Sexual Reproductive Health Specialist

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.

As part of the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to the Government of Cameroon, the project entitled "Strengthening Gender Based Violence Prevention, risk mitigation and response including Sexual and Reproductive Health in conflict affected communities in North West, South West and Far North of Cameroon” has just received funding from KOICA for a period of 12 months. The overall objective of the project is to increase access of survivors to high-quality GBV and SRH lifesaving integrated Gender-Based Violence services including prevention, mitigation and response (medical care psychosocial support and case management) of gender based violence and COVID 19 prevention and protection to affected populations in the South West, North West and Far North Regions of Cameroon.

This goal will be achieved through the following objectives: a. Ensure quality and timely safe access to life-saving and integrated GBV services for GBV survivors in target crisis-affected areas of North West, South West and Far North regions. b. Strengthen capacity of service providers and communities for GBV/SRH prevention, risk mitigation, including Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) c. Strengthen GBV coordination through information sharing, capacity building, advocacy and synergy among the actors d. Provide Minimum Services Package for Reproductive Health (MISP) and family planning services to prevent sexual violence and respond to the need of survivors The project aims to contribute to the reduction mortality and morbidity among women, girls, adolescents and other vulnerable groups through provision of life saving SRH services (including emergency obstetric and newborn care, HIV prevention, clinical management of survivors of sexual violence, and family planning).

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is seeking a Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Expert to oversee the provision of lifesaving SRH interventions to members of crisis affected communities of the North West, South west and Far North Regions of Cameroon, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs). The SRH expert shall work under the overall supervision of the Country Representative and Deputy Representative, the direct supervision of the Humanitarian Coordinator. The SRH Expert will work within the ICPD program of action as related to humanitarian settings; and to effectively demonstrate UNFPA’s role in humanitarian response. Expected impact • Support the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting on the Minimum Initial Services Package for Reproductive Health in humanitarian settings (MISP) by implementing partners.
• Participe in rapid needs assessment tools to the emergency situation in the affected region. • Conduct/ Facilitate field assessments of the RH/HIV gaps, needs and challenges of the emergency-affected populations. • Provide guidance and technical support on the integration of comprehensive reproductive health service provision into primary health care. • Undertake analysis of trends, gaps and challenges in addressing major issues in SRH in emergency settings; provide regular feedback to the Humanitarian team on changing humanitarian dynamics at the regional level • Assist in designing initiatives targeting needs of adolescents related to RH; • Ensure GBV and MHPSS mainstreaming in SRH activities • Explore opportunities and entry points for UNFPA to design RH interventions for specific at-risk/vulnerable groups affected by or involved in crisis, e.g. diverse armed groups, displaced, persons with disabilities, etc. • Represent UNFPA in humanitarian RH related meetings, forums and advocacy events as appropriate • Monitor, evaluate and report overall achievements of technical indicators in UNFPA SRH program, including data in focusing on humanitarian settings • Assist in advocacy by preparing relevant documentation, (i.e. project summaries, conference papers, donor profiles and participating in donor meetings and public information events) as assigned by the humanitarian coordinator • Ensure that RH needs are addressed within the Health cluster (if cluster approach is applied in the emergency context) and within OCHA Situation Reports. • Maintain working relationship and share relevant information with UN Joint Team on HIV and other partners working in the area of SRH; • In close collaboration with the UN Agencies and other partners, assist the CO in preparing for reintegration of IDPs/returnees. • Monitor SRH assistance provided by UNFPA through implementing partners to crisis affected populations, in particular IDPs/returnees, and ensure adequate RH/HIV&AIDS requirements are being met. • Maintain database on emergency RH commodities and supplies- dignity kits and share information with coordinating agencies and MoH as needed. • Perform other relevant duties, as required from the country office.

Work Relations The UN Volunteer will work closely with the international and national humanitarian technical teams. She/he will create synergies between the nexus of development and humanitarian response.

Functional competencies: • Providing strategic focus on population and development as related to reproduction health, youth and gender • Engaging internal/ external partners and stakeholders • Leading, developing and empowering people/ creating a culture of performance • Making decisions and exercising judgment • Advocacy/ Advancing a policy-oriented agenda relevant to effective use of data for programming and decision making • Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships • Delivering results-based programme • Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization Core Competencies: • Achieving results, • Being accountable, • Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, • Thinking analytically and strategically, • Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, • Communicating for impact

Values: • Exemplifying integrity, • Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, • Embracing cultural diversity, • Embracing change

4-5 years of relevant progressively responsible professional work experience with a minimum of 2 years, in humanitarian and relief operations; • Experience in SRH in the context of emergency response is essential; • Fluency in English essential and French an asset. • Experience in SRH coordination is an asset • Familiarity with UNFPA/UN operations and procedures is an asset. • Being familiar with the geographical, social and cultural environment of the North West and South West of Cameroon and fluent in English and Pidgin is an asset. Ability to work in French is an asset.

Capital of Cameroon, Yaounde is the second largest city of the country. It offers the capital continues to face socio-political pressures on multiple fronts a favorable environment to settle in: safety, housing facilities, economic potential and dynamism. The vast majority of violence takes place far away from the capital of Yaoundé, but security is still a major concern. When navigating the city, the safest option is travel by car, as neither walking nor public transportation are suitable for assignees. Even driving can pose difficulty, however. Many street markings have eroded over time, while others are made difficult to see from construction dust that settles in roadways.The safest districts for residing in Yaoundé are Bastos and Golf. Both districts host international embassies and present the highest level of security in the city. Having French language skills is a big help.

Cameroon is a unique country and this UN Volunteer’s position is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.