Under the overall guidance of the Representative and direct supervision of the Chief Technical Specialist – Maternal Health/Family Planning, the Programme Assistant supports the programme team. The Programme Assistant is responsible for supporting the activities of one or more Programme Analysts in a number of respects, provide technical support in key areas of human resource development for maternal health including research, data analysis, logistical support, and field visits.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

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Develop relationships with key stakeholders in country: Ministry of Health, Midwifery associations, Training institutions, The National Nursing and Midwifery Council, Civil Society Organizations, including NGOs, Other allied health professional associations e.g., obstetricians, nurses, Traditional and community stakeholders
Assess and map resources, needs and gaps in midwifery as appropriate, including assessing the skills of SBAs: Human resource planning and management of the midwifery workforce, Education and training, Professional association development, Standards and regulation
Mobilize technical support for key strategic areas: National midwifery association, Midwifery regulations and standards, including standardization of MOH/GHS job descriptions for midwives to foster optimal use of midwife’s skills (scope of practice), Training and education of midwives and other skilled attendants, In-service training and supervision of midwives and other skilled attendants, Monitoring & Evaluation of midwifery within MOH/GHS human resources for health plans
Mobilize advocates for midwifery through the national midwifery association and other stakeholders, including the use of platforms such as the International Day of the Midwife
Document and share good (best) practices with other Country Midwife Advisers and Regional Midwife Advisers
Facilitate networking and coalition building with other national programmes, agencies, organizations and professionals to improve reproductive health, particularly maternal and new-born health
Coordinate, plan, manage and report on work plans, budgets, strategies and results of the Ministry of Health, which would be the main Implementing Partner (IP) for UNFPA in midwifery programming
Manage and report on activities, strategies and results of other assigned IPs
Work with the Programme Officer in charge of the Maternal Health Thematic Fund to provide timely reports (financial and programmatic) and make inputs in the development of work plans for the fund
Report to the UNFPA Country Representative, Deputy Representative and the Chief Technical Specialist -Maternal Health/Family Planning on all responsibilities, including other assigned roles.

Qualifications and Experience

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Academic Requirement:

Qualified midwife. Postgraduate training would be an added advantage.

Knowledge and Experience:

Minimum of 3 years’ experience in practicing midwifery with excellent knowledge of midwifery education, legislation and regulation
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in governance, consultation, administration or management of programmes related to midwifery
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience in public speaking.
Knowledge and experience in programme management, including small budget management
Demonstrated analytical and strategic planning skills
Demonstrate skills in team and consensus building

Language:

Fluency in English and any local language

Computer Skills:

Fluency in computer and international communication technologies

Required Competencies

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing diversity in all its forms
• Embracing change

Core Competencies:

Commitment to UNFPA Values and Guiding Principles
Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/building strategic alliances and partnerships
Advocacy/advancing a policy-oriented agenda
Results-based programme development and management
Innovation and marketing of new approaches, including strategic partnership, resource mobilisation and south-south cooperation