Technical Specialist Job in Cote d'Ivoire

Rotation
	This post is non-rotational. The closing date for this vacancy is 31 October 2011, 5:00 p.m. New York time. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
	Background Information
	Côte d’Ivoire is one of the African countries where maternal morbidity and mortality is a major health concern. According to results of the last DHS and Census, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was estimated at 543 deaths per 100000 live births. In addition, the health system is registering a weak contraceptive prevalence rate (10%) and the presence of a skilled attendant at birth is estimated at 56 percent of the deliveries. The HIV prevalence rate remains high (4,7%) with a feminization of the infection (6,9%). Côte d'Ivoire is emerging from a severe political-military crisis that followed a disputed presidential election in 2010 and caused a humanitarian crisis. The conflict has weakened the country's health care system, including the service provision of Reproductive Health care, care for victims of sexual violence and HIV/Aids prevention. In partnership with the Government, international and national organizations, the civil society and the private sector, UNFPA Côte d’Ivoire is working to address these tremendous challenges, including assuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe and every young person is free of HIV infection. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
	Organizational Setting
	The Technical Specialist post is located in the UNFPA Cote d’Ivoire office in Abidjan. S/he reports to the Representative, who provides overall direction and supervision, and works in close collaboration with the Dakar sub-regional office and the Technical Division.  The technical Specialist is part of a team and works in an integrated manner with the programme and operation staff.. S/he will ensure technical and programmatic support, in accordance with the principles of result based management and good governance to reinforce the quality of the maternal health programme. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
	Main Tasks & Responsibilties
	The Technical Specialist will have the responsibility for health system strengthening and financing for the promotion, design, monitoring and evaluation, equitable access of RH commodity for all sectors, including supply management system. She/he will provide technical advice and support to RH/FP/MH planners, policy makers, programme managers and service providers on national policies and programmes in the field of Reproductive Health and Maternal Health. This will include conducting relevant research, analysis and training to improve knowledge sharing in these areas. The incumbent will contribute to an enhancement of national capacity to mobilize and obtain social and political support for national policies and programmes in the field of Reproductive Health/Maternal health. POLICY, ADVOCACY AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION • Provide technical assistance to develop the MDG5 component of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), the UNFPA Country Programme and annual work plans. • Support national implementing partners in advocacy activities for inclusion of RH/RHCS in SWAPs, PRSPs and health sector reforms • Assist and advise the country office in financial resource mobilization for MNH • Advice the country office and national counterparts on integrated approaches to improve reproductive health, in particular to (i) Maternal Health, (ii) Family planning (including Condom programming) • Reinforce and advise staff and national partners on effective supply chain management, including information management, forecasting, distribution and information systems. • Provide technical assistance to national counterparts in the costing and effective implementation of the national reproductive health action plan. • Assist and advice the country to address the urgent need for skilled health workers, particularly midwives and to reinforce emergency obstetric and newborn care  • Assist and advise the country to eliminate obstetric fistula • Assist and advise the country to address the financial barriers to access to RH/MH services, especially for the poorest • Provide technical assistance to strengthen the national health information system, and monitoring and evaluation with a focus on RH/MH key indicators.  CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS • Maintain and foster partnerships with UN agencies and other partners in the technical area of RH, and RHCS for advancement of knowledge. Carry out joint assessments and projects, formulate recommendations on potential critical maternal health issues and provide advice in respect to MDG 5 targets. • Provide technical assistance to national partners to scale-up quality health services to ensure universal access to reproductive health, including family planning, skilled attendance at delivery, emergency obstetric and newborn care • Identify, develop and/or adapt training materials and manuals in substantive areas • Strengthen the capacity of national institutions in the areas of needs assessments, resource mobilisation and monitoring and evaluation EVIDENCE AND KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT AND DISSEMINATION  Analysis and synthesis trends and research in the area of RHCS and Maternal Health in Cote d’Ivoire to produce technical knowledge  Advocate for the incorporation of evaluation results and lessons learned in the updating of strategies and approaches in order to improve the effectiveness of UNFPA operations  Contribute to the successful execution of impact evaluations. Provide support in developing a prioritized operational research agenda for UNFPA  Promote UNFPA’s comparative substantive role and specific contribution in the changing development agenda TECHNICAL REPRESENTATION  Represent UNFPA on substantive issues and support advocacy for RH/MH, and RHCS in international, governmental, U.N., and other policy and technical meetings and seminars  Collaborate with UN agencies, academia, professional societies, and act as focal point for inter-agency working groups in the substantive area  Act as the CO’s focal point for RHCS, FP and Maternal Health. Carry out other duties as may be required by UNFPA Representative. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
	Qualifications and Experience
	- Advanced university degree in any of the following areas - public health, medicine, social sciences, pharmacy or other related fields. A course in logistics, essential drugs, health system strengthening and financing and MIS is an advantage.  7 years of professional experience and increasing responsibilities in managing RH or health programmes, including supply management systems. At least five years of national and/or international experience in advising on RH commodities, health systems and supply management.  Extensive knowledge of supply management: forecasting, warehousing, distribution, transportation and logistics information systems.  General knowledge of the principles and operational aspects of integrated RH care.  Familiarity with UN development programmes and working procedures, especially UNFPA policies and programming procedures is an asset.  Fluency in French. Good command of oral and written English is required. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
	Required Competencies
	 Values/Guiding principles;  Performance management;  Developing people/Coaching and Mentoring & Fostering Innovation and Empowerment;  Working in Teams;  Self-management/Emotional Intelligence;  Communication;  Appropriate and Transparent Decision Making;  Analytical and Strategic Thinking and Results Orientation/Commitement ot Excellence  Knowledge Sharing/Continuing Learning - FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES  Conceptual innovation in the provision of technical expertise  Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/Building strategic alliances and   partnerships  Job knowledge/Technical expertise ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
	Compensation and Benefits
	This position offers an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the post.   The package includes a competitive net salary plus cost of living adjustment, housing allowance, home leave, health insurance and other benefits.