National Post: Programme Specialist Health Systems Strengthening, Abuja - NOD - Temporary Appointment

UNFPA Nigeria Country Office (CO) works to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH), promote reproductive rights, and reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.
Based in the Country Offices (CO) in Abuja, the Programme Specialist – Health Systems Strengthening (PS-HSS) will provide programmatic and technical assistance within UNFPA as well as externally, in coordination and collaboration with relevant Health Sector stakeholders across the UN, CSOs, Government and regional & international entities.

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA works to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment and to address the causes and consequences of GBV, especially its effects on sexual and reproductive health. UNFPA works to address gender-based violence in both development and humanitarian contexts, where the risk of violence against women and girls intensifies. 

UNFPA Nigeria commenced the implementation of the 9th Country Programme (CP) (2023-2027) of which the four main outputs are : (a) strengthened data systems; (b) strengthened capacities of national and subnational health systems to deliver quality sexual and reproductive health information and services; (c) strengthened capacity of critical actors and systems the provision of life and dignity-saving interventions in humanitarian settings; (d) strengthened capacities and knowledge of critical actors to address discriminatory gender and social norms. 

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction. 

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

The Programme Specialist - Health Systems Strengthening will provide strategic technical assistance and programmatic leadership in the areas of health systems strengthening, health policy and health Financing to ensure that the UNFPA Country Offices (COs) in Nigeria is well-equipped to provide evidence-based policy and strategic advice to the Federal and State Ministries of Health and other Development Partners for improving SRH, FP and  maternal and newborn health.

The Programme Specialist - Health Systems Strengthening works closely with other technical and programme staff in the Country Office and the Regional Office/HQ and reports directly to the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Programme Coordinator, under the overall guidance and leadership of the Representative.

The Programme Specialist - Health Systems Strengthening is the senior technical specialist for integrated technical and programmatic support on issues pertaining to SRH and health systems strengthening in Nigeria, in the context of the ongoing Health Sector reforms. S/he will:

Proficiency in both written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of local languages is an asset.

Because the nature of work is programme focused, involving other groups and various timelines and activities, related skills of good time management, managing deadlines and good team relationships are essential. Knowledge of the UN system is desirable.

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, Embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage qualified women to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities. 

This position offers an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the post. The package includes a competitive net salary plus cost of health insurance and other benefits. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Fraudulent notices, letters or offers may be submitted to the UNFPA fraud hotline http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm

In accordance with the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations, persons applying to posts in the international Professional category, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.