Adaptability and Flexibility ☒Building Trust ☒Commitment and Motivation ☒Communication ☒Creativity ☒Ethics and Values ☒Integrity ☒Knowledge Sharing ☒Professionalism ☒Respect for Diversity ☒Self-Management ☒Working in Teams

. Midwifery practice, advocacy, and research. • Midwifery experience from a recognized, public or private health facility that provides Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care • Being registered as midwife with a valid license of practice from the regulatory body for the midwifery profession in Rwanda • Being active member of the Rwanda Association of Midwives • Having completed the Helping Mother Survive and Helping Baby Survive trainings programs would be an asset • Strong advocacy, communication, and public speaking skills (including experience with radio talks, social media, and community outreach). • Strong research and analytical skills with experience generating and disseminating evidence. • Experience in coordinating organizational activities, including strategic initiatives and income-generating projects. • Prior experience in representing organizations in technical working groups and high-level meet-ings is an asset. • Experience working with volunteer programs, NGOs, or UN agencies is an advantage • Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and data analysis tools • Ability to navigate and use web-based integrated systems. • Experience using virtual collaboration platforms such as Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.

Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, has experienced remarkable rejuvenation and stability, evident upon arrival in the city. While motorcycle taxis are the fastest mode of transport, they're not recommended without your own helmet, though some provide helmets. Standard taxis, marked with yellow stripes, are another option, with many operated by Kigali Taxi Service or Kigali Airport Taxis. Public transportation is affordable and efficient, with new and well-maintained buses available, and prepaid cards can be purchased at bus stations. Rental cars are also available due to significant investment in infrastructure, leading to minimal congestion. Accommodations in Kigali are readily available and meet relevant standards, with recreational facilities like swimming pools also accessible. Shopping options include various shops and markets offering essential items, imported goods, home furnishings, electrical appliances, and vehicle spare parts. The city boasts both public and private health facilities, such as King Faisal Hospital and Legacy Clinic, equipped to handle emergencies and affiliated with CIGNA insurance. Kigali is considered exceptionally safe, with emergency numbers like 999 for police, 111 for fire fighters, and 112 for general emergencies, and 113 for traffic accidents.

The UNV Programme offers monthly living allowance covering basic needs like housing, utilities, transportation, and communication. The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable them to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time when you led a successful advocacy campaign for midwifery? The interviewer is looking to understand your advocacy experience and impact. Provide a specific example of your role, the actions you took, and the outcomes achieved.
How do you ensure effective communication within diverse stakeholder groups? This assesses your communication skills and ability to work with varied audiences. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you implement to enhance midwifery practices in Rwanda? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience with operational research and evidence generation in healthcare. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle a situation where there is resistance to implementing a new midwifery policy? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org