Specialist in Integrated Reproductive Health Services

Volunteering Medical & Health

Overview

Support the development and implementation of integrated reproductive health services in Parakou.

You have:

• Required degree level: Bachelor + 5 years or Master + 3 years of relevant experience
• Experience in the specific field of adolescent and youth sexual reproductive health, gender empowerment, and local program implementation.
• Proven experience in planning, managing, monitoring, and evaluating health programs is essential.
• Practical experience working on reproductive health programs in Benin or similar national/ regional contexts.
• Expertise in areas like adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health, family planning, maternal and newborn health, and gender equality.
• Strong communication skills in French and working knowledge in English.
• Proficiency in office software and project management systems.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

UNFPA has been present in Benin since 1972. Its 10th cooperation program (2024-2026), currently underway, is aligned with the national priorities of the National Development Plan (PND) and the Government Action Program (PAG) 2021-2026. This program is based on four strategic pillars: 1) Enabling institutional environment: Support policy and financing coordination; 2) Transformation of social norms: Foster a sociocultural environment conducive to the use of basic social services; 3. Integrated service delivery: Strengthen and integrate service delivery, including in areas with security challenges (the north); 4. Evidence generation: Support the collection of evidence to measure, monitor, and plan progress. The UNFPA office in Benin is structured around six main components: 1. Health: Covering reproductive health, maternal health, adolescent and youth health, and sexual health education; 2. Youth: Focused on youth participation and empowerment; 3. Advocacy, Partnerships, and Strategic Communications; 4. Planning and Coordination; 5. Cross-cutting pillar: encompassing gender, inclusion, human rights, and dignity; data, innovation, and resilience; and monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. 6. Operations. Based in Cotonou, the Office also has a decentralized office in Parakou and a branch in Natitingou. The volunteer recruited will be assigned to the decentralized office in Parakou. He or she will be responsible for supporting the development of policies and strategies, the implementation of integrated reproductive health/family planning (RH/FP) services, and the collection of data on sexual, reproductive, maternal, neonatal, adolescent, and youth health. The volunteer will be co-supervised by the Health Team Lead and the Coordinator of the decentralized office in Parakou. In addition, a “Rafiki” (mentor) will be assigned from among colleagues to provide special support.

Under the direct supervision of Health Team Leader, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Technical Support and Planning: • Provide technical support to Health Zones, school infirmaries (middle schools, high schools, campuses), and Social Promotion Centers supported by the program, with a view to planning innovative initiatives for access to integrated reproductive health (RH) services, family planning (FP), and gender-based violence (GBV) in their Annual Work Plans (AWPs), with a specific focus on women and young people in vulnerable situations. • Participate in the formulation of strategies to improve access to and use of integrated reproductive health/family planning services.

2. Data Collection, Analysis, and Management: • Provide technical support for the collection and analysis of data related to access to and use of integrated RH/FP/GBV services, including monitoring the implementation of clinical mentoring and maternal and neonatal deaths in Health Zones. • Support research efforts, leverage existing reproductive health study and research data in the country, and maintain related statistics. This includes data on GBV, birth registration, obstetric fistula, and female genital mutilation, to feed into the program's database and indicator monitoring and guide actions.

3. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: • Participate in the implementation, supervision, and monitoring of AWPs activities by conducting field visits, attending review meetings, and participating in supervision missions. • Prepare quarterly and annual reports on the progress of activities.

4. Partnerships and Community Mobilization: • Develop and maintain partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) to promote sexual and reproductive health education activities. • Contribute to the organization of community-based services (via community relay networks) and social mobilization campaigns to promote an integrated approach to reproductive health.

5. Communication and Digital Innovation: • Support the development of communications and content on sexual health and youth potential, tailored to this audience (gender- and culture-sensitive). • Support the implementation of the e-learning and mobile learning strategy of the “My Life My Choice” (MVMC) program, capitalizing on existing assets.

6. Resource Mobilization • Document best practices and lessons learned from the implementation of interventions. • Participate in the drafting of project proposals for resource mobilization. • Contribute to the preparation of reports for donors.

Competencies and Values ☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Judgement and Decision-making ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Leadership ☒ Managing Performance ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Vision ☒ Working in Teams

Required degree level: Bachelor + 5 years or Master + 3 years of relevant experience

Experience in the specific field of adolescent and youth sexual reproductive health, gender empowerment, and local program implementation.

Skills and experience: o Programme Management: Proven experience in planning, managing, monitoring, and evaluating health programs is essential. o Field Experience: Practical experience working on reproductive health programs in Benin or similar national/regional contexts. o Specific Knowledge: Expertise in areas like adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health, family planning, maternal and newborn health, and gender equality. o Language Proficiency: Strong communication skills in French and working knowledge in English. o Technical Skills: Proficiency in office software and project management systems

Benin is a country in West Africa, bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso, and Niger to the north and by the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Most of its population lives on the southern coastline of the Bight of Benin, part of the Gulf of Guinea in the northernmost tropical portion of the Atlantic Ocean. The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo, but government and administrative offices are in Cotonou, the country's largest city and economic capital. The official Language is French and the time Zone is GMT + 01:00, WAT. Currency used is FCFA (XOF). Cotonou is situated between Lake Nokoué and the Atlantic Ocean. Covering 79 km², it embodies cultural diversity. Citizens from African countries and territories can visit Benin without a visa for up to 90 days. Nationals requiring a visa can apply for an electronic visa at evisa.bj or contact [email protected]. Cotonou is served by most major international airlines and river transport companies. Transportation includes also affordable motorcycle taxis ("zémidjans") for short trips, more comfortable traditional taxis, and a network of buses and minibuses for longer distances, with car rental options also available. A convenient app-based taxi service called Gozem and Yango are also available. Telecommunications facilities (landline and mobile phones, internet) are available, and housing is relatively affordable. There are several recognized schools, such as “Le Lycée Français, le Lycée Pierre Manoel Talon, and the American School. Benin is a democratic and peaceful country. In Cotonou, February to May sees hot weather with temperatures ranging between 26°C and 32°C. Kindly stay hydrated. As of June 16, 2022, entry into Benin is free of COVID-19-related documents. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers to Benin. All travelers must bring its vaccination card and present it to health workers upon arrival in Cotonou. Vaccines against hepatitis A and B are strongly recommended as well as antimalarial treatment. Benin (Cotonou) is in Security Level Area – 2 “Low”. Security clearance is required for UN staff members before traveling. UN security policy requires that all personnel eligible under UN security arrangements traveling on official business obtain a security clearance online at https://dss.un.org A briefing will be provided by UNDSS.

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Added 5 months ago - Updated 4 months ago - Source: unv.org