Non-staff template

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NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL OFFICER – REPRODUCTIVE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH / PUBLIC INFORMATION

Grade: SSA: NOC Step 1
Location: Windhoek, with regular travel to regions

Background

WHO through the support of a grant awarded by the Embassy of Japan, is seeking to support the Ministry of Health and Social Services to improve and increase the uptake of reproductive, maternal, new-born and child health services to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. The project, titled “Improvement of Reproductive, Maternal, new-born and Child Health Services to mitigate the impact of COVID-19” has four main intervention areas.

• Strengthening the capacity of health care workers in all 14 Regions to provide quality Reproductive, and Maternal Health services within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, through training, mentoring and supportive supervision at Regional, district and sub-district levels.
• Procurement and distribution of portable ultrasound machines at 8 health centres in selected districts Khomas and Kavango Regions.
• Stimulate demand to increase uptake of services such as antenatal care, intrapartum care, post-natal care, family planning, child health services including immunization that may have been disrupted because of COVID19.
• Increasing the uptake of key reproductive, maternal and child health interventions – family planning, micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women and children, immunization and deworming for children, in targeted districts through outreach and campaigning during maternal and child health weeks.

Purpose of the Position

The purpose of the position will be to function as a WHO focal point for the project, and to provide technical support for the implementation of planned activities within the project. The position will strengthen the WHO Country Office and to provide technical support to the Reproductive, Maternal, new-born Child Adolescent (RMNCAH) programme within the context of the Project. The incumbent will provide project management support and technical guidance to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) and partners to implement the project. This position will enhance WHO’s support to the MOHSS and provide inputs to the overall WHO Country Office emergency programme strategy, including the implementation of the work plans, provision of technical advice/support to response units, and collaboration with national/international partners to pool operational resources.

Summary of assigned duties

• Provide technical assistance in the development of policies, plans, strategies, guidelines and tools for reproductive, maternal, new-born, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH), including immunization and nutrition; and facilitate the dissemination, within the context of the project.

• Facilitate capacity strengthening of health care workers in all 14 Regions to provide quality reproductive, maternal and child health services within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Conduct mentoring and supportive supervision at regional, district and sub-district levels to support the implementation and enhance the effectiveness of interventions.
• Work closely with National Continuity of Essential Health Services Pillar of the Covid-19 response to regularly monitor the continuity of essential health services.
• Support the conduct of outreach and campaign activities such as vaccination weeks to increase the uptake of RMNCAH interventions.
• Support the implementation of maternal and new-born care services and improvement of quality of care at health facility level including maternal and perinatal death review and response activities
• Work with regional and district RMNCAH focal persons in targeted Regions to provide prioritized tailored support based on need.
• Establish and coordinate effective partnerships with key stakeholders and donor agencies involved in RMNCAH and nutrition.
• Develop and launch a public information plan on human security with inputs from partner agencies.
• Facilitate the monitoring and evaluation of the project interventions.
• Document and provide regular reports on activities as per donor requirements.
• Perform other duties as delegated by the Supervisor.

RECRUITMENT PROFILE

Competencies

1. Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond

2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

3. Ensuring the effective use of resources

4. Teamwork.

5. Communication.

Functional Skills and Knowledge

1. Proven knowledge of FRH management within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ability to conduct research and analyse results, identify issues, formulate opinions, and make conclusions and recommendations for strengthening health care systems.

2. Good knowledge of FRH health services and safety regulations

3. Ability to prioritize, organize, manage and adapt management style according to needs

4. Ability to build and motivate teams and work under pressure

Education (Qualifications):

Essential: University degree in a degree in obstetrics and gynecology or Pediatrics and Modern Training Skills; Community Medicine; Public Health or other related field from an accredited/recognized institute.

Desirable: Advanced degree in Medicine/Public Health.

Experience:

Essential: At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in in maternal, newborn health and sexual and reproductive health.

Desirable: Considerable experience in programme planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and supervision at national, state or local government area; Relevant work experience with WHO and/or UN agencies, health cluster partners; experience working in relevant nongovernmental or humanitarian organizations.

Languages:

Essential: Excellent knowledge of the English.

Desirable: Knowledge of French or other UN language. Working knowledge of local languages.

Duration of Assignment

March 2021 – February 2022

Deliverables

1. Detailed Workplan with budget, including a public information strategy for the project
2. Monthly update reports
3. End of mission report