The Position
This position acts as the UNFPA regional Principal Lead Adviser for integrated technical and programmatic support on issues pertaining to maternal and newborn health, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and health systems strengthening in West and Central Africa (WCA). The Regional Adviser works in an integrated manner with the technical and programme staff in the WCA Regional Office and Country Offices covered by the WCA region and reports directly to the Deputy Regional Director under the overall guidance and leadership of the Regional Director.
How you can make a difference
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 (2026-2029) focuses on four interconnected outcomes: (a) Accelerating progress on meeting the unmet need for family planning; (b) Accelerating progress on ending preventable maternal deaths; (c) Accelerating progress on ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and, (d) Adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD Programme of Action and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. UNFPA works with partners across sectors to protect the gains made in recent decades and to use every opportunity to make advances and accelerate progress. Through country-led nationally owned strategies and programmes, an increased focus on leveraging sustainable financing and investment at scale and inclusive, evidence-based policy advocacy, UNFPA continues to help governments fulfill their commitments to achieving development and dignity for all.
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.
Job Purpose
In the West and Central Africa Region, the Regional Maternal Health and Health Systems Strengthening Adviser will provide strategic technical and programmatic leadership to ensure that the UNFPA West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO) in Dakar and Country Offices (COs) are well-equipped to provide evidence-based policy and programme advice for improving maternal and newborn health to accelerate progress towards the outcomes of the UNFPA’s Strategic Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals, the ICPD Programme of Action and Africa Union’s Agenda 2063.
The regional advisor will lead efforts to accelerate progress to accelerate progress towards ending preventable maternal deaths in the region. S/he will be primarily responsible for leading and managing the provision of high quality technical assistance and programme support to the countries of the region with a focus on strengthening health, financing, governance and accountability systems. S/he will lead efforts to implement the regional road map on reducing maternal mortality, strengthen the multisectoral approach and positioning maternal and newborn health as a strategic and political priority at continental, regional and national levels.
S/he will lead on undertaking analyses of continental, regional, and country level trends pertaining to maternal and newborn health and the effectiveness of the health and health related delivery systems especially at the primary and secondary health care levels within the broader framework of universal health coverage (UHC).
S/he will identify strategic actions, high impact practices, and will broker and leverage effective partnerships for accelerating progress towards improving maternal and women’s health, by firmly placing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) within continental, regional and national development frameworks and programmes.
The regional adviser will work within an interdisciplinary team providing programme and technical support to the countries and institutions in the region. S/he works in an integrated manner with the technical, operations, programme and communications staff in the WCARO.
The adviser will also liaise with other UNFPA units (regional and HQ) and the UNFPA Technical Network, ensuring the timeliness, relevance, and quality of technical support in maternal and newborn health, SRHR and health system strengthening for UNFPA.
The main tasks and responsibility of the regional adviser will include:
Education
Advanced degree in health, Medicine, Obstetric and Gynaecology and/or Public Health, or other fields directly related to maternal and newborn health, SRHR and health system strengthening.
Knowledge and Experience
- 10 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in maternal and newborn health, SRHR and health system strengthening, of which seven years is at the international level;
- Proven experience in a lead maternal health role, or SRHR including health sector reform, health systems strengthening;
- Understanding of areas relevant to UNFPA's mandate such as family planning, contraceptive technology, sexual and reproductive health services, reproductive and/or gender-based violence, population dynamics, gender equality, social protection systems;
- Demonstrated expertise in policy engagement within developing countries and Middle-Income Countries;
- Established global and regional professional networks related to maternal and newborn health, SRHR and health systems strengthening;
- Strong track record of producing demonstrable results;
- Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with national counterparts, academia, civil society organizations, private sector, and development partners including with UN agencies from the H4+/H6 as well as donors;
- Country and Regional experience is required, ideally within the West and Central Africa region;
Languages
Values
Exemplifying integrity,
Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
Embracing cultural diversity,
Embracing change,
Core Competencies
Achieving results,
Being accountable,
Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
Thinking analytically and strategically,
Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
Communicating for impact,
Functional Competencies
- Strategically positioning UNFPA programmes,
- Providing conceptual innovation to support programme effectiveness,
- Generating, managing and promoting the use of knowledge and information,
- Strengthening the programming capacity of Country offices,
- Facilitating quality programmatic results,
- Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization,
- Job/knowledge and technical expertise,
Managerial Competencies
- Providing strategic vision and focus,
- Engaging internal / external partners and stakeholders,
- Leading, developing and empowering people / creating a culture of performance,
- Making decisions and exercising judgement,
Compensation and Benefits
This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus annual leave, sick leave, health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
UNFPA Work Environment
Disclaimer
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.