UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND (UNFPA) VACANCIES

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the leading UN organization in Reproductive Health and Population and Development, is recruiting personnel for the following position:

PROGRAMME SPECIALIST – REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH - KADUNA
POST LEVEL: NOC (ICS10)
POST NUMBER: 00012251
DUTY POST: Kaduna
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Fixed Term
DURATION: One Year (Subject to renewal upon satisfactory performance)

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the overall supervision of the Representative and direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator, Kaduna Decentalized Office, the Programme Specialist will work with the UNFPA RH team to support the national response in maternal health including antenatal care (ANC), Family Planning (FP), delivery care, post natal care and implementation of the government’s IMNCH strategy. S/He will work with the national counterparts, the UN agencies and other partners to undertake the following tasks:
Provide substantive inputs into the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes to increase access to Maternal health services with quality evidence-based comprehensive intervention packages, within the context of the National IMNCH Strategy, taking into account socio-cultural factors. Working in close collaboration with National and state governments, UN Agencies, NGOs and other partners to ensure that appropriate national capacities are developed for the implementation of quality maternal health programmes.
Guide the development and implementation of policies and strategies for further scaling up the maternal health programme activities of UNFPA in close collaboration with National and state governments, UN Agencies, NGOs and other partners
Provide technical assistance, guidance and support for the operationalization/ implementation of the IMNCH strategy at national and state levels.
Facilitate the involvement of all levels of society namely, government, civil society, NGOs, FBOs and the private sector in the development of plans, implementation and evaluation of interventions to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
Support the implementation of programmes to empower women and young people and improve their access to reproductive health information and services.
Support the collection (including through operational research) of lessons learnt and best practices that enhance the effectiveness of RH interventions, disseminate them to stakeholders, and advocate, mobilize and convene partners for large-scale up of response to increase access to RH services and reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.
Continuously analyze population and development, RH and gender issues in the country and provide data for decision making and target setting for RH programming. In addition, provide substantive input into advocacy strategies taking into account political and social sensitivities. Advocate and advance UNFPA’s policy agenda by participating in public information events
Contribute to analyses of national reproductive health data, challenges and priorities focusing on gender issues, women and girls and young and contribute to assessments of gaps in policy environment, policy implementation and programmatic responses. Review RH, maternal health and ASRH related policy and programme documents and provide recommendations to government counterparts and development partners to ensure multi-sectoral, gender-sensitive and evidence-based approaches;
Represent UNFPA in key RH-related fora, including the H4, UN RH Theme Group, RH Technical Working Group (TWG), IMNCH TWG, RHCS TWG and ensure consistent feedback to other UNFPA program sectors on the outcomes and outputs of these mechanisms and processes.
Undertake any other assignments as may be required by the Representative

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:
Core Competencies
Integrity/Commitment to our mandate/Valuing Diversity
Performance Management;
Developing People/Coaching and Mentoring & Fostering Innovation and Empowerment; Working in Teams;
Self-Management/Emotional Intelligence;
Analytical and Strategic Thinking and Results Orientation/Commitment to Excellence;
Knowledge Sharing/Continuous Learning

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES
Conceptual Innovation in the provision of technical expertise
Leveraging the resources of national governments & partners/Building strategic alliances and partnerships.Job knowledge/Technical expertise: Good knowledge of Maternal health, especially interventions to improve access to quality antenatal care (ANC), Family Planning (FP), delivery care, post natal care and IMNCH services.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The Ideal Candidate should:
Be a Nigerian National (Male or Female)
Be a Medical Doctor with a post-graduate degree in Public Health or a related Social Science field.
Possess professional experience of a minimum of 10 years preferably in programme/project management in the public and/or private sector linked to maternal health issues especially with international bilateral, multilateral organizations or NGOs.
Possess good technical drafting and report/proposal writing skills and presentation and interpersonal communication skills.
Be experienced in working with government institutions and donor organizations.
Have a strong capability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written English.
Have the ability to work under pressure.
Have proficiency in current office software applications.
Have a strong knowledge in the design and implementation of Adolescent and youth programming, will be an asset.

NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMME PERSONNEL - REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
(NPPP, RH) - (3 Posts for Abia, Sokoto And Ebonyi States)
POST LEVEL: ICS-09/NOB
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Service Contract
DUTY POST: Abia, Sokoto and Ebonyi States
DURATION OF CONTRACT: One Year (Renewable but subject to satisfactory performance)

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the general supervision of the UNFPA Representative and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinators in Kaduna and Umuahia, the NPPP, (Reproductive Health) will provide substantive inputs to project formulation, monitoring and evaluation, joint programming initiatives and develop frameworks in states under their Decentralized Offices. S/he will guide and facilitate the delivery of UNFPA’s programmes and ensures the appropriate application of the tools, available guidelines and procedures for Reproductive Health and Rights.

S/HE WILL UNDERTAKE THE FOLLOWING DUTIES:
In collaboration with State Government counterparts, NGOs and other partners contributes substantively to integrate reproductive health and rights dimensions in 
UNFPA programming, monitoring and evaluation and ensure that reproductive health and rights issues are taken into account in addressing population issues.
Provides technical assistance in the states under their decentralized office within the framework of agreed work plans for successful implementation of the Reproductive Health and Rights component of the Country Programme.
Help to create and document knowledge about current and emerging reproductive health and rights issues, by analyzing programmes, projects, strategies, approaches and ongoing experience for lessons learned, best practices, and shares with the zonal team for use in knowledge sharing and planning future strategies.
Assist in advocacy and resource mobilization efforts of the Decentralized Office by preparing relevant documentation, i.e. project summaries, conference papers, donor profiles and participating in donor meetings and public information events.
Create and deliver effective evidence-based advocacy messages to promote UNFPA’s programme goals taking into account political and social sensitivities.
Mobilize government counterpart obligations and explore opportunities for additional resources in support of Reproductive Health and Rights initiatives in the states under the zonal office.
Promote UNFPA visibility in the states under their decentralized office.
Analyze and interpret the political, social and economic environment relevant to population and development, reproductive health and gender and identify opportunities for UNFPA assistance and intervention. Keep abreast of new policy developments and strategies analyzing policy papers, strategy documents, national plans and development frameworks.
Monitor the RH and Rights content of the UNFPA country programme, ensuring that it is in line with the National Strategic Framework and all policies and plans for the effective and efficient provision of RH services.
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders (Governments, NGOs and CBOs) in the design of materials pertaining to RH, ARH, IEC/BCC advocacy in support of the implementation of RH programme.
Undertake advocacy activities with policy makers at all level to ensure sustained support for utilization of RH services.
Perform any other duties as may be assigned by UNFPA Representative and/or Programme Coordinators.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Core Competencies
Integrity/Commitment to our mandate/Valuing Diversity
Performance Management;
Developing People/Coaching and Mentoring & Fostering Innovation and Empowerment;
Working in Teams;
Self-Management/Emotional Intelligence;
Analytical and Strategic Thinking and Results Orientation/Commitment to Excellence;
Knowledge Sharing/Continuous Learning

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES
Conceptual Innovation in the provision of technical expertise
Leveraging te resources of national governments & partners/Building strategic alliances and partnerships
Job knowledge/Technical expertise

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The Ideal Candidate should:
Be a Nigerian National (Male or Female)
Posses an MBBS and a Master’s degree in Public Health and/or other related Social Science field would be desirable
Possess professional experience of a minimum of 10 years preferably in programme/project management in the public or private sector linked to reproductive health and rights issues.
Be experienced in working with government institutions and donor organizations.
Be familiar with issues on population, reproductive health, gender and youth.
Have a strong capability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written English.
Have ability to work under pressure.
Have excellent communication and human relation skills.
Have proficiency in current office software applications is mandatory.

