Position Title: SRH Specialist
Receiving Agency: UNFPA
P Level: P3/P4
Location: Bamako, Mali (30% travel)
Duration: 6 months
Language: French and English required
Background Description of Emergency / Justification for Request (Please provide a short paragraph outlining the prevailing humanitarian situation and context and why this justifies the role.)
Faced with a multidimensional crisis since 2012, Mali is going through one of the most difficult periods of this crisis. The security situation in Mali is extremely volatile and increasing numbers of people are continually attacked and/or displaced across the country in unpredictable patterns reaching 377,519 IDPs to date. The deterioration of relations between Mali and armed groups and various other partners has resulted in a sharp increase in insecurity across the country. This has resulted in serious human rights violations and other acts of terrorism, including the complete decimation of several villages and their inhabitants. These acts of terror have created fear among the populations of these areas, as well as among the few state agents (health and protection agents) who were still present in these areas, as well as led to a significant increase in gender-based violence and health concerns.
Security Situation Summary in country and main threats: (i.e armed conflict, terrorism, crime, social unrest, hazard)
Mali has been facing an acute economic, political and security crisis since 2012. Inter and intra-ethnic conflicts, the presence of non-state armed groups and terrorist attacks have all accrued instability, most notably in the North and Center of the country, but increasingly in the South as well. UN staff safety, security, access, and humanitarian needs continue to be a key concern especially in light of the MINUSMA withdrawal.
Role Description: Under the overall supervision of the UNFPA CO Representative and/or Head of Office, and under the framework of the Minimum Initial Services Package (MISP), the incumbent helps promote Sexual and Reproductive Health programming (SRH) and SRH services in crises and post crisis situations. The incumbent also facilitates the procurement and delivery of emergency medical supplies and equipment; orients on SRH related issues (including reproductive, maternal and new-born health, family planning information and services, STIs and HIV prevention, care and treatment, and care for survivors of violence). The incumbent also assists in establishing relevant partnerships with other humanitarian stakeholders, NGOs, donors and government counterparts. When the situation stabilizes, the incumbent guides on the establishment of comprehensive SRH services.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: We ask Country offices to review the list of duties and responsibilities and make appropriate amendments where necessary,
MISP Rollout and Programme Implementation:
- Conduct/Lead rapid assessment/s of SRH needs of the affected population
- Co-lead with national partners the RH technical working group under the Health Cluster that has been established for the response
- Oversee (in collaboration with the Logistics/Procurement officer) procurement of emergency RH kits, equipment and medical supplies as well as dignity kits; develop a distribution plan to meet the needs of implementing partners other identified NGOs for RH services, monitor distribution and ensure utilization reporting.
- Based on MISP projection and rapid assessment findings, implement the MISP (Minimum
- Initial Service Package) through RH working group implementing partners
- Oversee (with the M&E officer) the monitoring of MISP implementation.
- Explore other opportunities and entry points to deliver SRH services for specific at risk vulnerable groups affected by the crisis, e.g.: uniformed personnel, sex workers, ex- combatants, women associated with armed forces, persons with disabilities, etc.
- Initiate and coordinate training sessions on SRH in emergencies (for health care providers, community services officers, security personnel, refugee/IDP population, host population, etc.).
- Assist in developing/adapting protocols for selected areas in programme coordination (such as syndromic case management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), referral for emergency obstetric care, midwifery, fistula repair, medical response to survivors of rape, counselling and family planning services, etc.).
- Coach and support COs to strengthen the implementation of MISP – sexual and reproductive health priorities and to assess progress towards achievement with technical tools and approaches, and to accelerate implementation of activities funded through CERF and UNFPA Emergency Response Fund.
- Provide inputs for SitReps and other communication products, as required.
- Ensure an effective response that integrates SRH (including ASRH), GBV and data interventions.
- Develop an exit strategy, which includes the transition to evidence-based, comprehensive SRH programmes.
Partnership:
- Ensure SRH needs are addressed within the Health cluster (if cluster approach is activated in the emergency context) and within OCHA Situation Reports.
- Maintain working relationship and share relevant information with UN Health Cluster
- Liaise with UNHCR to provide SRH services and commodities (MH lifesaving medicines, contraceptives, male and female condoms under the existing UNHCR condom partnership, etc.) for IDP, refugee populations.
- Establish strong linkages between existing SRH and GBV programmes with regard to the health sector response for survivors of sexual violence.
Resource Mobilization:
- Assist CO in developing proposals and fund raising for SRH programming.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Monitor SRH/HIV and AIDS assistance provided by UNFPA through implementing partners to crisis affected populations, in particular IDPs/returnees, and ensure adequate RH/HIV and AIDS requirements are being met.
- Conduct monitoring visits, if requested.
- Maintain a database on SRH commodities and supplies dignity kits and share information with coordinating UN agencies and host communities - NGO and government implementing partners.
Capacity Development:
- Provide coaching to newly recruited staff and consultants, where appropriate.
- Coach and build capacity of staff members and staff of implementing partners responding to humanitarian/emergency crises, as needed.
Any Other Duties:
- Perform any other duties as required by the Representative and/or Head of Office, RO/SRO, and HQ
Qualifications and Skills Required:
- An advanced University degree in medical sciences or public health, or equivalent qualifications;
- 5 or more years working experience in the field of reproductive health, preferably in the UN system or INGO;
- Experience in coordination and implementation of Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for Reproductive Health;
- Humanitarian experience and international experience are of added advantage;
- Fluency in oral and written French and English; working knowledge of other UN languages a plus.
CANADEM and its partners have a no-tolerance policy for inaction to prevent, respond to and follow up on alleged cases of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). For this reason, we adhere to all policies, procedures and training of the United Nations on The Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH). CANADEM mandates all deployees successfully complete the PSEA online course. This e-learning course is composed of a set of lessons designed to raise awareness about SEAH, become familiar with a range of measures to combat SEAH, understand the impact on victims and the consequences for UN Personnel who commit Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment.