Health Specialist (RMNCH) at UNICEF

Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks

1. Under the overall guidance of the Regional Health Advisor, provide technical leadership, strategic advice and technical guidance, ensure effective coordination and collaboration among UN agencies, key development partners, regional bodies, donors, and NGOs in support of efficient regional-level technical support, capacity development assistance, the development and dissemination of strategic information, joint advocacy and resource mobilization to support RMNCH programme in countries.

2. Provide leadership, technical support and strategic guidance to countries to improve quality of MNH services (antenatal, perinatal and postnatal care) and strengthen the link with community platforms (care seeking, referral, follow up and treatment), with special attention to integration with programmes such as EPI, nutrition, WASH, ECD and birth registration.

3. Provide technical assistance, oversight and programme monitoring through field visits and regular contact with country offices, especially for quality improvement of MNH services and their linkages with community health systems. Monitor and follow up recommendations made during the field visits.

4. Through strategic partnerships, mobilize resources to support RMNCAH programmes in countries. Ensure sound management of grants, timely and quality production of briefing notes, donor reports, annual reports and other documents deemed critical.

5. Support strategic operational research efforts in RMNCAH in the region that may contribute to reduce evidence gaps and inform optimal programme implementation.

6. Support efforts on health emergencies in the regional multi-sectoral team, with focus on promoting Risked Informed Programming and coordination of timely response of health emergencies under WHO cluster lead and as per CCC.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

• Advanced University Degree in public health (MD + MPh, PhD or equivalent) or a related technical field is required*. Specialization in maternal and newborn health in low capacity countries an asset.
• At least eight years relevant progressively responsible professional work experience at national and international levels, including support to quality improvement of maternal and newborn health programs and programme/project management.
• Experience working in the UN or other international development organizations, experience in adults' training and experience in community systems strengthening an asset.
• Fluency in English (written and verbal) is required. Knowledge of an additional UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, Russian) is an asset.

*A relevant first-level university degree (Bachelor's), in combination with 2 years of additional relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies

• Communication - Level II
• Working with People - Level II
• Drive for Results - Level II

Functional Competencies

• Formulating Strategies and Concepts - Level II
• Analyzing - Level III
• Relating and Networking - Level II
• Deciding and Initiating Action - Level II
• Applying Technical Expertise - Level III