FINANCE ASSOCIATE - KADUNA
POST LEVEL: ICS 06
POST NUMBER: 00060515
DUTY POST: Kaduna
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Fixed Term
DURATION: One Year (Subject to renewal upon satisfactory performance)

Under the guidance and supervision of the Programme Coordinator, Kaduna Finance Associate will provide functional leadership in Finance and ensures effective functioning of financial operations and systems in support of the Programme and Decentralized Office (DO) management.
S/he delivers quality services in Financial and Administration Management to internal and external clients mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures. S/he takes a client-oriented results-focused approach to interpreting the rules, procedures and guidelines in service of the Country Programme, providing support and guidance to the DO and UNFPA supported states in Northern Nigeria. S/he works closely with Programme and Project staff providing financial monitoring and analysis of projects and advising managers on expenditure trends and implementation rates.
The Finance Associate is expected to maintain collaborative relationships with all technical staff (Programme Officers and project staff) as well as government counterparts.
Supports the monitoring of programme financial performance for all core and non-core resources by providing necessary financial information and analysis, including implementation rate against indicators/results. Detects potential over-under expenditure problems and suggests remedial action;
Facilitate all payment requests, financial record-keeping and preparation of financial reports required in line with NEX and HACT financial rules and procedures;
Develops tools and mechanisms for effective monitoring of programme and project budgets, coordinates compilation of financial data and provides accurate and up-dated financial information to UNFPA Field Office in Abuja on a regular basis;
Integrates financial policies and procedures, particularly relating to National Execution (NEX), into standard operational procedures, and provides guidance and training to staff and project managers accordingly;
Ensures the effective financial recording and reporting system, internal control and audit follow-up and processes financial transactions in an accurate and timely way;
Provide logistical and technical support to UNFPA programme staff and implementing partners in Programme Financial Management;
Reviews and monitors charges for common services and cost recovery, taking into account maximum cost efficiency and represents UNFPA’s interest in related negotiations and agreements; Assists in the formulation of programme/project budgets;
Provides quality services in administration, procurement, communication and management of office equipment and infrastructure to internal and external clients mastering all relevant rules, guidelines, processes and procedures;
Establishes and maintains contacts with government counterparts and implementing partners to ensure an effective and efficient collaboration;
Facilitate the conduct of NEX audits and ensures the development and implementation of follow-up actions;
Facilitate all payment requests, financial record-keeping and preparation of financial reports required in line with NEX and HACT financial rules and procedures;
Assist in the recruitment and procurement processes, ensuring conformity with UNFPA and Government rules and procedures;
Assist in the organization of training activities, ensuring logistical and, where applicable, financial arrangements; and
Undertake any other assignments as may be required by the Head of DO, Deputy Representative and/or Representative.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Core competencies
Valuing diversity
Performance management
Working in Teams
Communicating information and ideas/knowledge sharing
Integrity/commitment to mandate
Appropriate and transparent decision making
Results orientation and commitment to excellence
Self-management/emotional intelligence and conflict management/negotiating and resolving disagreements

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES
Advocacy/Advancing a policy-oriented agenda;
Innovation and marketing of new approaches;
Job knowledge/Technical expertise;
Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/building strategic alliances and partnerships; and
Results-based programme development and management.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate should:
Have a Bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma in Public Administration, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field of education.
Have not less than 6 years of relevant work experience, including at least 3 years in the same functional area;
Be familiar with UN Operational Rules and Regulations; direct working experience applying and handling UN Operational rules and regulations, a high advantage; 
Familiarity with ATLAS will be an asset.
Be Fluent in oral and written English;
Be Proficient in current MS Office software applications and other accounting package is essential.

METHOD OF APPLICATION
If you are interested in the position and meet the requirements, please send a cover letter (one page summary statement that describes how your experience and qualification relate to the job description) and a scanned/PDF copy of a completed and signed UN Personal History Form (which can be downloaded from UNFPA intra site -  http://nigeria.unfpa.org/vacancy.htm.

Applications should be addressed to The UNFPA Resident Representative, Abuja and forwarded to e-mail address - vacancyrhu.ng@unfpa.org latest by Thursday, 29 March,  2012 and each application should clearly reflect the post - Programme Specialist (Kaduna) - NOC to which an applicant is applying.

Please note that UNFPA will respond only to those applicants in whom it has a further interest.

Kindly also note that ONLY applications sent by e-mail will be accepted. Qualified women are encouraged to apply.

*UNFPA reserves the right to appoint at the indicated or lower level and prior to the closing date.

UNFPA – Because everyone counts

DEADLINE: March 29, 2012.